At the Basilica of Saint Peter, we believe it is never too late to begin a relationship with God. For students between the ages of 7 and 16 who have not yet been baptized, we lovingly refer to them as our Seeds. Just as a tiny seed has the potential to grow into something beautiful, these students are planting the seeds of faith that, with God's grace, will continue to grow throughout their lives.

 

Our Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC) program is designed to nurture that growth. Students enrolled in OCIC will attend Religious Education with their grade-level peers each week but will be excused once a month for focused instruction as they prepare to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, First Reconciliation, and First Holy Communion.

 

Throughout the year, students will discover God's immense love for them as they learn the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church. They will develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer, participate in Eucharistic Adoration with their peers, explore opportunities to serve in parish ministries, and grow in their understanding of the sacraments and the life of the Church.

 

Our hope is that these young disciples will not only receive the Sacraments of Initiation but also continue to cultivate the seed of faith that has been planted in their hearts, allowing it to flourish for the rest of their lives.

 

The OCIC curriculum is designed to support, not replace, the essential role parents have in their child’s Catholic formation. Parents are the first and most important teachers of the faith, and their example at home provides the foundation upon which classroom learning can grow. Our parish catechists guide students through weekly lessons, prayer, and faith formation, while parents continue nurturing their child’s relationship with God through participation in Sunday Mass, family prayer, meaningful conversations about faith, and by living as examples of Christ’s love. Together, the parish and families work hand in hand to help students grow in their faith, deepen their relationship with God, and become active members of His Church.