OCIC CHILDREN FORMATION

- RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC)
What is OCIC?
Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC) is open to all children between the ages of 7 -15, unbaptized or baptized. These classes are designed to educate children in the Catholic faith and prepare them for the sacraments to be received at the Easter Vigil. Whether your family is just entering the Church, returning to the practice of the Catholic faith, or delayed your child’s sacramental preparation, all are welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What ages participate in OCIC?
OCIC is a program for children ages 7 and above who have not been baptized or are baptized in another Christian denomination. It is also for older children, even high school students through age 15, who are baptized in the Catholic faith but were never prepared for Reconciliation, Eucharist, or Confirmation.

What is required of a child in OCIC?
The expectation is that the child and his or her parent(s) will attend Mass every week. There must be a founded hope that the child will be raised Catholic.
The child is also expected to participate in the weekly Sunday OCIC classes actively. The parent(s) will meet with the Director of Religious Education during an initial scheduled interview.

All children will need a Catholic godmother, godfather, or sponsor who is an active member of the Catholic Church (either at St. Charles Borromeo or another parish). The godparent(s) or sponsor must be at least 16 years of age, confirmed in the Catholic faith, and present at the Easter Vigil. The godparents and/or sponsor will require a letter of Good Standing. If the family cannot find a sponsor for the child, one will be provided by the parish. On the day of the Easter Vigil, there will be a practice at 10:00 a.m. with godparents/sponsors.

Can more than one child from the same family be enrolled in OCIC?
Yes! In many cases, when a family joins the Church together, more than one child is involved. It is highly encouraged to enroll all children at once.

When will the children receive the sacraments?
Children will receive the sacraments at the Easter Vigil, held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 8:00 PM in St. Charles Church.
Those who are unbaptized (Catechumens) will be baptized at the Easter Vigil and receive First Holy Communion. Those who have already been baptized either Catholic or in another Christian denomination (Candidates) enter the Catholic Church by making a profession of Faith and receiving First Holy Communion. If the child is baptized at the Easter Vigil, he or she will receive the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession/Penance) after Easter.

When do the classes meet?
Classes meet every Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in St. Charles Ministry Center.

What is covered in OCIC classes?
The program provides a comprehensive review of the essentials and fundamental teachings of the Catholic Faith.
- Sacraments - Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.
- Baptism - This sacrament gives our souls the new life of grace by which we become children of God. It frees us from our original sin.
- Reconciliation - The Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance/Confession is the sacrament by which sins committed after Baptism are forgiven.
- Holy Eucharist - The Sacrament of First Communion is the sacrament of receiving the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Confirmation - This sacrament through which the Holy Spirit comes to us enables us to profess our Faith as strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.
What materials will be used?
Depending on the age of the children, the following books may be used: CatechismClass.com, Baltimore Catechism Vol I & II (Catholic Book Publishers)
How do I enroll my child?
Parents may register their children through Online Registration, which begins on Monday, February 10, 2025, and continues through Friday, February 21, 2025. The program costs $35.00 per student in public or non-Catholic private schools. When applicable, parents are asked to provide a copy of their child’s baptismal certificate if the student has already been baptized.
Class sessions begin on Sunday, February 23, 2025, and continue for six weeks, ending on Sunday, April 6, 2025 (View and Print Calendar Below)
OCIC - spring 2025 CALENDAR
- OCIC SPRING CALENDAR - 2025 (PRINT)
The maximum number of form submissions has been reached. This form is currently not available.
- Candidate's Information
- First Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Last Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
- Candidate's Date of Birth REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter a date.
- Candidate's Current Age REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
- Candidate's Gender REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
- Candidate's Current Grade REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
- City REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  State REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Zip REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter a zip code.
- Parents / Guardians Information
- First Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Last Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
- Parent Cell/Work Phone Number REQUIRED Maximum 20 characters Please fill out this field. Please enter a phone number.
- Parent's Email Address REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter an email address.
- Emergency Contact Person REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
- Emergency Person's Phone Number REQUIRED Maximum 20 characters Please fill out this field. Please enter a phone number.
- Has your child ever been BAPTIZED in any religion? REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
- If YES, please supply te following information:
- Denomination REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
- Date of Baptism REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter a date.
- Name of church: REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
- City REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  State REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Zip REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter a zip code.
- The parent must provide a copy of the Baptismal Certificate and/or letter of the place of Baptism
- If Baptized in the Catholic faith, has your child received the sacrament of Communion? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
- If Baptized in the Catholic faith, has your child received the sacrament of Confession/Penance/Reconciliation?? Yes No
- Does your child has any special learning needs? Yes No
- If Yes, please explain. REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
- Do you give permission to St. Charles Borromeo Church to publish photos/videos of your child on any of its media platforms? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
- Registration Fee35.0
Total:

Submit

Proceed to Payment

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Saint Charles Borromeo

One family of faith
In service to God and to each other

OCIC CHILDREN FORMATION

OCIC - spring 2025 CALENDAR