We extend a heartfelt welcome to you as you begin this enriching journey through our OCIA (formerly RCIA) process and Older First Eucharist preparation. Your presence here is truly an honor, and we are deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in us. Walking alongside you, teaching you, and witnessing your faith journey is at the heart of our mission as Catholic Christians. It strengthens our own faith as we share in the life of Christ with you. Thank you for allowing us to accompany you on this sacred path.
The Catholic Church, over 2,000 years old, is deeply rooted in traditions that continue to use ancient languages like Greek and Latin. One such tradition is the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), one of the Church’s oldest and most profound rituals. While some of the vocabulary may be unfamiliar, it is meant to connect us to the timeless reality of our faith, not to confuse.
What You and Your Child Can Expect
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) prepares participants to receive the sacraments of initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist—at the Easter Vigil (the night before Easter). For our purposes, anyone who has reached the “age of reason” (about seven years old) is considered an adult in the context of making these faith decisions. Your child will be making a personal choice to enter into the life of Christ through these sacraments.
In the OCIA process, there are three types of participants:
- Catechumens: Unbaptized individuals who are learning about the Catholic faith in preparation to receive all three initiation sacraments.
- Candidates: Baptized Christians (either in another Christian denomination or baptized Catholics without formation) who will make a Profession of Faith and receive Confirmation and First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.
- Older First Communion Candidates: Catholic children in fourth grade or older who have not yet received First Eucharist or First Reconciliation. These sacraments will be received in the winter (Penance) and spring (First Eucharist)..
At Holy Family, these three groups come together for preparation, accompanied by our catechists—who are part teacher, part witness—sharing God’s presence in their own lives and inviting everyone to experience God’s love.
Process and Activities
The ultimate goal for all participants is the same: to receive the sacraments of initiation into the Catholic Church—Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist—and to embark on a life of faith. However, each individual will begin the process from their unique starting point:
- Unbaptized (catechumen)
- Baptized Christian (candidate)
- Baptized Catholic without First Eucharist and Penance (candidate)
Participants will be grouped by age, and at Holy Family, we organize youth faith formation into three age groups:
- Ages 7–9
- Ages 10–13
- Ages 14–17
This structure helps ensure that children receive age-appropriate catechesis and faith exploration with their peers.
Participation Framework
The journey of faith formation includes the following elements:
- Family attendance at Sunday Mass, usually the 5:30 PM service. After the homily, children will be dismissed to reflect on the Gospel of the day.
- Home prayer and Bible reading every night.
- Family faith formation at Holy Family’s Eden Center on Fridays from 6:00–7:00 PM for all youth OCIA participants and their parents. Some sessions will be group-specific (candidates or catechumens), and occasionally catechumens will stay until 7:30 PM. Please refer to your individual calendar for details.
In addition, each child or teen will participate in Holy Family’s regular catechetical programs based on their age group:
- Ages 7–10: Weekly Religious Education (Sundays at 8:00 AM or Wednesdays after school, 4:00pm or attendance at a Catholic grammar school.
- Ages 11–13: Crosswalk Middle School Ministry or attendance at a Catholic school.
- Ages 14–17: Confirmation Preparation (approximate schedule).
This process can be complex, and we encourage you to ask any and all questions—whether at the beginning or along the way. We are here to support you and your child as you journey toward the sacraments and a deeper relationship with Christ.