816 West Broad Street, Horseheads, NY 14845
(607) 739-3817
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smomc@dor.org

Order of Christian Initiation of Children
Is OCIC Right for My Child?
OCIC is designed for children and teens (ages 7–17) preparing to receive one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation:
🕊 Baptism • 🍞 First Holy Communion • ✝️ Confirmation
OCIC is the right pathway for students who are hoping to be received into the Catholic Church, get multiple sacraments, or haven’t received formal Catholic education and would like to learn more about our faith.
When We Meet
Our Meetings are biweekly starting in September. We meet from 6:00-7:15 on Saturdays after 5:00 Mass. After Mass, walk over to the School Cafeteria or come in through the Playground side door.
Our Classes are divided up between our children, teen, and adult groups, so all OCIA candidates receive an experience that is fruitful for them!
📝 How to Register
Registration opens in summer and includes a short meeting so we can get to know you!
How to Start:
To start the journey or get more information, email us!
Email Us to Register!

How long does the program take?
The OCIC journey usually takes about one school year. Children who are ready will receive their sacraments at the Easter Vigil or a special parish celebration in the spring.
What happens in the OCIC program?
Children attend sessions multiple times a month where they:
Learn about Jesus, Scripture, and the Catholic Church
Grow in prayer and community
Prepare to receive the sacraments of Baptism (if needed), First Communion, and Confirmation
We also invite families to be involved in the journey and attend classes or receive Sacraments as well!
What if we’re new to the parish?
Welcome! We’re so glad you’re here. OCIC is open to all registered parish families. If you’re not registered yet, we can help you get started.
What if I’m not Catholic, but my child wants to become Catholic?
We welcome all families, no matter where you are in your faith journey. If your child is expressing interest in becoming Catholic, we’re here to support them and you every step of the way. The most important thing is that the child is growing up where their faith can flourish! As Catholics, we believe that the best teachers are parents! So we also invite you to dive deeper into the Catholic Faith with your child to help support their Faith journey
Is there a cost for the program?
There is no fee to join OCIC!
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