Becoming Catholic/OCIA

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) program at Our Lady of Mount Carmel guides people on a journey of faith—one that involves our whole community. It's a program for those seeking to develop or deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.

The OCIA process is a series of carefully planned stages, marked by liturgical rites in the presence of the whole community, in which new Catholics embark on and join us in a continuing and deepening conversion into faith and discipleship.

The OCIA process is divided into four phases to help the seeker, candidate, or catechumen in their Christian formation. Presentations focus on the Catholic Church's teaching regarding: sacraments, liturgy, social justice, conscience formation and morality, Mary, the saints, sacred scripture, prayer, and much more.

Classes start mid-September, with candidates entering the Church at the Easter Vigil in the spring (March/April).  The Becoming Catholic classes are held on Sunday from 12 – 2 PM, beginning September 15.

If you’ve ever considered joining the Catholic faith or learning more about our Catholic Church, now is the time. We welcome you to email Tom or Joan Graham at [email protected] for more information.

2024 - 2025 OCIA will be starting September 15. 

OCIA meets after the 11AM Mass on Sunday from noon-2PM.

Please contact Tom and Joan Graham at [email protected]
to join this year's OCIA class.

For he says, “At the acceptable time I have listened to you,
 and helped you on the day of salvation.”
 Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
- 2 Corinthians 6:2

Classes begin Sunday, September 15! OCIA meets on Sundays in the St. Joseph Room after 11AM Mass from noon-2PM. There is no cost to attend. 

September 15: Introduction to the OCIA Process
September 22: The Existence of God, Our Loving Creator
September 29: Jesus, Lord and Messiah & Jesus, Teacher and Savior
October 6: The Holy Spirit: The Power of Love and the Blessed Trinity
October 13: People of God: The Christian Community and the Church
October 20: Intro to the Seven Sacraments, Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony
October 26: Rite of Acceptance (Saturday 5:30PM Mass)
October 27: No Class
November 3: Ecumenism: The Church and Other Religions
November 10: No Class
November 11: Walkthrough Mass (6-8PM)
November 17: Two Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism and Confirmation
November 24: No Class
December 1: Communion of Saints and the Blessed Mother
December 8: Christian Destiny: The Last Things
December 15: The Holy Bible
December 22: No Class
December 29: No Class
January 5: Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders
January 12: Church History & Structure
January 19: Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick
January 26: No Class
February 2: The Sacraments of Initiation: Eucharist
February 9: Social Justice, Corporal Works of Mercy
February 16: The 10 Commandments: The Love of God, Love of Neighbor
February 23: No Class
March 5: Ash Wednesday - Period of Purification
March 9: Rite of Election in Lafayette - 9:30AM Mass at OLMC, no class
March 16: Foundations of Catholic Morality, Theology of the Body
March 22: Lenten Retreat
March 23: 1st Scrutiny - 11AM Mass
March 30: 2nd Scrutiny - 11AM Mass
April 6: 3rd Scrutiny - 11AM Mass; Presentation of the Creed, the Lord's Prayer & Precepts of the Church
April 13: Palm Sunday: Holy Week Overview
April 19: Easter Vigil
April 27: Mystagogia - Introduction to Mystagogy; Reflection on the Easter Vigil
May 4: Mystagogia: Prudence and Conscience
May 11: Mystagogia: Holy Communion and Eucharistic Adoration
May 18: Mystagogia: Frequent Confession
June 1: Mystagogia: Mary, the Saints and Devotions
June 8: Mystagogia: Stewardship, Handing on the Faith