The Order of Catholic Initiation for Teens (OCIT) is program designed to assist teenagers who would like to be received into the Catholic Church or complete their sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and/or First Holy Communion).
Since sacramental preparation is a serious endeavor, there are expectations for each student in order that there are no surprises. The following are those expectations:
Attendance:
Each student is expected to:
- Attend all classes with a parent or a sponsor every week there is class.
- Accumulate no more than three unexcused absences. After the third unexcused absence, the participant will be told to stop attending and reconsider next year. Excused absences do not include: sport practices or games, extracurricular activities, birthday parties, etc.
- Understand that excused absences include sickness, graded school events, or those discussed with the instructor prior to class. Excused absences should be sent in via email) to the instructor Deacon Marques Silva and Ms. Katherine Aguilar using the email ocit@stleofairfax.com.
- Attend the Winter Retreat.
- Attend the Holy Week services.
Participation:
Each participant is expected to:
- Come prepared with:
- Textbook (provided by instructor),
- Bible (provided by instructor), and
- Spiral to take notes in (provide by student).
- Participate in all discussions and group projects.
- Complete the homework prior to class (Each week will begin with a quiz).
- Not sleep or lay one’s head upon the table – we are here to learn.
- Be dressed appropriately – pajamas, bedroom slippers, etc. are not permitted.
- Attend the scheduled interviews.
- Attend with a Parent and/or Sponsor each week we have class. Since this is a journey of faith, the parent and/or sponsor attends to support, learn and assist in answering questions.
Evaluation:
St. Leo’s is required by the Bishop to ensure and testify that each participant is adequately prepared to receive the sacraments. In order to do so, there must be an objective way of evaluating each student. This will be done through five means: class participation, assignments, weekly quizzes, Diocesan test and meeting with the instructors and interviewers. To receive the sacraments, each candidate must:
- Attend Sunday mass weekly and all holy days of obligation,
- Demonstrate they are an active part of the parish community,
- Demonstrate they have an active life of prayer pursuing holiness through the Church,
- Demonstrate that they are participating and interested in their Catholic formation, and
- Score at least 80 percent on the Diocesan quiz.
