Our OCIA group meets on Mondays at 7PM at Assumption Church in Bellevue.  We offer an additional shortened option for baptized adults who already have a strong background in the Catholic faith on an ‘as-needed’ basis. 

Our meetings together will vary depending on your faith history and where we are in the process. OCIA includes an initial period of time for answering your most immediate and burning questions. We delve deeper into the Catholic faith as we move along. Included are lively discussions, faith sharing, prayer, catechesis, bible study and liturgical rites celebrated along the way. Classes are tailored to the needs of each group so that all are enabled, by the end, to live out an authentic practice of the faith. Classes end soon after the reception of one or more of the sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, First Eucharist and Confirmation.

Yes, you are most welcome and we would love to meet you. The inquiry period allows you to explore, discover, and discern if you wish to advance in learning more about the Catholic faith. Inquiry generally lasts up to 15 weeks, but remains available throughout the year for those not ready to move forward. If you attend a few inquiry classes and see this is not the right time to continue, there is no expectation for you to stay. You are always welcome to return for the next inquiry session if/when you feel ready. 

Absolutely! Many people bring a spouse, significant other, or friend in the faith. Very often, these ‘others’ are Catholic and express feeling enlivened in their faith through attending. Bring anyone you’d like who you think would enjoy exploring the faith, but please let us know before class so we can provide enough copies of our materials, drinks and snacks!

The length of time varies with each person and your readiness may be discerned together with a priest or member of the OCIA team. The process can last from 4 weeks up to a year or longer, if desired. Many start in September and end by receiving the sacraments at the Easter Vigil Mass in March or April, but this is not necessary for everyone. If you have been married outside of the church or are divorced, we have advocates to help you with marriage validation and annulment processes. There is no fee involved.

No. In fact, by the end you will have received a Bible, Catechism of the Catholic Church and keepsakes to remember this most special time in your life.

Get in touch with us! We can help direct you to the right place and answer any specific questions you have. 

A most common comment we hear at the end of this process is the surprise of complete peace, void of all nerves when the big day for receiving the sacraments arrives. This is a surprise because the nerves at the beginning can be very intense. God reminds us in His Word: “Be not afraid, I am with you always.” Isaiah 41:10