Youth OCI

Youth OCIA

Let the children come to me

"This form of the rite of Christian initiation is intended for children, not baptized as infants, who have attained the use of reason and are of catechetical age (seven and older). 


They seek Christian initiation either at the direction of their parents or guardians or, with parental permission, on their own initiative.


Such children are capable of receiving and nurturing a personal faith and of recognizing an obligation in conscience."


Rite of Christian Initiation, Paragraph 242

The OCIA process is adaptable for children and youth between the ages of 7 and 15 who want to become Catholic or complete their initiation into the Catholic faith. It follows the form of the Rite of Cristian Initiation for Adults, but adapts it to the age and needs of the young people in the process.

Children usually receive the Sacraments of Initiation, including Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation with the adults who have completed the OCIA process at the Easter Vigil Mass, held the Saturday evening before Easter each year.

Who belongs in OCIA adapted for Children(Youth)?

  • Unbaptized children (ages 7 - 15)
  • Children baptized in another Christian faith tradition that want to come into full communion with the Catholic Church.
  • Children that are baptized catholic, but are off-track and/or behind in receiving the sacraments of first communion, Reconciliation, and/or confirmation.
  • Parents – It is vital that the children receive full support from their parents and families.


The OCIA Adapted for Children process is a journey of conversion, learning, living the faith, and growing closer to Jesus and His Church.

This is a journey for the whole family, and the process is designed to help your family become active Disciples of Christ and participants in the community of faith.

Your family's faith journey will include learning about God the Father, his Son, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit; attending and participating in the Mass; and participating and serving in the community of faith.

Weekly Classes commence the week of September 1st, 2024.


Contact Flor Argueta, 501-513-6812, fargueta@sjparish.org on how to register your child.


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