From Word to Worship to Witness

The life of faith is lived in community with other believers. We are called, by God, to community. To be formed in the faith, in part, is to be prepared for life in a community – a life marked by service, humility, and charity.

Becoming Catholic, Living Catholic OCIA Inquiry Course 2022-2023

Following Jesus and living as a Catholic is a life-long process of conversion, formation, education, and on-going conversion. As adults we should always be continuing to learn and grow, about our faith and the world around us.

ALL adult parishioners are invited to learn about our faith and fall more deeply in love with Jesus.

  • Whether you are new to our parish, or a member for many years
  • Whether you have never been Baptized or Baptized into another faith tradition
  • Whether you have been Baptized Catholic but never received your other Sacraments

We invite you to our Becoming Catholic, Living Catholic sessions, and if you are not already, become Catholic.

The Becoming Catholic, Living Catholic and OCIA Inquiry Course aims to help all adults in our community:

  • Learn the faith

  • Celebrate the faith

  • Choose the faith

  • Pray the faith

  • Share the faith

  • Live the faith

For more information, call the Parish Office at (630) 969-1063 to speak with Father Shaun, or please complete the Becoming Catholic, Living Catholic OCIA Inquiry Course questionnaire.

We invite you to embrace the invitation and challenge of an ever-deepening faith in Jesus. Whether you are a life-long Catholic, new to our parish, or attending Mass because your spouse is Catholic, our Becoming Catholic, Living Catholic OCIA Inquiry Course is a way to deepen your faith, or, if you are interested, become Catholic.

I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. – John 1:12

In a Catholic Parish, OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, is the amazing journey of entering into the fullness of the Catholic faith. Here at St. Mary’s, we will help you to learn, grow, find community, and prepare for the fullness of life that God desires for us all! Find this new, abundant life in Becoming Catholic, Living Catholic and OCIA Inquiry Course!

Becoming Catholic, Living Catholic and OCIA Inquiry Course is a way to ask questions about the faith, deepen your understanding of our faith, and, if interested, become Catholic. It is open to everyone – whether you were baptized Catholic or in another faith tradition, or never been Baptized. Together, we welcome you to this amazing journey of faith.

For more information, please complete the Becoming Catholic, Living Catholic OCIA Inquiry Course questionnaire.

Dates & Topics

Becoming Catholic, Living Catholic and OCIA Inquiry Course is being offered in conjunction with Holy Hours. Together these two opportunities for “Adult Catechesis” form a robust and dynamic offering at St. Mary’s. What is Adult Catechesis? It is an invitation to faithfully and consciously grow in the life of Christ through experience, reflection, prayer, and study. It is to enter into a better understanding of, and participation in, the full sacramental life of the Church. It’s being Catholic!

As noted above, these evenings are open to everyone. Come for one, come for all. You are welcome.

Part I: God Reaching Out to Us

September 12, 2023 @ 7:00pm in the Gathering Place
Topic: Light of Faith, beginning the faith journey

September 19, 2023 @ 7:00pm in the Gathering Place
Topic: Divine Revelation

September 26, 2023 @ 7:00pm in Church
Topic: Holy Hour

October 3, 2023 @ 7:00pm in Church
Topic: Holy Hour

October 10, 2023 @ 7:00pm in the Gathering Place
Topic: Old Testament, including Creation, De-Creation & Re-Creation

October 17, 2023 @ 7:00pm in the Gathering Place
Topic: New Testament, including the Birth of Jesus, Ministry, Death & Resurrection

October 24, 2023 @ 7:00pm in Church
Topic: Holy Hour

November 7, 2023 @ 7:00pm in Church
Topic: Holy Hour with Guest Speaker

November 14, 2023 @ 7:00pm in the Gathering Place
Topic: The Trinity: God the Father, God the Son & God the Holy Spirit

November 28, 2023 @ 7:00pm in Church
Topic: Advent Holy Hour

December 5, 2023 @ 7:00pm in the Gathering Place
Topic: The Church, including Models of Church

December 12, 2023 @ 7:00pm in Church
Topic: Advent Holy Hour

December 19, 2023 @ 6:30pm-8:00pm in Church
Advent Reconciliation: Individual confession

Part II: Worship – We Reach Out to God

January 9, 2024 @ 7:00pm in Church
Topic: Holy Hour with Guest Speaker Abbot Austin

January 16, 2024 @ 7:00pm in the Gathering Place
Topic: Liturgy

January 30, 2024 @ 7:00pm in the Gathering Place
Topic: Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist

February 6, 2024 @ 7:00pm in the Gathering Place
Topic: Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation & Anointing of the Sick

February 13, 2024 @ 7:00pm in Church
Topic: Holy Hour

February 20, 2024 @ 7:00pm in the Gathering Place
Topic: Sacraments of Vocation: Marriage & Holy Orders

February 27, 2024 @ 7:00pm in Church
Topic: Holy Hour

Part III: Witness – We Journey Together

March 5, 2024 @ 7:00pm in the Gathering Place
Topic: Prayer

March 12, 2024 @ 7:00pm in Church
Topic: Holy Hour

March 19, 2024 @ 7:00pm in the Gathering Place
Topic: Choosing Love: Morality

March 26, 2024 @ 6:30pm-8:00pm in Church
Lent Reconciliation: Individual confessions

March 25 -March 29, 2024 – Holy Week

Saturday, March 30, 2024 – Vigil Mass for Easter Sunday

April 2, 2024 @ 7:00pm in the Gathering Place
Topic: Choosing Love: Loving God & Loving Neighbor

April 9, 2024 @ 7:00pm in Church
Topic: Holy Hour

April 16, 2024 @ 7:00pm in the Gathering Place
Topic: Discerning Love: Moral Decision Making

April 23, 2024 @ 7:00pm in Church
Topic: Holy Hour

April 30, 2024 @ 7:00pm in the Gathering Place
Topic: Witness to Love: Mary and the Saints

May 7, 2024 @ 7:00pm in the Gathering Place
Topic: Rejoicing in Love

May 14, 2024 @ 7:00pm in Church
Topic: Holy Hour

May 21, 2024 @ 7:00pm in the Gathering Place
Topic: Continuing the Journey and Pentecost

May 28, 2024 @ 7:00pm in Church
Topic: Holy Hour