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Welcome HomeOrder of Christian Initiation for Adults program -
Are you thinking about becoming a Catholic?
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No matter when you begin to consider Catholicism, rest assured that God is present from the first moment of your spiritual journey. As you begin to feel a tugging at your heart or the call of "the still small voice within," God is there. In your questions and desire to know more, God is there.
There are many reasons you may yearn to deepen your relationship with God. It may be a search for meaning in life, searching for God, searching for the Truth or searching for family unity.
The decision to embrace Catholicism entails more than adopting a set of beliefs or following certain practices. Entering the Catholic Church opens us to new spiritual insights and a new understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Becoming Catholic may involve a transformation from having "no belief" to suddenly discovering what it means to be a Christian. It may be a reawakening of belief. Or for someone already committed to Christ, it may mean moving to a different dimension of belief.
The process for becoming Catholic is called the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults. It is a series of steps (formal rites) conducted in the context of learning about the faith and spiritual formation, through which a person is fully incorporated in the Body of Christ, the Catholic Church.
*Our Sunday Visitor June 2025
We also want to be there for you on your journey. To help you figure out the best path for you forward we invite you to walk through the following questionnaire. You can also reach out to us at the parish and we can talk through your path forward.
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Welcome Home · OCIA at IHM
Find your path
We are thrilled you are exploring your faith journey here at Immaculate Heart of Mary. Answer a few quick questions about your faith journey so far, and we'll point you to the right class for upcoming year.
Getting started
Have you been baptized?
In any Christian church — Catholic or otherwise.
About your baptism
Was your baptism Catholic?
Or was it in another Christian tradition — Baptist, Lutheran, non-denominational, etc.?
Sacraments so far
Which sacraments of initiation have you already received?
One last question
Are you currently attending Mass weekly, and regularly receiving Reconciliation and Communion?
Your path
Candidate Class
This class prepares you to receive the sacraments of initiation you're still missing.
- When: Tuesdays, Sept 1–Nov 17, 6:30–8:00 pm
- Where: In the church
- Bring: Your baptism certificate to the first class
- Sacraments received: 1st Sunday of Advent, late November 2026
Registration is now open.
Go to registrationNot ready to register just yet? That's completely okay.
Let's talk first →Your path
Confirmation Class
You've been baptized Catholic and received First Holy Communion, and you're an active, practicing member of the Church — this class prepares you for Confirmation.
- When: Thursdays, Oct 8–Nov 19, 6:30–8:00 pm
- Where: Holy Family Room
- Bring: Your baptism certificate to the first class
- Sacrament received: 1st Sunday of Advent, late November 2026
Registration is now open.
Go to registrationYour path
Catechumen Class
You haven't been baptized yet — this class walks you through all three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion. This class begins next February 2026, but prior to it we ask that you meet with one of our team members and/or participate in our Alpha program that starts in February.
Alpha
- When: Thursdays, Sept 24–Dec 10
- Where: Parish Hall
- Bring: Yourself
Catechumen Class
- When: Mondays, starting March 2027, 6:30–8:00 pm
- Length: Approximately 12 months
Registration is now open.
Go to registrationNot ready to register just yet? That's completely okay.
Let's talk first →Your path
You're already fully initiated
Since you've received Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation, OCIA classes aren't needed — welcome home, you're already part of the family! If you're looking to grow deeper in your faith, we'd love to have you.
Explore Adult Faith FormationYour path
Let's find out together
Whether you've been baptized — and in what tradition — can sometimes take a little digging: a family member, godparent, or your childhood church may have the record. Rather than guess, reach out and we'll help you figure out the right class before registration opens.
Email Deacon PaulOr, if you'd rather just talk it through first:
Let's talk first →Already a practicing Catholic and just want to grow deeper in the faith? Explore Adult Faith Formation instead.
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Welcome Home is an Order of Christian Initiation for Adults program for people 18 years and older at Immaculate Heart of Mary. Click to learn more about each program.
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The class will be offered starting in March, 2027 on Monday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The course will be approximately 12 months in length. Please check back in the fall of 2026 for an update.
In the mean time we ask that you meet with one of our team members and consider participating in our upcoming Alpha Program that starts September 24 to December 10 on Thursday evenings from 6:00-8:00 pm in the Parish Hall.
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This class is for adults needing their Sacraments of Confirmation and 1st Holy Communion. Registration is closed for the fall class. There will be another class held starting in January. Registration will open in December. Check back to this web page for further details.
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The students should have a good understanding of Scripture and the Catholic faith. They must be attending Mass on a regular weekly basis and receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion on a regular basis in order to be accepted into the Confirmation course.
This class will be offered from October 8 through November 19 on Thursday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Classes will be held in the Holy Family Room. You will need to present your baptism certificate at the first class. Students will receive their sacraments on the 1st Sunday of Advent in late November 2026. Registration is now open until October 8. Click here to register.
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Read what some of our former students have said about the program:
“This class has been life changing! I have family participating in the program at other parishes and I know and am confident that I am getting an A1 experience. All moderators go above and beyond to help us find and KNOW Jesus. The program is timely and organized.”
“Thank you for everything! I really enjoyed this class and I appreciate everything that you have done for me in my journey. God bless!”
“Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity. I have loved every minute of this journey and I am truly blessed and thankful to have found this church and this community.”
“Thank you for such a generous offering and welcoming into the church. The course materials and content way exceeded what I had expected when I signed up.”
“The Welcome Home OCIA workbook is full of class information and resources. I have used it extensively to learn more.”
“I was an auditor and I loved it!”
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Contact Us
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deaconpaulihmco.orgOCIA -
Tyler Eberletylereihmco.orgDirector of Evangelization and Communications -
deaconjeromeihmco.orgDeacon
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