OCIC

Are you seeking baptism for your child who is 7 years of age or older? Are you looking for your child to receive First Communion, but they have not yet been baptized?  Then OCIC is the place for you!  

What is OCIC? 

OCIC refers to the "Order of Christian Initiation for Children"  and is the process by which unbaptized children 7+ years of age prepare for and receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation.

What does the OCIC Program look like at St. Odilia? 

1. If your child is not enrolled in St. Odilia school, then register for Family Faith Instruction or the Confirmation Program: Click HERE to Enroll in Family Faith or Click HERE to Enroll in Confirmation

Children in grades 2-6 are to be enrolled in the Wednesday evening Family Faith Formation Program.  This is a monthly program (Sept - May) in which parents are formed and equipped to bring faith into the home through weekly home lessons, while the students receive instruction by a Catechist in a group.  Honoring parents as the primary educators of their children, the program engages parents with materials to instruct their children.  There are lessons to prepare for First Reconciliation (celebrated after Baptism) and First Eucharist.  

Students in grades 7-12 will enroll in the Confirmation program and may have some adaptations.   Students in grades 7-12 will follow the confirmation preparation components of the program including the Parent/Youth Meetings, retreat, service projects, etc.

2. Register for OCIC and take a Baptism Preparation Class: Click HERE to register 

The Baptism Preparation Class is offered once a month on Saturday morning from 10:00 am until noon. We offer two classes during this time, one in English and one in Spanish.  The class is required for parents/guardians, and sponsors are warmly invited.  In this class, we will review the theology of the Sacrament of Baptism, look deeper at the Rite of Baptism and the sacramentals celebrated, give orientation on the celebration options, discuss the role of parents, godparents and the church community, and finally give clarity on any forms and fees needed.   

3. Participate in special OCIC Liturgies and Rites:

The church offers Rites to mark the progress of the catechumen and implores the prayers and support of the church community.  Ideally, the sponsor of the child is presenting them to the community but a parent can fill in this role if needed, except for the Vigil.  These include the Rite of Sending, the Rite of Election, and 3 Scrutiny Masses during Lent.  

Rite of Sending and Rite of Election: March 9, 2025

Scrutiny Mass: April 4, 2025
 

4. Reception of the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil: 

This is the highest liturgical celebration of the church and this will be the night that the children are fully initiated with the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. The Easter Vigil is Saturday, April 19th, at 8:00 pm in the church.  Pictures are at 7:15 pm.  Invite family and friends! Sponsors must be present. It is a longer ceremony so plan for 2-3 hours (get a good nap in beforehand!).  The children will make their First Reconciliation at a later time but will be prepared beforehand. 

Easter Vigil: April 19, 2025 at 8:00PM 

Click here for our curriculum for OCIC

OCIC Parent Checklist 
 

Questions? Contact Isabel Sutter at 651-415-3349 or [email protected]