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.

2025-2026 OCIA will be starting September 14. 

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

Please contact Rita DeKlyen 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 14! OCIA meets on Sundays in the St. Joseph Room after 11AM Mass from noon-2PM. There is no cost to attend. 

September 14: Introduction to the Becoming Catholic Study/OCIA Process
September 21: The Existence of God; God, Our Loving Creator
September 28: Jesus; Lord and Messiah and; Jesus Teacher and Savior
October 5: The Holy Spirit; The Power of Love and the Blessed Trinity
October 12: People of God; The Christian Community and 4 Marks of the Church
October 18: Rite of Entrance to Catechumenate (Saturday 5:30 PM Mass) 
October 19: Intro to the 7 Sacraments:  Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony
October 26: No Class 
November 2: Two Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism and Confirmation
November 9: Celebrating the Paschal Mystery; Liturgy, and The Holy Eucharist
November 16: No Class 
November 23: Communion of Saints and the Blessed Mother
November 24: Walkthrough Mass 6:00pm-8:00pm
November 30: No Class 
December 7: Christian Destiny: The Last Things
December 14: The Holy Bible
December 21: No Class 
December 28: No Class             
January 4: Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders
January 11: Church History & Structure
January 18: Sacraments of Healing: Penance, Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick
January 25: No Class 
February 1: Ecumenism: The Church and Other Religions
February 8: Social Justice, Corporal works of Mercy
February 15: Preparation for Lent, Review for Catechumens for Rite of Election
February 18: Ash Wednesday - Period of Purification
February 22: No Class // Rite of Election in Lafayette - 9:30 AM Holy Mass at OLMC, Rite of Sending
March 1: Foundations of Catholic Morality, Theology of the Body
March 8: 1st Scrutiny Prayers - 11:00 AM Mass at OLMC
March 8: The 10 Commandments: The Love of God, Love of Neighbor (Intro to Lent)
March 14: Saturday Lenten Retreat 
March 15: 2nd Scrutiny Prayers- 11:00 AM Mass at OLMC
March 15: Brief Retreat Reflection on Sunday
March 22: 3rd Scrutiny Prayers - 11:00 AM Mass at OLMC
March 22: Christian Call to Holiness and Christian Prayer; Presentation of the Creed
March 29: Palm Sunday:  Holy Week Overview, Prepare all for Easter Vigil
March 30: Sponsor Preparation Session: Walkthrough in Church
April 4: Easter Vigil 
April 5: No Class 
April 12: Reflection on Easter Vigil; Introduction to Mystagogy
April 19: Mystagogy- New life in Christ _ Ministries of the Church
April 26: Mystagogy - New Life in Christ _ Confession for Newly Baptized
May 3: Mystagogy -  New life in Christ _ Adoration
May 10: No Class 
May 17: Mystagogy - New Life in Christ  - Liturgical Participation and Prayers
May 24: Pentecost