OCIA: The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
The process by which those who have never been baptized or who are baptized and a member of another Christian church or community are brought into full communion with the Holy Catholic Church. The program is also open to persons who wish to learn more about their Catholic faith or lack one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation (Eucharist or Confirmation).
Prayer, discernment, and education are three key elements of OCIA. The program is multi-faceted using presentation, video, and group discussion to cover the Four Pillars of Catholicism: The Creed, 7 Sacraments, 10 Commandments, and Prayer. However, faith formation is an ongoing process. Individuals are encouraged to utilize parish resources (Church Library, Narthex Display) and other catechetical sources to develop their knowledge of the Catholic faith, in addition to OCIA instruction.
Sessions are held bi-weekly on Monday evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM in the Administration Building, Lower-level meeting room. Study materials and refreshments are provided. Interested individuals are encouraged to preregister by completing the online form or by contacting the parish office at 610.582.2411 or email secretary@icbvm.org. There is no cost for the program.
Important Links for the ICBVM Program
OCIA 2025–26 Program Schedule
Theme: “The Lord is my Refuge.” (Ps 18:3)
| Week | Date | Discussion Topic |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 13, 2025 | Welcome/Introduction; Divine Revelation |
| 2 | October 27, 2025 | The Holy Trinity; Mary, Mother of God |
| November 1 — Solemnity of All Saints* | ||
| 3 | November 10, 2025 | The Creed: What Catholics Believe |
| 4 | November 24, 2025 | Sacred Scripture |
| November 30 — First Sunday of Advent | ||
| 5 | December 8, 2025 | The Church (History and Organization) |
| December 8 — Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception* | ||
| 6 | December 22, 2025 | Prayer; Catholic Traditions and Practices |
| December 25 — Christmas Day* | ||
| 7 | January 5, 2026 | The Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist |
| 8 | January 19, 2026 | The Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick |
| 9 | February 2, 2026 | The Sacraments of Vocation: Matrimony and Holy Orders |
| 10 | February 16, 2026 | Lent and the Church’s Liturgical Year |
| February 18 — Ash Wednesday; February 22 — First Sunday of Lent | ||
| 11 | March 2, 2026 | Catholic Morality |
| 12 | March 16, 2026 | Catholic Morality |
| March 29 — Palm Sunday | ||
| 13 | March 30, 2026 | The Paschal Mystery (Holy Week) |
| April 2 — Holy Thursday (Mass of the Lord’s Supper) • April 3 — Good Friday • April 4 — Great Easter Vigil • April 5 — Easter Day* | ||
| 14 | April 13, 2026 | A Catholic Perspective on the Final Things |
| 15 | April 27, 2026 | Discipleship |
| May 14 — Feast of the Ascension* • May 24 — Feast of Pentecost* | ||
* Denotes Holy Day of Obligation | Location: Parish Administration Building, Lower-level Conference Room | Schedule: Mondays, 6:30–8:30 PM | Coordinator: Dcn. Paul J. Hiryak | Revised 08/28/2025.