CCD – Faith Formation for Catholic Children

The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD), commonly known as Catechism, provides religious education for Catholic children attending secular schools. It serves as a vital faith formation program, supporting families in their responsibility to raise their children within the Catholic faith.

Faith Formation & Parental Support

CCD assists parents and godparents in fostering a child's spiritual growth and understanding of Catholic teachings. Education is provided by both clergy and lay staff, known as Catechists, who lead faith formation classes and service activities designed to help students grow closer to Jesus Christ.

More Than Just Religious Education

Faith formation through CCD is more than studying another subject—it is a way of life. Classes aim to:

Develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Deepen knowledge of Catholic teachings, traditions, and scripture. Prepare students to live as disciples of Christ who know and love Him. Through CCD, families and students become more connected to Christ and the Church, ensuring a lifelong foundation in faith.

Preparing for reception of sacraments at St. Margaret Mary follows a structured process. It is a minimum two-year journey for children under 18 and a one-year program for adults, ensuring each participant deepens their faith, understanding, and connection with the Church community.

Holy Communion & Confirmation Preparation (Age: 07-18)

Year 1: Learning About Our Faith

• Duration: September to May
• Schedule: 1 class per week (Sundays, 1 hour)
• Total Sessions: Approximately 33 (may vary due to holidays)
• Focus: Understanding Catholic teachings, traditions, and scripture

Year 2: Sacrament Preparation

• Duration: September to May
• Schedule: 1 class per week (Sundays, 1 hour)
• Total Sessions: Approximately 33 (may vary due to holidays)
• Focus: Preparing for First Eucharist (children) or Confirmation (teens)

OCIA – 7-Month Program (for adults seeking Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation)

• Duration: September to Easter Vigil
• Schedule: 1 class per week (Sundays, 1 hour)
• Sessions: May vary due to holidays
• Focus: Catechesis, spiritual formation, and sacramental preparation

Adult Confirmation – 15-Week Program (for adults seeking Confirmation only)

• Duration: Ash Wednesday to May
• Schedule: 1 class per week (Sundays, 1 hour)
• Focus: Preparing adults for Confirmation
• Strengthening Families & Community

These programs ensure families remain engaged in the faith together, fostering growth, learning, and community involvement. By providing structured education, catechesis, and parish connections, participants develop a lifelong relationship with Christ and the Catholic Church.

Children begin their faith journey in Year 1 with a foundational prep course. In Year 2, they receive Reconciliation and First Communion, deepening their understanding of the sacraments.

Families are strongly encouraged to continue their child’s enrollment in the Family Formation program for post-sacramental growth before entering Confirmation Year I. This ensures a strong, continuous faith formation experience.

The Confirmation program helps high school students deepen their faith and prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, strengthening their relationship with Christ and their commitment to the Church.

Year 1 (Typically Begins in 9th-12th Grade)

Students begin their journey by attending classes and Youth Group meetings, building a strong foundation in Catholic teachings. This year focuses on:

• Church History and key foundational principles
• Understanding the Sacraments and their significance
• Strengthening faith formation through past lessons
• Engaging in outreach and service projects within the community

Year 1 encourages active participation and spiritual growth, helping students connect with their faith in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Year 2 (Typically Begins in 10th-12th Grade)

Candidates must complete Year 1 before progressing to Year 2, which deepens their faith and prepares them for Confirmation. This stage includes:

• Regular classes and an immediate prep course before receiving the sacrament
• Learning about the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy
• Exploring the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and how they guide daily life
• Embracing their role as disciples of Christ
• Selecting a Saint and Sponsor for spiritual guidance
• Participating in Youth Group meetings and service projects

Year 2 focuses on living out Catholic values, strengthening prayer and personal spiritual growth, and preparing students to fully embrace their faith.

Students Starting in 12th Grade

Students who begin Confirmation Year 1 in 12th grade may need to adjust their timeline based on parish guidelines. If they cannot complete both years before graduation, they will transition to the adult Confirmation program, which offers a flexible pathway to receiving the sacrament while ensuring proper catechesis.

Confirmation for Those Not in High School

Those who are out of high school or over the age of 18 will need to attend the adult Confirmation course, ensuring they receive proper catechesis and preparation for the sacrament.

OCIA – Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

Adults who have not been baptized or have not received First Eucharist and wish to be confirmed are invited to participate in OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), formerly known as RCIA. Because these individuals need multiple sacraments, the OCIA process provides the necessary formation and preparation to help them fully enter the Catholic faith.

OCIA is for anyone who:

Seeks a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith.

Wishes to convert to Catholicism from another Christian denomination.

Wants to receive their Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation).

The OCIA process includes catechesis, spiritual formation, and liturgical rites, guiding individuals toward a deeper understanding of Catholic teachings and traditions. Through this journey, participants grow in faith, knowledge, and community, preparing to fully embrace the Catholic Church.

OCIC – Initiation for Children

Children ages 7 and older who have not received Baptism and Communion will participate in OCIC (Order of Christian Initiation for Children). 

This program spans two years, ensuring young candidates receive the proper catechesis and spiritual formation before receiving their sacraments.

OCIC helps children:

Learn about Catholic teachings and traditions.

Grow in faith and understanding of the sacraments.

Prepare for Baptism and First Eucharist in a supportive environment.

This program lays a strong foundation for their continued faith journey within the Church.