EXPLORE CATHOLICISM 

Through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) prepares adult to receive the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion –  and to be received fully into the Catholic Church.   Classes are also open anyone who just wants to learn more about the Catholic faith, whether you be a cradle Catholic or a church shopper.

OCIA classes begin on Monday, September 9th at 7:00 PM in a classroom in the Parish Hall.  Classes are held every Monday at 7:00 PM but not on Federal Holidays that are observed on Mondays nor during Christmas break.   The program aims to prepare you to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil Mass on April 19, 2025.  However, registering for OCIA does not require you to make a firm committment.  If you sign up for OCIA, you must also register as a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes, and you do so on the "I'm New" link of the website.

When you register in OCIA, you will be provided an OCIA Handbook, which will have all of the topics covered in class (like a syllabus), suggested readings, dates to mark on your calendar, and liturgies.   I will give you a hard copy of the Handbook at the first class on September 9.    Full participation in events, classes, and readings will give you the best OCIA experience and a rich knowledge of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Faith.  If I haven’t met you yet, please email me so we can set up a time to meet.   

  TOTAL IMMERSION IN CATHOLICISM:  The OCIA experience starts with totally immersing yourself in the practice of attending a Catholic Mass every Sunday (or Saturday evening).   Even if you’re not familiar with what’s going on at Mass, no worries!   The experience is nonetheless important.  We learn to speak by hearing other people speak, and the “grammar” comes later!   I’ll be ready to answer your questions! 

I encourage you to get a subscription to Magnificat:   https://us.magnificat.net .  It’s an excellent resource for Mass.  It’s a monthly booklet – and it comes with an very good mobile app for your smartphone – with Mass prayers, readings, reflections an more! 

God bless!  Fr. Frederick Edlefsen, Pastor