Faith Formation
Faith is a lifelong journey of growing closer to Jesus Christ and becoming the disciples He calls us to be.
CCD
CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) a parish religious education program that helps children and young people grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith. Through Scripture, prayer, the Sacraments, Catholic teachings, and Christian values, CCD prepares students to live their faith and participate fully in the life of the Church.
Core Purpose
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Faith Education: Teaches children basic Catholic doctrine, Scripture, prayers, and the traditions of the Church. [1, 2, 3]
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Sacramental Preparation: Prepares students to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation (Penance), First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. [1]
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Spiritual Formation: Supports parents—recognized as the primary educators of their children's faith—by offering formal, systematic instruction in a parish setting.
Confirmation
Confirmation helps young people deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, grow in their Catholic faith, and receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Our two-year Confirmation program includes faith formation, prayer, participation at Mass, and preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
OCIA
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the process by which adults who are not yet fully initiated into the Catholic Church are formed in the Christian faith and prepared to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
OCIA is more than a class or a series of lessons. It is a journey of conversion and discipleship in which participants:
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Learn about Jesus Christ and the Gospel.
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Become familiar with Sacred Scripture and Catholic teaching.
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Experience the prayer and worship of the Church.
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Grow in relationship with Christ and the Christian community.
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Discern God's call to become Catholic.
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Prepare spiritually and practically to receive the sacraments.
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The journey normally involves inquiry, catechumenate, purification and enlightenment, and mystagogy. The parish community accompanies the participants through prayer, witness, instruction, and friendship.
In simple terms: OCIA helps a person move from “I am curious about the Catholic faith” to “I believe in Christ, I desire to follow Him, and I am ready to live as a member of His Church.”--
Interested in faith formation or sacramental preparation at St. Mary’s?
Contact the parish office for current registration information, class schedules, requirements, and upcoming programs.
Parish Office: (707) 822-7696