ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH
  • ABOUT
    • Our History
    • Our Mission
    • Our Team
    • Becoming Catholic
    • Parishioner Registration
    • Mass and Penance Times
    • Employment Opportunities
  • SACRAMENTS
    • Baptism
    • Penance
    • Eucharist
    • Confirmation
    • Matrimony
    • Holy Orders
    • Anointing of the Sick
  • FORMATION
    • Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
    • Faith Formation (CCD)
    • Youth Group
    • Become Catholic (OCIA)
    • Encounter the Eucharist
    • Eucharistic Adoration
    • Spiritual Direction
  • HEALING
    • Annulment
    • Bereavement
    • Sick and Homebound
    • Prayer Chain
  • STEWARDSHIP
    • Parish Organizations
    • Altar Servers
    • Gifts of Time and Talent
    • Food Pantry
  • GIVE
  • NEWS & EVENTS
    • Bulletins and Newsletters
    • Calendars
    • Parish Thanksgiving Dinner
    • Annual Diocesan Appeal
    • Flocknote
  • ABOUT
    • Our History
    • Our Mission
    • Our Team
    • Becoming Catholic
    • Parishioner Registration
    • Mass and Penance Times
    • Employment Opportunities
  • SACRAMENTS
    • Baptism
    • Penance
    • Eucharist
    • Confirmation
    • Matrimony
    • Holy Orders
    • Anointing of the Sick
  • FORMATION
    • Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
    • Faith Formation (CCD)
    • Youth Group
    • Become Catholic (OCIA)
    • Encounter the Eucharist
    • Eucharistic Adoration
    • Spiritual Direction
  • HEALING
    • Annulment
    • Bereavement
    • Sick and Homebound
    • Prayer Chain
  • STEWARDSHIP
    • Parish Organizations
    • Altar Servers
    • Gifts of Time and Talent
    • Food Pantry
  • GIVE
  • NEWS & EVENTS
    • Bulletins and Newsletters
    • Calendars
    • Parish Thanksgiving Dinner
    • Annual Diocesan Appeal
    • Flocknote
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​OCIA (formerly RCIA)

Want to learn more about the Catholic faith?
Most people struggle to find community.

We are your home for finding God so that you don’t just find another place, but a family.
Our goal is to prepare all participants to apply Christian values to their daily lives.
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Kyle Bachman, father of a preschooler and children in Kindergarten & 3rd Gr. at SMS
​I made the decision to enroll in RCIA (OCIA)  when my daughter was beginning her 1st grade year at St. Mary’s School. Not being raised Catholic, I wanted to know more about what she would be learning in school when it came to her faith. I also felt ready to find my way back to connecting with God. Deciding to do OCIA was one of the most important things I have ever done. It was a huge step in my life that has led me back to actively practicing my faith and being closer with Jesus than I ever have been. 
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Ryan Carley, father of children in Grades 6, 4, and Kindergarten at SMS
​When my children began to attend St. Mary’s School, I knew that they would receive a top-notch education. However, I did not have a complete understanding of the Catholic teachings that would be presented. While growing up, I attended a church of another denomination. Because of my unfamiliarity with the Catholic faith, I was concerned that it would be difficult for me to explain concepts they were taught at school. If you are uncertain about Catholicism or have questions about it, I would highly recommend taking the RCIA (OCIA) classes.
OCIA is an adult education program. But it is much more than a program. It is a learning and loving process, in which conversion of the heart brings one to Jesus Christ.
OCIA is an opportunity:
– For those who have not been baptized.
– For those who have been baptized, but have little affiliation with the Catholic Religion.
– For those who want to learn and ask questions about the Catholic Faith.

​Through bi-weekly meetings, those attending gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Catholic beliefs and practices. All are welcome and there is no obligation to make any commitment to become Catholic. There is no charge to attend OCIA classes. Classes will begin after Labor Day. For more information, please send us a message.
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St. Mary's Catholic Church
Father Robert Rayson, Pastor
119 E. Howard St., Pontiac, IL 61764
Phone (815) 844-7683
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  • ABOUT
    • Our History
    • Our Mission
    • Our Team
    • Becoming Catholic
    • Parishioner Registration
    • Mass and Penance Times
    • Employment Opportunities
  • SACRAMENTS
    • Baptism
    • Penance
    • Eucharist
    • Confirmation
    • Matrimony
    • Holy Orders
    • Anointing of the Sick
  • FORMATION
    • Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
    • Faith Formation (CCD)
    • Youth Group
    • Become Catholic (OCIA)
    • Encounter the Eucharist
    • Eucharistic Adoration
    • Spiritual Direction
  • HEALING
    • Annulment
    • Bereavement
    • Sick and Homebound
    • Prayer Chain
  • STEWARDSHIP
    • Parish Organizations
    • Altar Servers
    • Gifts of Time and Talent
    • Food Pantry
  • GIVE
  • NEWS & EVENTS
    • Bulletins and Newsletters
    • Calendars
    • Parish Thanksgiving Dinner
    • Annual Diocesan Appeal
    • Flocknote