Come Forward and Complete Your Journey of Faith!
Are you or someone you know looking to deepen your faith and become fully initiated into the Catholic Church? Whether you're unbaptized, baptized in another Christian tradition, or a baptized Catholic who hasn't completed your sacraments, now is the perfect time to take the next step on your spiritual journey.
What Are the Sacraments of Initiation?
The sacraments of initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist — are the foundation of our life in Christ. Baptism welcomes us into the Christian community, Confirmation strengthens us with the Holy Spirit, and the Eucharist nourishes us with the Body and Blood of Christ.
Who Should Consider This?
Catechumens: If you've never been baptized, this is your opportunity to start your journey of faith and become a member of the Catholic Church.
Candidates: If you're already baptized, either in another Christian denomination or as a Catholic who hasn't received Confirmation or Eucharist, we invite you to come forward and complete your initiation.
How Does It Work?
Our parish offers the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) program, a welcoming and supportive process that guides you through learning about the Catholic faith, experiencing community, and preparing for the sacraments. You'll join others on a similar journey, supported by a team of dedicated parishioners. The Elect are baptized at the Easter Vigil, and Candidates complete their Confirmation and First Communion on Divine Mercy Sunday. Three Mystagogia sessions follow to help you continue growing in your new life in the Church.
2026–2027 Schedule
All sessions meet in Room #24. No experience or prior knowledge of the Catholic faith is required — come as you are.
Becoming Catholic Inquiry Sessions
Sundays 10:45am–12:15pm:
September 20th, 27th & October 4th
Weekly OCIA Sessions
Sundays 9:30am–12:15pm:
October 11, 18, 25
November 1, 8, 15, 22
December 6, 13, 20
January 10, 17, 24, 31
February 7, 14, 21, 28
March 7, 14
(No sessions over Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's weekends.)
Retreat Day
Sunday, March 21, 2027, 9:30am–3:30pm
Easter Vigil
Saturday, March 27, 2027, 8:00pm
Divine Mercy Sunday (Candidates for First Communion & Confirmation)
Sunday, April 4, 2027
Mystagogia Sessions
Sundays: April 11, 18 & 25, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost? No, there is no fee to participate in OCIA. All materials are provided.
What if I'm not ready to commit yet? Start with an Inquiry Session in September — there's no obligation. It's simply a chance to ask questions and see if OCIA is right for you.
What if my spouse or family isn't Catholic? That's completely fine. Many participants come from interfaith families, and we're happy to talk through what that looks like for your household.
Do I need to know anything about my baptism history? Not before you start — we'll help you sort that out together. Just bring what you know.
When would I actually be received into the Church? The Elect (those being baptized) are received at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, March 27, 2027 at 8:00pm. Candidates receiving First Communion and Confirmation are received the following Sunday, April 4, 2027 — the Feast of Divine Mercy. After that, everyone joins three Mystagogia sessions to continue growing in the faith as newly initiated (or newly completed) members of the Church.
Why Now?
There is no better time than now to take the next step in your faith journey. Whether you're seeking a deeper relationship with God, wanting to join a vibrant community of believers, or feeling called to complete the sacraments you started, we are here to help you.
How to Get Started
Interested, or know someone who might be? Contact Matthew Krumdrick, Director of Adult Faith Formation/OCIA, at 630-353-4531 or MKrumdrick@sjalisle.org. We'll provide all the information you need and answer any questions you might have — or just show up to an Inquiry Session in September, no RSVP required.
Encourage others to share this invitation with anyone who might benefit.
Want to Learn More on Your Own First?
√ Catholic.com — search any topic for articles, videos, and audio √ Word on Fire — Bishop Robert Barron's teaching ministry √ Bishop Robert Barron on YouTube.
An Invitation for All
Even if you're already fully initiated, you can play a vital role! Encourage friends, family, or neighbors who might be interested in deepening their faith or becoming Catholic. Your invitation could be the nudge they need to embark on this life-changing journey.
Come and be a part of our faith community's story. Let's grow in faith together and celebrate the richness of the sacraments. We look forward to walking this journey with you!
Contact Information
Matthew Krumdrick
Director of Adult Faith Formation/OCIA
Phone: 630-353-4531
Email: MKrumdrick@sjalisle.org
St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church
820 Division Street, Lisle, Illinois 60532
Main: 630-963-4500
Fax: 630-963-4568
