OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults)
(Previously known as RCIA aka Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is the Church’s primary path for adults who are exploring the Catholic faith or feel called to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. OCIA welcomes both those who have never been baptized and those baptized in another Christian tradition who wish to become Catholic through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist.
Participants in OCIA generally fall into two groups:
Catechumens are individuals who have not yet been baptized and are preparing to receive all three Sacraments of Initiation.
Candidates are baptized Christians who desire to enter the Catholic Church and complete their initiation.
OCIA is a faith-formation journey rather than simply a class. Sessions meet for approximately one hour each week from September through Easter, with breaks during major holidays. Each gathering includes Church teaching, prayer, reflection, discussion, and opportunities for spiritual growth and discernment.
OCIA is a wonderful place to begin—whether you are seriously considering becoming Catholic or simply seeking to learn more about the faith. A wide range of information is shared throughout the process, helping participants gain a clearer understanding of Catholic beliefs, traditions, and practices. All are welcome to sign up, ask questions, and explore at their own pace in a supportive and welcoming environment by having participants study the Gospels, teaching the tenets & customs of the Catholic Church, and encouraging a life dedicated to following in the footsteps of our Lord. In this process we hope to create an involvement & bond between catechumens/candidates and their parishes’ community.
For any other questions please contact our Director of Religious Education at DLemma@stcindependence.org or by calling 859-363-4314.
Class Schedule 2026 -2027
General Information :
Weekend Mass Times: Saturday, 4:00 pm & Sunday, 8:30 am & 11:00 am.
Weekday Mass Times: Tuesday – Friday, 9:00 am
Holy Day of Obligation: 8:00 am & 7:00 pm
*Note Christmas & Easter have their own schedules
| Session | Date | Time | Status / Topic Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | September 15, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | First Class: Introduction and Truth, Relativism, and the Existence of God. |
| Session 2 | September 22, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | The Divinity of Christ |
| Session 3 | September 29, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Divine Revelation |
| Session 4 | October 6, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | The Holy Trinity |
| Session 5 | October 13, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Creation, the Fall, Angels and Demons |
| Session 6 | October 20, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Incarnation and Redemption |
| Session 7 | October 27, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | The Church |
| Session 8 | November 3, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | The Blessed Virgin Mary |
| Session 9 | November 10, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Purgatory |
| Session 10 | November 17, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | The Last Things |
| NO CLASS | November 24, 2026 | Thanksgiving Break | |
| Session 11 | December 1, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Liturgy and the Sacraments |
| NO CLASS | December 8, 2026 | Immaculate Conception (Holy Day) | |
| Session 12 | December 15, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Baptism and Confirmation |
| NO CLASS | December 22, 2026 | Christmas Break | |
| NO CLASS | December 29, 2026 | Christmas Break | |
| Session 13 | January 5, 2027 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | The Holy Eucharist |
| Session 14 | January 12, 2027 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Sin and Penance |
| Session 15 | January 19, 2027 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Anointing of the Sick |
| Session 16 | January 26, 2027 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Morality, Happiness, and Freedom |
| Session 17 | February 2, 2027 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Morality and Moral Virtues |
| Session 18 | February 9, 2027 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | First Three Commandments |
| Session 19 | February 16, 2027 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | The 4th Commandment |
| Session 20 | February 23, 2027 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | The Fifth Commandment |
| Session 21 | March 2, 2027 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | The 6th and 9th Commandments |
| Session 22 | March 9, 2027 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | The 10th Commandment |
| Session 23 | March 16, 2027 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Final Class- Father Presents: Holy Orders |
| NO CLASS | March 23, 2027 | Holy Week |