ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS 2025 – Since the fall, 15 adults from St. Michael Parish have been meeting weekly to learn more about our Catholic faith. – Three English-speaking adults have been meeting with other adults from Our Lady of the Woods Parish, while 12 Spanish-speaking adults have been meeting weekly with Deacon Abel. A few weeks ago at Mass, we formally “accepted” our Catechumen into deeper study and discussion. As we are all in need of conversion throughout our lives, we all are encouraged to join with these adults in scrutinizing our own lives and to pray for God’s ongoing grace.
As we introduce each of our Candidates (those who will be completing their sacraments), as well as our Catechumen (those who will be baptized and receive their sacraments), we ask for your continuing prayers.
My Name is Dana Peters… I’m a cat mom of three and a new first-time human mom to my 6-month-old son. I am extremely thankful that OCIA exists because I felt like I missed out on a big part of my faith when both my parents, who are full Catholics that have received their sacraments, did not continue the practice with myself and my two brothers. I remember attending Church as a child, when we did go very rarely. However, I’ve always wanted to attend church. I’ve been wanting to be baptized for the longest time. My son and I will both be baptized this year. I have already learned so much. Something new I didn’t know was the history of the Nicene Creed. I also did not know who much history included the Greek and Hebrew texts.
As a Catechumen in our OCIA program, Dana will receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist on Holy Saturday, April 19, at Our Lady of the Woods Parish. As a parish family, we ask you to support, affirm and encourage Dana through your prayers.
My Name is Kyle Stogin… I am 26-years-old. I work full-time as a barber and part-time as a bartender. I recently proposed to my now fiancé, and we both want to get married in the Church and raise our children Catholic. I joined OCIA because I was baptized Catholic but never received my other sacraments. I want to learn more about the sacraments and the history of the Catholic faith.
As a Candidate in our OCIA program, Kyle will receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist at 7:30 PM Mass on Holy Saturday, April 19. As a parish family, we ask you to support, affirm and encourage Kyle through your prayers.
My Name is Mykaila Teague… I am 21-years-old and the oldest of four children. My younger brother passed away when he was 9-years-old from a rare genetic condition. I have spent most of my childhood with my grandparents and have had many good times going on vacations with them, and I’ve witnessed their faith. My grandfather passed away last year and it has been very hard for me. I want to become a Catholic because his faith was very important to him, and I know he would be very proud of me. I’ve seen how important it is to have faith in God to help get through difficult times. I’ve learned that being a part of the faith community gives me a sense of belonging and knowing that God is present in my life during good times and bad.
As a Catechumen in our OCIA program, Mykaila will receive the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist – at 7:30 PM Mass on Holy Saturday, April 19. As a parish family, we ask you to support, affirm and encourage Mykaila through your prayers.
My Name is Alison Barron… I am a healthcare marketer, a wife and the mom to two wonderful daughters who are 4- and 5-years-old. Our family life is always buzzing with energy, and we cherish finding moments of connection and peace together. I joined OCIA at this time because it feels like the right season of my life to grow spiritually and deepen my relationship with God. As my daughters grow, I want to set an example of living a faith-centered life and ensure they have a strong spiritual foundation. It has been inspiring to see how the Church’s traditions and values can guide families to grow closer to God together, and I’m eager to learn more about how to incorporate these teachings into our everyday family life.
As a Catechumen in our OCIA program, Alison will receive the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist – at 7:30 PM Mass on Holy Saturday, April 19. As a parish family, we ask you to support, affirm and encourage Allison through your prayers.
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT BECOMING CATHOLIC? – THEN OCIA IS FOR YOU! – OCIA stands for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (formerly known as the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults or RCIA) and it is the way those persons interested in the Roman Catholic faith learn about the religion and join our community of believers. The process of OCIA traces its roots back to the earliest days of Christian communities, when all members shared their faith with newcomers as a way of teaching them about the new Way – The Way of Jesus the Risen Lord.
The OCIA process is comprised of:
- Catechumen, those who have never been baptized and want to learn more about Catholicism;
- Candidates, those who were baptized in another religion and now desire to be Catholic; and
- Sponsors, those Catholics who have offered to walk with the Catechumen and Candidates in their part of their faith journey.
Before the Order of Christian Initiation as we know it today was defined nearly 50 years ago, people who wished to learn more about the faith and become Catholic met with a parish priest for individual instruction and formation. Today members of our community share in the privilege and responsibility of communal spirit, teaching and faith sharing.
If you are at least 18-years-old and want to know more about becoming Catholic, please contact Donna McDonough by calling the parish office at 708-349-0903 or sending her an email at dkncpl@aol.com. And if you know someone who is thinking about becoming Catholic, please tell them about OCIA and direct them get in touch with Donna.
OCIA classes will begin in September at St. Michael Parish.
“Go, therefore, and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit.” – Matthew 28:19
This is the responsibility of each and every one of us.