OCIA
Want to learn more about the Catholic faith? Interested in learning what it would mean to become Catholic? Already Catholic but never got confirmed? You've come to the right place.
OCIA, which stands for the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, is a weekly class we offer at St. John's to give adults a chance to learn more about the Catholic faith--and if they're interested, provide them a chance to formally convert to become Catholic. This is also the place for Catholic adults to come to make their first communion or be confirmed if it didn't happen when they were younger. Prior to Summer 2024, OCIA was called RCIA.
If you have any questions regarding OCIA or any aspect of the process of becoming Catholic, please contact Father Braam at (301)-373-2281 or braamr@sjchollywood.org.
OCIA 2024-2025
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are there any enrollment fees?
- No, OCIA classes are completely free to attend.
Am I required to become Catholic in order to attend?
- No, OCIA is specifically for learning more and asking questions. There is no pressure to convert in order to continue attending class. Though if you are interested in becoming Catholic though, we'll let you know what the next steps are when it's the appropriate time.
What material is covered in class?
- The class is designed to present the basic teachings of the Catholic faith at an adult level. The class also will cover the basics of personal prayer, praying at Mass and going to confession.
What if I have more personal questions?
- Throughout the year, the parish office will contact you a couple of times to set up an appointment to meet with Fr. Braam to check in. He would be very happy to discuss any personal questions / circumstances that don't really fit into the classroom. If anything ever comes up and you'd like to meet sooner, feel free to contact the office to set up an appointment as well.
What if I'm under 18 / I have kids, what class is available for them?
- The minimum age for OCIA is mature high schoolers. Younger children can be enrolled in our religious education program--more information here. If you're interested in your children below high school age becoming Catholic or receiving the sacraments, please contact Fr. Braam so that special arrangements can be made.
WHEN:
Classes are Sundays starting at around 10am. The first class is September 8th, 2024.
WHERE:
The St. Jude Room, located in the foyer of the Msgr. Harris Parish Center. When coming onto the campus, head to the right of the church and look for the entrance labeled "Msgr. Harris Center" with glass doors. The St. Jude Room is the first room on the right from the lobby you enter.
WHAT:
Aside from weekly classes about the Catholic faith from an intellectual perspective, OCIA also includes other opportunities to help experience the depth of the Catholic faith on a personal and spiritual level, such as,
- Joining the parish community at the monthly pancake breakfast
- Getting to know some St. John's people more personally when they invite OCIA over for dinner at their house
- Opportunities to meet one-on-one with a priest for more personal questions and spiritual guidance
WHO:
Hopefully you! Whether you're Protestant, atheist, seeking or anything in between, we'd love to have you join us and learn more about the Catholic faith that we love.
Deacon Ken Scheiber is the lead instructor of the class, with a team of volunteers assisting him. Deacon Ken has a master's degree in theology and has been teaching theology at St. Mary's Ryken High School for nearly 15 years.
Father Braam oversees the RCIA program at St. John's. Throughout the year, Fr. Braam will ask to meet with you occasionally to check in to see how you're doing, answer any questions you might have, offer spiritual guidance, and let you know the next steps if you're interested in becoming Catholic. He's excited to support you in whatever way he can!
WHY:
We love our Catholic faith, and would love to tell you more about it, whether you're just curious or are thinking about maybe becoming Catholic yourself. And if you're already Catholic, we'd love to help you brush up on your faith or get ready to be confirmed or make your first communion if you haven't already.