OCIA Adapted for Children
Welcome
The Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC) is the process through which children who have reached the age of reason (generally age 7 and older) prepare to enter fully into the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation.
Children who are preparing through OCIC will typically receive Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion together during the Easter Vigil Mass.
Our goal is to help children and families grow in faith, encounter Jesus Christ, and become active members of the Catholic Church.
Who Participates in OCIA for Children?
Children who are generally older than seven years of age and who have not yet received the Sacraments of Initiation are prepared through the OCIA process rather than through the traditional infant sacramental preparation model.
Because the Church recognizes children over the age of reason as capable of personally responding to God’s grace and professing the faith, they are prepared in a manner similar to adults while still receiving age-appropriate catechesis and formation.
Sacramental Preparation Requirements
In our diocese, sacramental preparation for all children is a two-year process.
- Catholic school or approved Catholic homeschool formation may count as the first year of preparation.
- Children entering their second year, the sacramental preparation year, will be placed into one of our parish First Communion classes.
- Our parish uses the Ascension curriculum Renewed and Received to provide the necessary preparation for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.
Families are expected to participate regularly in Sunday Mass and parish life throughout the preparation process.
Godparents, Sponsors & Confirmation Saints
Each child preparing for the Sacraments will need:
Godparent and/or Sponsor
A practicing Catholic godparent or sponsor who:
- Is at least 16 years old
- Has received Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist
- Is actively practicing the Catholic faith
- If married, is married in the Catholic Church
Please note: Parents may not serve as godparents or sponsors for their own children. This role is intended to be a separate spiritual companion who can help guide and support the child in living the Catholic faith.
Godparents and sponsors are important spiritual companions who support the child in living the Catholic faith.
Confirmation Saint
Children will also select a Confirmation saint whose life serves as an example of Christian discipleship and holiness. Families are encouraged to begin exploring saints together early in the preparation process.
The links below will be a great help in finding a saint that resonates with your child
Popular Catholic Patron Saints
A Guide to Picking Confirmation Saints
Important Liturgical Celebrations (2027)
Rite of Election
Sunday, February 14, 2027
The Rite of Election is celebrated with the bishop during the First Sunday of Lent. During this rite, catechumens formally express their desire to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. This takes place at the Diocesan Cathedral in St. Petersburg. More information will be available closer to the date of this celebration.
Scrutinies
- First Scrutiny: Sunday, February 28, 2027
- Second Scrutiny: Sunday, March 7, 2027
- Third Scrutiny: Sunday, March 14, 2027
The Scrutinies are special prayers celebrated during Lent for those preparing for Baptism. These rites ask God to strengthen the catechumens and prepare their hearts to receive the sacraments.
These are celebrated at either the 9am or 11am Sunday Masses. More information will be provided closer to the date of these celebrations.
Easter Vigil
Saturday, March 27, 2027
At the Easter Vigil, children will receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion together with the Church’s celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.
Note: There is a rehearsal in the morning typically at 10:30am. The service itself will typically begin at 8:30pm
Parent Expectations
Parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith. Families participating in OCIA for Children are expected to:
- Attend Sunday Mass faithfully
- Participate in parish sacramental preparation sessions
- Support prayer and faith formation at home
- Maintain regular attendance in classes
- Participate in retreats, rites, and liturgical celebrations connected to the OCIA process
Registration & Questions
For more information about registration for this process, please contact our registration POC at gina@sainttims.org.
We look forward to walking with your family on this journey of faith!