Are you interested in joining the Catholic Church? Do you want more information about what the Catholic Church believes and practices? If so, you belong in OCIA! The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process through which people explore the faith and decide whether God is inviting them to join the Church or not. People who are ready to join the Church are received at the Easter Vigil Mass--you will receive the Sacraments of Baptism (if not already baptized), Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. We invite non-baptized adults, those baptized in another Christian faith tradition, and Catholics who are wanting to return to the Church to join us. We meet on Tuesday nights, 6:30-8:00pm. We partner with St. Joseph Catholic Church in Otis Orchards, and our meetings at held in their parish center (4521 Arden Road). Our meetings resume on September 10, 2024.
If you have children (grade school to high school) who want to join the Catholic Church, we can also prepare them to receive the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil Mass. Children and youth are prepared separately in meetings that are arranged for the convenience of the families involved each year. Children and youth are also encouraged to join Religious Education (for grades 1-5) or Youth Group (Middle School and High School).
Every OCIA participant will receive a binder with information about the Catholic faith and about our meetings. Each week, participants will be given a handout that examines the upcoming Sunday's readings. Other handouts will be provided about our discussion topics.
Participants will be provided with a copy of the Catholic Answer Bible and Introduction to Catholicism, A Complete Course (from the Didache series).
Our OCIA participants are also encouraged to watch "Symbolon", a 20-episode course on the Catholic faith that is available through Formed.org. Formed is a treasure-trove of great Catholic programs, audio talks, books and movies--we encourage you to explore it! If you register through our parish, you will not be charged the monthly subscription cost. Just put in "St. Mary Spokane" when you sign up.