01
The unbaptized
Adults who have never been baptized and wish to explore becoming Catholic.
Religious Education
OCIA
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
Program overview
Explore the Catholic faith and journey toward full communion with the Church.
OCIA — the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults — is the Church's way of walking with adults who wish to know Jesus Christ in the Catholic Church. It is ordered toward conversion, and toward the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
At St. Mary, Star of the Sea in Astoria, this path is meant to feel human. You will gather, pray, listen, and ask. You will be given time. No one is expected to arrive already certain.
An adult who has not been baptized and wishes to learn about becoming Catholic may participate in OCIA. Classes are weekly and begin in the Fall. Sundays, 9:30 AM–approximately 11:30 AM (following the 8:30 AM Mass).
Who it's for
A place at the table.
Adults interested in learning about Catholicism.
02
Baptized Christians
Those baptized in another Christian tradition who are considering full communion with the Catholic Church.
03
Catholic adults
Catholics who wish to complete Confirmation or the Eucharist, or simply to be formed more deeply.
What you'll learn
Class topics.
OCIA at St. Mary is conversion-focused. The Church celebrates that conversion through prayerful rites. Classes are weekly and begin in the Fall.
A fuller topical outline lives on the Topics page. Weekly class topics are set with the Religious Education office.
01
The Bible
How Catholics receive Sacred Scripture as the Word of God.
02
The Person of Jesus Christ
The Incarnation, the Cross, and the Resurrection.
03
The Trinity
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — one God in three Persons.
04
The Sacraments
Visible signs of invisible grace.
05
The Eucharist
The source and summit of the Christian life.
06
The Mass
How the Church prays the sacred liturgy.
07
Prayer
Learning to speak with God as the Church speaks.
08
Catholic moral teaching
The shape of a life ordered toward God and neighbor.
09
The Church
The Body of Christ in history, sacrament, and communion.
10
Mary and the Saints
The family of God across heaven and earth.
11
Salvation
What Christ has done, and how we are drawn into His life.
12
Christian discipleship
Following Christ in ordinary life.
Class schedule
When we gather.
Classes are weekly and begin in the Fall. Sundays, 9:30 AM–approximately 11:30 AM (following the 8:30 AM Mass).
August 16Sunday
Religious Education registration begins
- Time
- Location
- Parish Office, 1465 Grand Avenue
- Catechist
- Marty Dursse, Director of Religious Education
- Notes
- Religious Education registration begins
September 6Sunday
Final day for registration
- Time
- Location
- Parish Office, 1465 Grand Avenue
- Catechist
- Marty Dursse, Director of Religious Education
- Notes
- Final day for registration
September 9Wednesday
Come and See (introduction to OCIA)
- Time
- Location
- St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 1465 Grand Avenue
- Catechist
- Religious Education Office
- Notes
- Come and See (introduction to OCIA)
September 13Sunday
Period of Inquiry begins
- Time
- Location
- St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 1465 Grand Avenue
- Catechist
- Religious Education Office
- Notes
- First day of classes
September 16Wednesday
OCIA
- Time
- Location
- St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 1465 Grand Avenue
- Catechist
- Religious Education Office
- Notes
- OCIA
September 17Thursday
OCIC
- Time
- Location
- St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 1465 Grand Avenue
- Catechist
- Religious Education Office
- Notes
- OCIC
September 19Saturday
Catechist retreat & training
- Time
- Location
- St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 1465 Grand Avenue
- Catechist
- Religious Education Office
- Notes
- Catechist retreat & training
September 20Sunday
*all classes = Sacramental preparation, Confirmation, OCIA/OCIC
- Time
- Location
- St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 1465 Grand Avenue
- Catechist
- Religious Education Office
- Notes
- All classes*
| Date | Time | Topic | Location | Catechist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 16Sunday | Religious Education registration begins Religious Education registration begins | Parish Office, 1465 Grand Avenue | Marty Dursse, Director of Religious Education | |
| September 6Sunday | Final day for registration Final day for registration | Parish Office, 1465 Grand Avenue | Marty Dursse, Director of Religious Education | |
| September 9Wednesday | Come and See (introduction to OCIA) Come and See (introduction to OCIA) | St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 1465 Grand Avenue | Religious Education Office | |
| September 13Sunday | Period of Inquiry begins First day of classes | St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 1465 Grand Avenue | Religious Education Office | |
| September 16Wednesday | OCIA OCIA | St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 1465 Grand Avenue | Religious Education Office | |
| September 17Thursday | OCIC OCIC | St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 1465 Grand Avenue | Religious Education Office | |
| September 19Saturday | Catechist retreat & training Catechist retreat & training | St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 1465 Grand Avenue | Religious Education Office | |
| September 20Sunday | *all classes = Sacramental preparation, Confirmation, OCIA/OCIC All classes* | St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 1465 Grand Avenue | Religious Education Office |
Class location
St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 1465 Grand Avenue
OCIA gathers at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 1465 Grand Avenue. Ask the office for the current room.
Instructor
Marty Dursse
Director of Religious Education
Marty coordinates Religious Education for the parish. Call (503) 325-3671 or write to marty@stmaryastoria.com. Office hours: Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (closed Mondays).
Important dates
Inquiry
You may begin with a conversation at any time. No one is rushed.
Weekly classes
Classes are weekly and begin in the Fall.
The rites
The Church celebrates conversion through prayerful rites along the way.
Continue
Related pages.
FAQ
Questions, asked plainly.
There is no such thing as being 'Catholic enough' to begin. OCIA is for those who are curious, returning, searching, or standing at the threshold. You do not need a polished faith to walk through the door. You only need a willingness to come and see.
Registration
Call the parish office at (503) 325-3671, write to Marty Dursse at marty@stmaryastoria.com, or use the contact page. Registration for Religious Education begins in August.
Marty Dursse, Director of Religious Education, or the parish office will listen to your story and help you take a first step.
Quaerite et invenietis
Begin with a conversation.
Tell us which program you are asking about. The first step is simply to be in touch.
Or write to us on the contact page.