OCIA-Encounter (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) is a high school program at Our Lady of Mt Carmel designed for individuals who are not baptised or have already received the sacrament of baptism (baptismal certificate required) and are seeking to receive Frist Reconciliation, First Communion and/or Confirmation in the Catholic Church. This is a two-year process at Our Lady of Mt Carmel.
The students meet every Monday night, 7:00 pm- 8:00pm, during the school year.
The OCIA-Encounter program follows many of the Confirmation Program guidelines.
The students are expected to:
- Attend and participate in every class.
- Attend Sunday Mass.
- Engage in service projects at the parish and in the community.
- Engage in spiritual exercises outside of class.
- Select a Saint name and write a brief report.
- Choose a sponsor.
Year 1 students will prepare for their first reconciliation and first holy communion if they need to receive those sacraments. First reconciliation is held in the winter and first holy communion is held in the Spring.
Year 2 students will prepare for their Confirmation. If all requirements are met, students will receive Confirmation with the 8th grade Confirmation students in the Spring.
