OCIA Program for Children ages 7-13
2025-2026

​Welcome!  Are you thinking of becoming Catholic?  Are you seeking baptism for a child over the age of 7? Would you like to know about the process of becoming Catholic? 
 
The OCIA is for:
  • Unbaptized persons over the age of 7
  • Adults Baptized in another Christian faith, who wish to become Catholic
  • Baptized Catholics who wish to receive First Communion and/or Confirmation
 
 
Children in OCIA will participate in Growing Up Catholic Faith Stories Program – Jesus Lives - which meets on the first week of each month. 
 
Preparation for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist will take place on the weeks between these sessions.
 
Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist will be celebrated
​at the Easter Vigil, April 19, 8 pm, at Immaculate Conception, Hoosick Falls.
​Christian Initiation of Older Children by Sandra Figgess
 
This book prepares non-baptized children of catechetical age, with the help of a parent, to become full members of the Church.
 
The first section explores the meaning of baptism in the context of salvation history. The second explains the symbols and the ritual of baptism following the three steps on the way to full sacramental initiation as described in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. The third section looks at the Eucharist as the sacrament which nourishes the new life received in baptism.
 
 
Children's Liturgy of the Word
 
Children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered for children at the 10 AM Mass. All children are welcome and encouraged to attend.
 
Just before the Liturgy of the Word
begins, the children are sent off with a blessing. The teacher leads the children through prayers, songs and readings that are simplified for children. They return to the church for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Tentative Calendar
 
September 15– Catechetical Sunday/Parents and Catechists  Blessed at 11:30 am Mass
 
First Sunday of each Month – Family Faith Formation
 
October 20 and 27 –
Chapter 1: The Meaning of Baptism
 
November 17 and  24 –
Chapter 2: Building God’s Kingdom Together
                   
January 12 and 26
Chapter 3: The Family Feast
 
February 9 - Canceled due to Snowstorm

​March 9 – The Way to Become Christian, Sections 1 and 2
 
March 16 and 23 – Celebrating the Sacraments of Christian Initiation
 
March 30 and April 13 –
 The Sunday Celebration

Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist will be celebrated
​at the Easter Vigil, April 19, 8 pm, at Immaculate Conception, Hoosick Falls.
​