BAPTISM OF YOUTH AGES SEVEN TO EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE:
Anyone seven years of age or older is considered an adult in the eyes of the church and must participate in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) Process. This is a one-to-three-year process through which the candidate becomes familiar with our Catholic faith through participation in worship, prayer and class.

These OCIA classes meet weekly. Enrollment is ongoing throughout the whole calendar year and one may join the process at any time. Candidates are Baptized, Confirmed and receive First Holy Eucharist during the Easter season. The program for children is oriented toward the catechesis of the whole family. Please see Faith Formation Office contact information below for assistance.


BAPTISM OF ADULTS AGES 18+:
Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to join the Catechumenate (OCIA) process. This is a period of liturgy, formation and prayer which can last from one to three years. The culmination of preparation takes place during Lent before the Easter sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist are received at the Easter Vigil. Please scroll down to our Faith Formation Office contact information to set up an appointment to discuss any desire you may have to join the Catholic Church. No commitments are necessary to begin inquiring.


RECEPTION OF BAPTIZED NON-CATHOLICS INTO THE CHURCH:
These candidates participate in the Sunday OCIA process, however, are received into the church, Confirmed, and receive First Holy Eucharist after an appropriate period of catechesis during a Sunday Mass. Please see Faith Formation Office contact information below for assistance.


YOUTH CATECHUMENATE:
This is a two-year process here at St. Mary’s. Normally the child would attend the first and second grades and receive these sacraments in the second grade. However, children may join at any age and participate for the two years as part of their comprehensive religious education through the eighth grade. Please see Faith Formation Office contact information below for assistance.


YOUTH CONFIRMATION CLASSES:
This is a two-year program for high school students, extending from September through May. Please see Faith Formation Office contact information below to register your teen for these classes.

ADULT CONFIRMATION CLASSES:
These classes are for baptized Catholic adults 18 years of age or older. This is a twelve-week program of classes, ending with a retreat that takes place from January through March, culminating with Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. Adults who have not received their First Holy Eucharist may also attend these classes. Please see Faith Formation Office contact information below for assistance.

Faith Formation Office:

Marissa Esparza-Garcia

Director of Catechetical Ministries (DCM)

faithformation@stmarystars.org

(760) 231-6166