OCIA, Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, for adults who want to become Catholic, Catholics who need Confirmation and/or First Communion, and for those who just want to learn more.  Classes start on Monday, September 8 in a Parish Hall classroom at 7:00 PM and will be held every Monday at that time except on Federal Holidays and during Christmas break. 

Register Here. 

A Note From the Pastor: 

OCIA classes start on Monday, September 8 at 7:00 PM.  We’ll meet in a classroom the lower level of the Parish Hall.  Enter through the door by the St. Joseph statue on the parking lot side and go down the stairs to the first classroom on the right.  If you want to get a jump start on OCIA classes, I recommend this video presentation.  

Classes will be held every Monday (except on Federal Holidays and during Christmas break), with a view to preparing you to be received into the Catholic Church and receive the needed Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion) at the Easter Vigil Mass at 8:30 PM on Saturday, April 4. Of course, other arrangements could be made if another time is better for you. Moreover, attending OCIA classes does oblige you to anything, though it’s best we know by January if you intend to receive sacraments.    

To get started: It’s a good practice to get into the habit of attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation (we’ll go over details in class!). For orientation following the Mass and participating, I highly recommend a monthly subscription to Magnificat, either by mobile and/or magazine (small pocket size). In the meantime, feel free to contact either me or Fr. Peffley if you have any questions or would like to discuss something. Also, for some fun, you’re invited to our Parish Picnic on Sunday, September 14, after the Noon Mass. 

Here is the OCIA Handbook & OCIA Prayers. These are for your convenience if you wish to view or file them on your computer. However, you do not need to print them out (unless you want to), as we will give you hard copies of these on September 8. We will also send a list of “Things to Do and Get” if you are preparing to receive sacraments in the Catholic Church. I will go over this information at the first class.  

I recommend you purchase the books listed below (links to Amazon provided), as we will use these for resources and reading. For your convenience, the OCIA Handbook references the readings and passages that correspond with each topic. Other resources will be given out during the year.   

Fr. Peffley and I looking forward seeing you on September 8!

In Christ, Fathers Frederick Edlefsen & Francis Peffley

Books for OCIA

Please get a subscription to Magnificat It’s an excellent resource for Mass. It’s a monthly app and/or with Mass prayers, readings, reflections and more!  

 Here is the book list with links to Amazon: 

∙  New Catholic Answer Bible (This is Bible that we reference in class)

∙  Catechism of the Catholic Church (A key resource, referred to often!)

∙  Theology for Beginners (by Frank Sheed, an excellent and concise overview of Catholic theology)

∙  Searching for and Maintaining Peace (by Fr. Jacques Philippe, on inner peace; will be read after the new year)

∙  Time for God (by Fr. Jacques Philippe, brief introduction to prayer)

∙  Into the Silent Land (by Fr. Martin Laird, on the practice of meditation)