01
Encounter Christ
OCIA is not merely a class. It is an invitation to meet Jesus Christ — in Scripture, in prayer, in the sacraments, and in the life of the Church.
Venite et videte
Come and See.
OCIA — the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults — is how adults at St. Mary, Star of the Sea learn the Catholic faith. You are welcome if you are curious, were baptized in another tradition, or are returning to the Church.
Next class
OCIA — November 1, 2026
Next Class: Mary & The Saints.
Sunday · November 1
Sundays, 9:30 AM–approximately 11:30 AM (following the 8:30 AM Mass).
- 01Mary
- 02The Saints
You are welcome at our next OCIA gathering as we look at Mary, then The Saints, from Liguori Publications' Journey of Faith. Everybody in the adult OCIA program is to have a sponsor by next Sunday. If you need help finding or confirming a sponsor, please speak with the OCIA team.
An invitation
What is OCIA?
OCIA — the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults — is the Church's way of walking with adults who wish to explore the Catholic faith and discern a deeper relationship with Christ and His Church.
It is not a lecture series to complete, nor a test to pass. It is a season of encounter: of questions asked in good faith, of prayer learned slowly, of a community that makes room for those who are still finding their way.
Some who come are unbaptized. Some were baptized in another Christian tradition. Some are Catholic already and wish to complete the sacraments, or simply to understand the faith more deeply. All are welcome to begin. At St. Mary, classes are weekly and begin in the Fall.
The path
Enter more deeply into the mystery.
Four movements of formation — not a curriculum to consume, but a way of approaching God.
02
Discover the Faith
Walk through the heart of Catholic belief: the Creed, the sacraments, the moral life, and the prayer of the Church — with time to listen and learn.
03
Ask Questions
Curiosity is welcome here. Bring your doubts, your history, and the questions you have never had a place to ask. There is no exam at the door.
04
Enter Into the Life of the Church
Those who discern to continue are prepared to enter more fully into the sacramental life of the Church — not as spectators, but as members of the Body of Christ.
Class schedule
A place at the table, week by week.
Registration begins in August. Weekly OCIA classes begin in the Fall. Sundays, 9:30 AM–approximately 11:30 AM (following the 8:30 AM Mass).
Next gathering
UpcomingMary & The Saints
In this order: Mary, then The Saints.
Sunday · November 1
Sundays, 9:30 AM–approximately 11:30 AM (following the 8:30 AM Mass).
Also on the parish calendar: Rite of Entry into the Catechumenate/Period of the Catechumenate begins.
Lesson summariesClass announcement
- Location
- St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 1465 Grand Avenue
- Instructor
- Religious Education Office
- Upcoming
October 29
Thursday
OCIC
- Location
- St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 1465 Grand Avenue
- Instructor
- Religious Education Office
- Upcoming
October 31
Saturday
Rehearsal for Rite of Entry into the Catechumenate
- Location
- St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 1465 Grand Avenue
- Instructor
- Religious Education Office
- Upcoming
November 5
Thursday
OCIC
- Location
- St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 1465 Grand Avenue
- Instructor
- Religious Education Office
What we'll explore
The faith, unfolded with care.
Themes Catholics ordinarily study in OCIA. Weekly class topics are set with the Religious Education office.
Who is God?
An introduction to the God who reveals Himself — not as an idea, but as a living mystery who seeks communion with us.
Who is Jesus Christ?
The Incarnation, the Cross, and the Resurrection: why the Church proclaims Jesus as Lord.
The Trinity
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — one God in three Persons, the central mystery of Christian faith.
The Holy Spirit
The Spirit who gives life, dwells in the Church, and leads each person into truth.
Your journey
A path walked with the Church.
The Church's path of initiation — inquiry, catechumenate, purification, and the sacraments — walked with a parish that makes room for questions.
01
Inquiry
Precatechumenate
A season of questions. You are invited to come, listen, and explore the Catholic faith without pressure or expectation. This is a time to be known, to wonder, and to see whether this path is for you.
02
Catechumenate
Catechumenate
A longer season of formation. Those who wish to continue are accompanied more deeply into Scripture, the Creed, the sacraments, and the life of the parish — learning not only what the Church believes, but how she lives.
03
Purification & Enlightenment
Illuminatio
Typically unfolding in Lent, this is a time of more intense prayer, examination of heart, and preparation for the sacraments of initiation. The Church walks with you toward Easter.
04
Sacraments of Initiation
Initiatio
At the Easter Vigil, those who are ready may receive Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist — entering fully into the life of the Catholic Church. The night is ancient, luminous, and unlike any other.
05
Mystagogy
Mystagogia
The journey does not end at the font. Mystagogy is the unfolding of the mysteries you have received — learning to live as a Catholic among the people who have become your parish family.
Is OCIA for me?
Come as you are.
The most honest questions are often the ones people are afraid to ask. They are welcome here.
There is no such thing as being 'Catholic enough' to begin. OCIA is for those who are curious, returning, searching, or standing at the threshold. You do not need a polished faith to walk through the door. You only need a willingness to come and see.
Quaerite et invenietis
You need not arrive certain.
Begin a conversation. Bring the questions you actually have.
Or write to us on the contact page.