OCIA for Children
(Becoming Catholic)
OCIA (adapted for Children) is the children's counterpart of the Adult OCIA process. It is designed for children (3rd grade or older) who have never been baptized or who were baptized in another Christian denomination and who want to join the Catholic Church. OCIA adapted for Children is a two-year program. The child will enroll in our FISH or Ichthys programs for their appropriate grade level*. Families will encounter Jesus and experience the beauty of Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, & the Eucharist) as they connect to daily life through activities, reading Scripture, engaging in meaningful conversations, and more.
First Year:
- Participate in FISH or Ichthys (either Home Study or In-person Classes on Wednesdays)
- Students will work from Word of Life Grade 1 workbook regardless of grade level (if students are not in grade 1 – in-person students will attend a mixed grade level class for Sacramental Year 1 Preparation)
- Attend a minimum of 2 of 3 Faith Family Fellowship Sundays
Second Year:
- Participate in FISH or Ichthys (either Home Study or In-person Classes on Wednesdays)
- Students will work from Word of Life Grade 2 workbook regardless of grade level (if students are not in grade 2 –in-person students will attend a mixed grade level class for Sacramental Year 2 Preparation)
- Attend classes during Mass (after dismissal) periodically November through Palm Sunday and attend Rites/Scrutinies as required (calendar TBA).
- Attend a minimum of 2 of 3 Faith Family Fellowship Sundays
- Sacramental Preparation/OCIA Retreat
The fee for Sacramental Preparation studies is $175/year. Students must be re-enrolled each year.
Children’s Faith Formation NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!
We need volunteer teachers and aides for our children. Youth aides are also welcome!
Adult Teachers and Aides must:
>Be registered members of Corpus Christi
>Be confirmed and actively practicing Catholics
>Enjoy working with children
>Be fingerprinted and safe-environment cleared through the Diocese of Orange in California
For any questions you may have about OCIA for Children, please contact our Director of Faith Formation, Kelly Blackburn at KBlackburn@avcatholics.org