Adult Faith
OCIA
OCIA, Order of Initiation for Adults, is a process by which adults come into our Roman Catholic Community. OCIA draws its model from the Acts of the Apostles whereby the early Church welcomed new members. What is more, OCIA is also open to persons already Catholic, but who may be interested in learning more about the richness of our faith. We welcome those who may be interested in observing any of the classes.
Keep in mind that OCIA is totally voluntary; you can participate in some or all of the weekly sessions. Consider spending time on your spiritual future; it lasts forever!
Sessions to begin October 21, 2025 and will meet Tuesdays at 6:00 PM
If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Dcn. Mike Sigwalt (msigwalt23@gmail.com / (309) 502-9243) (or) the Church office: 309-944-5393.
7 Reasons Someone Might Participate in OCIA:
A non-Catholic who has decided to become Catholic or is considering doing so…
A non-Catholic who has not decided to become Catholic, but is interested in learning more about what the Catholic Church actually believes and teaches…
A non-Catholic who has married a Catholic and is interested in learning more about their spouse’s faith, whether or not they have decided to become Catholic…
A non-Catholic parent(s) who has decided to send their child(ren) to a Catholic school and is interested in learning more about the faith about which their child(ren) is being taught…
A Catholic parent(s) who understands their role as first educator of their child(ren) in the faith, leading to a desire to renew or deepen their own faith formation…
A Catholic who has not yet received Confirmation and/or First Communion…
A Catholic who is interested in renewing of deepening their faith formation for any reason...
Bible Study
Discipleship Quads
What is a Quad?
A Quad is a small group of four people who would like to focus on strengthening their faith and learning how to be disciples of Jesus Christ, while growing in friendship with each other.
It is recommended to form a Quad with four women or four men. The Quads are for all teenage and adult parishioners, family, and friends.
Each week, the Quads prepare by reading Scripture and short lessons on the faith. Then they meet, discuss the material, and pray.
How do I form or join a Quad?
The first step is to prayerfully consider who may want to invite to a Quad. Katrina Jensen, the Quad coordinator, can also help you create a Quad.
When and where do Quads meet?
Quads meet every week for one year (or until you are done with the books). Each meeting typically lasts 1.5 hours, but the length is determined by the group. Quads can meet at the church, members' houses, or other locations of choice.
What if a member needs to miss a meeting?
The group can discuss what to do with absences. Some groups only meet when three or more members can participate; some meet with two. Some decide to move on with the lessons; some decide to wait. You will find that there are busy seasons when it’s hard to make meetings for vacations and other life events.
How long does it take to prepare for each meeting?
On average, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours each week to prepare for the meeting, although it takes participants more or less time depending on the lesson and engagement level. The recommendation is to do some of the lesson every day to space it out.
How do I get a Quad book?
Visit dquads.com to get free copy
Can we do the Quads in our Cursillo reunion groups?
It depends on the structure, flexibility, and willingness of your Cursillo group. The Quads have their own curriculum, so your Cursillo group would need to decide if they want to dedicate time to it. Maybe you could do a Quad lesson once or twice a month.
What happens after the Quad finishes their year together?
The ultimate purpose of the Quad is discipleship, so the idea is that you would pray about starting a new group with new members. The Quad curriculum remains the same for the second year.
What other tips do you have?
Share only as much as you feel comfortable. Use the book as a tool that is flexible. You can get creative. Take the time you need to get through a lesson. For example, Reading the Gospel of Luke in Weeks 8-9. Give yourself grace — your process will evolve over time. The lessons get better and better.
What do I do next if I want to create or join a Quad?
Pray about it, explore who you would like invite, and then invite them! If you need help joining a Quad, please let the Quad Coordinator know.
What if it’s not the right time for you?
Quads can start at any time. Maybe you’ll be ready in three or six months! Feel free to contact the Quad Coordinator, or attend the next informational meeting.
What else can I expect in the upcoming months?
We will have quarterly meet ups to celebrate our journey as Quad members. For more information, visit dquads.com.
Quad Coordinator: Katrina Jensen, kjensen@stmalgeneseo.org or (309) 944- 3230.