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Families with children
Parents and children walking together toward First Reconciliation, First Communion, or other sacraments.
Religious Education
Sacramental Preparation
Preparing for the sacraments of the Church
Program overview
Formation for children, teens, and adults preparing to receive the sacraments.
Sacramental preparation helps the baptized — and those preparing for Baptism — enter more consciously into the mysteries of the Church: Reconciliation, Confirmation, the Eucharist, and, where applicable, other sacraments.
At St. Mary, children in kindergarten through fifth grade prepare for Penance and First Holy Communion. Youth then continue in Youth Group, with Confirmation every two years. Adults seeking Baptism walk the OCIA path.
Who it's for
A place at the table.
Children, teens, and adults preparing for the sacraments.
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Teens
Young people preparing for Confirmation or completing initiation.
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Adults
Unbaptized adults ordinarily enter OCIA. Baptized adults completing a sacrament should speak with the Religious Education office.
What you'll learn
Class topics.
The sacraments of initiation and healing as the Church celebrates them in this parish.
See also Confirmation, First Communion, and OCIA for the path that fits your household.
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The meaning of a sacrament
Visible signs of invisible grace.
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Baptismal life
Living the gift already received, or preparing to receive it.
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Reconciliation
Mercy, conversion, and returning to God.
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The Eucharist
Christ truly present, and holy communion with His Church.
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Confirmation
Sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
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Prayer and Mass
Learning to worship with the parish.
Class schedule
When we gather.
Registration begins in August. Call the office for current sacramental-preparation gatherings.
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.
| Date | Time | Topic | Location | Catechist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August | Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (closed Mondays) | Registration begins in August Call (503) 325-3671 or write to marty@stmaryastoria.com. If you are new to the parish, please call the office. | Parish Office, 1465 Grand Avenue | Marty Dursse |
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
Registration
Registration begins in August. Call (503) 325-3671 or write to marty@stmaryastoria.com.
Office hours
Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (closed Mondays).
New to the parish
Please call the parish office so we can welcome you and help you register.
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).
Not always. OCIA is the Church's path of initiation for adults (and, in some cases, children of catechetical age). Other sacramental preparation may serve families whose children are already baptized, or adults completing a sacrament. The parish will clarify which path fits your situation.
Registration
Registration begins in August. Call (503) 325-3671 or write to marty@stmaryastoria.com.
Marty Dursse coordinates sacramental preparation with the parish office.
Quaerite et invenietis
Begin with a conversation.
Tell us which program you are asking about. The first step is simply to be in touch.
Or write to us on the contact page.