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OCIA

Religious Education

First Communion Preparation

Preparing to receive Jesus in the Eucharist

Program overview

A dedicated path of preparation for First Holy Communion.

First Holy Communion is a child's (or, in some cases, an older person's) first reception of the Body and Blood of Christ. Preparation is meant to be patient, beautiful, and close to the Mass.

At St. Mary, kindergarten through fifth grade Religious Education prepares children for Penance and First Holy Communion. Ask the office for the current year's gatherings.

Crucifix at St. Mary, Star of the Sea

Who it's for

A place at the table.

Children and families preparing for First Holy Communion.

01

Children

Children in kindergarten through fifth grade preparing for Penance and First Holy Communion.

02

Parents

The child's first teachers. Registration begins in August; the office will tell you how families are involved.

03

Older candidates

Those who receive First Communion later in life may follow a different path, including OCIA.

What you'll learn

Class topics.

Preparation for Penance and First Holy Communion, as Religious Education offers it for kindergarten through fifth grade.

Ask the Religious Education office about the current First Communion year.

  1. 01

    The Mass

    Learning the prayer of the Church.

  2. 02

    The Real Presence

    Jesus truly present in the Eucharist.

  3. 03

    Baptism and belonging

    Why Communion belongs to the life begun at the font.

  4. 04

    Reconciliation

    Preparing the heart through mercy.

  5. 05

    How to receive

    Reverence, posture, and love as the Church receives the Eucharist.

  6. 06

    Living from the Eucharist

    Communion that continues after Mass.

Class schedule

When we gather.

Registration begins in August. Call the office for class times.

  • August

    Registration begins in August

    Time
    Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (closed Mondays)
    Location
    Parish Office, 1465 Grand Avenue
    Catechist
    Marty Dursse
    Notes
    Call (503) 325-3671 or write to marty@stmaryastoria.com. If you are new to the parish, please call the office.

Class location

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 1465 Grand Avenue

Gatherings take place at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 1465 Grand Avenue. Call the office for the current room.

Instructor

Marty Dursse

Director of Religious Education

Marty coordinates Religious Education for the parish. Call (503) 325-3671 or write to marty@stmaryastoria.com. Office hours: Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (closed Mondays).

Important dates

  1. Registration

    Registration begins in August. Call the parish office.

  2. Penance

    Kindergarten through fifth grade prepare for First Reconciliation.

  3. First Holy Communion

    Ask the Religious Education office for the current year's celebration.

Continue

Related pages.

FAQ

Questions, asked plainly.

Registration for Religious Education begins in August. Call the parish office at (503) 325-3671, write to Marty Dursse at marty@stmaryastoria.com, or use the contact page. If you are new to the parish, please call the office.

The parish has not published a fee for these programs. Ask the Religious Education office. No one should stay away from formation because of money.

Weekly OCIA classes begin in the Fall; the parish has not published a weekday or hour online. Children's and youth gatherings are arranged through the Religious Education office. Call (503) 325-3671 for the current time and place.

Marty Dursse, Director of Religious Education, at marty@stmaryastoria.com, or the parish office at office@stmaryastoria.com and (503) 325-3671. Office hours are Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (closed Mondays).

Registration

Registration begins in August. Call (503) 325-3671 or write to marty@stmaryastoria.com.

Marty Dursse coordinates First Communion preparation with the parish office.

Contact the parish

Quaerite et invenietis

Begin with a conversation.

Tell us which program you are asking about. The first step is simply to be in touch.

Contact the parish

Or write to us on the contact page.