What is OCIC?

Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC) is open to all children between the ages of 7 and 15, unbaptized or baptized. These classes are designed to educate children in the Catholic faith and to prepare them to receive the sacraments at the Easter Vigil. Whether your family is just entering the Church, returning to the practice of the Catholic faith, or delaying your child’s sacramental preparation, all are welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What ages participate in OCIC?
OCIC is a program for children ages seven and above who have not been baptized or are baptized in another Christian denomination.  It is also for older children, even high school students through age 15, who are baptized in the Catholic faith but were never prepared for Reconciliation, Eucharist, or Confirmation.

What is required of a child in OCIC?
The expectation is that the child and their parent(s) will attend Mass every week. There must be a founded hope that the child will be raised Catholic.
The child is also expected to participate in the weekly Tuesday OCIC classes actively. The parent(s) will meet with the Director of Religious Education during an initial scheduled interview. 
 
All children will need a Catholic godmother, godfather, or sponsor who is an active member of the Catholic Church (either at St. Charles Borromeo or another parish). 

• The godparent(s) or sponsor must: 
• Be at least 16 years of age, confirmed in the Catholic faith. 
• The godparents and/or sponsor will require a letter of Good Standing. 
• If the family cannot find a sponsor for the child, the parish will provide one.
• Parent cannot serve as sponsor.
• Should be practicing the Catholic Faith through regularly attending Sunday Mass 
• On the day of the Easter Vigil, there will be a practice rehearsal at 10:00 a.m. at St. Charles Church.  Candidates, Godparents/sponsors must attend.

 
Can more than one child from the same family be enrolled in OCIC?
Yes! In many cases, when a family joins the Church together, more than one child is involved. It is highly encouraged to enroll all children at once.
 
When will the children receive the sacraments?
Children will receive the sacraments at the Easter Vigil, held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 8:00 PM in St. Charles Church.
Those who are unbaptized (Catechumens) will be baptized at the Easter Vigil and receive First Holy Communion. Those who have already been baptized either Catholic or in another Christian denomination (Candidates) enter the Catholic Church by making a profession of Faith and receiving First Holy Communion. If the child is baptized at the Easter Vigil, they will receive the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession/Penance) after Easter. 
 
When do the classes meet?
Classes meet every Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the St. Charles Ministry Center Chapel Room.
 
What is covered in OCIC classes?
The program provides a comprehensive review of the essentials and fundamental teachings of the Catholic Faith.

• Sacraments - Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.
• Baptism - This sacrament gives our souls the new life of grace by which we become children of God. It frees us from our original sin.
• Reconciliation - The Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance/Confession is the sacrament by which sins committed after Baptism are forgiven.
• Holy Eucharist - The Sacrament of First Communion is the sacrament of receiving the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
• Confirmation - This sacrament, through which the Holy Spirit comes to us, enables us to profess our Faith as strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.

What materials will be used?
Depending on the student's age, the following book may be used: The Augustine's Institute, Ignatius Press - Word of Life/Salvation History:  God's Presence in the Sacraments. Course is accompanied with other audio & video interactive resources.

How do I enroll my child?

Parents may register their children through Online Registration, which begins on Monday, January 19, 2026, and continues through Friday, February 13, 2026. Session begins Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and ends Wednesday March 25, 2026. The program costs $40.00 per student in public or non-Catholic private schools. When applicable, parents are asked to provide a copy of their child’s baptismal certificate if the student has already been baptized.