What is OCIA?
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults): This is an eight-month program to meet the instructional needs of three categories of adults:
1) Non-Catholic adults who have not been baptized in any Christian faith and who desire to learn about the Catholic faith, with the subsequent opportunity to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation as members of the Catholic Church;
2) Non-Catholic adults who have been baptized into another Christian faith and who desire to learn about the Catholic faith, with the subsequent opportunity to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation as members of the Catholic Church. (All Christian baptisms are recognized by the Church as valid, and the Church does not "rebaptize".)
3) Catholic adults seeking to complete any Sacraments (Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance) they have not received.
The tri-parish communities of Elgin, Sterling and Apache begin their period of faith inquiry for all adults (non-Catholic Christians, non-Christians and Catholics alike) who merely seek to learn more about the Catholic faith, in August or September of each year, depending on when Easter falls. These weekly meetings are specifically structured to be informal, relaxed and free of any attempt to “hard sell” the faith. The first few weeks address the very basics of the Catholic Church, from a historical and dogmatic view, and answer any questions and misunderstandings that exist about the faith. After this brief period of “overview”, each individual chooses whether he or she wishes to continue in a more in-depth study of the faith. Of course, attendance is always optional, and one may discontinue attendance at any time. There is no cost involved in participation.
If you wish to enroll in these classes, or if you have any questions about them, please contact me at the parish office, ph. (580) 492-5914. Also, please feel free to contact one of the instructors: Tom Biles; 580-353-6170.
1) Non-Catholic adults who have not been baptized in any Christian faith and who desire to learn about the Catholic faith, with the subsequent opportunity to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation as members of the Catholic Church;
2) Non-Catholic adults who have been baptized into another Christian faith and who desire to learn about the Catholic faith, with the subsequent opportunity to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation as members of the Catholic Church. (All Christian baptisms are recognized by the Church as valid, and the Church does not "rebaptize".)
3) Catholic adults seeking to complete any Sacraments (Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance) they have not received.
The tri-parish communities of Elgin, Sterling and Apache begin their period of faith inquiry for all adults (non-Catholic Christians, non-Christians and Catholics alike) who merely seek to learn more about the Catholic faith, in August or September of each year, depending on when Easter falls. These weekly meetings are specifically structured to be informal, relaxed and free of any attempt to “hard sell” the faith. The first few weeks address the very basics of the Catholic Church, from a historical and dogmatic view, and answer any questions and misunderstandings that exist about the faith. After this brief period of “overview”, each individual chooses whether he or she wishes to continue in a more in-depth study of the faith. Of course, attendance is always optional, and one may discontinue attendance at any time. There is no cost involved in participation.
If you wish to enroll in these classes, or if you have any questions about them, please contact me at the parish office, ph. (580) 492-5914. Also, please feel free to contact one of the instructors: Tom Biles; 580-353-6170.