The Cluster Parishes Adult Formation programs are designed to support a wide range of people interested in exploring or learning more about the Catholic Faith:
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, commonly referred to as "OCIA", is the normal process through which individuals age 7 and older may join the Catholic Church.
People desiring to join the Catholic Church often fall into one of three general categories: those who are not baptized in any Christian faith tradition, those who are baptized in a non-Catholic Christian faith, and those who are baptized Catholic but may not have completed the remaining sacraments of initiation (Confirmation and Eucharist).
The OCIA process has several distinct stages, which include periods of initial discernment and inquiry, structured faith formation, prayer, and community-building to help those considering becoming Catholic.
We are always looking for volunteers to help guide those on the OCIA journey! Practicing, fully initiated Catholics are invited to share their faith and serve as sponsors for those individuals who are completing the OCIA process.
Classes normally begin each September and continue through the year, culminating in full reception into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass.
To register, please complete the OCIA Registration Form for Adults and return the form to Katherine Kardok at adultformation@clusterparishes.com or in person.
Special Note for Non-Baptized Children Seven Years of Age and Older
Non-baptized children ages 7 through 17 are considered adults by the Catholic Church for the purposes of preparing for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Special catechesis is available for children ages 7 though 17 and is conducted at an age-appropriate level of instruction. These students will meet once per month on Wednesday evenings in addition to their foundational Sunday formation classes. For non-baptized children ages 7 through17, please complete the OCIA Registration Form for Children and return the form to Sonia Sorto at christianformation@clusterparishes.com or in person at our offices located at Church of the Resurrection.
Adults: Our 2024-2025 series of classes will meet Thursday evenings at Church of the Resurrection from 6:30pm - 8:00pm beginig September 11th
Children ages 7-15: Our 2024-2025 series of classes will meet once per month on Wednesday evenings at Church of the Resurrection from 5:00-6:30pm beginning September 18th.
Cluster Catechumen Baptismal Registry (For adults requiring baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation)
Cluster First Eucharist and Confirmation Registry (For baptized adults requiring First Eucharist and Confirmation)
Cluster Confirmation Registry (For adults requiring Confirmation only)
Affidavit Regarding Reception of Sacraments (For adults having difficulty obtaining documentation of their non-Catholic baptism)
Godparent-Sponsor Attestation Form - OCIA (For a person's chosen sponsor or Godparent to complete)
Returning Catholics
If you have been away from the Catholic Church for whatever reason, or if you feel that in some way the Church left you, we invite you back to take another look. Our Catholic community of faith cares about you: We love you and we miss you!
- We offer one-on-one meetings for anyone who wishes to explore their faith after having been away from regular Mass attendance. In these meetings, you can discuss your questions and concerns in a confidential environment and be assisted with your individual needs. Contact Katherine Kardok at adultformation@clusterparishes.com or call the office to speak with her. Please download this brochure and print it as a two-sided document. It is designed to be a tri-fold.
- New this fall, we are offering a study group for anyone who is returning to the Catholic Church and feels that there are gaps in their faith formation. Rooted in Faith will meet at Church of the Resurrection on Tuesday evenings beginnning September 10th, from 6:30-7:30pm. the group will study topics such as scripture, sacraments, Church doctrine, Fathers and Doctors of the Church, heresies, the Mass, Jesus, Mary, the saints, and much more. For more information about Rooted in Faith, contact Theresa Carpenter at tcarpenter@clusterparishes.com.
Continuing Adult Formation
WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY
The women's bible study meets at 10 am at The Church of the Resurrection in Caroluzza Hall. For more information on joining the group contact Katherine Kardok at adultformation@clusterparishes.com
THE MEN OF SAINT JOSEPH
This is a men's group that meets on Saturday mornings at 7:30 am at The Church of the Resurrection in Caroluzza Hall. The Men of St. Joseph is an association of Christian men, united under the Catholic Church, who meet weekly to pray together and encourage each other to be the spiritual leaders of their families. The purpose of the Men of Saint Joseph is to inspire and equip men to be spiritual leaders in their homes. The goal is to become stronger in our relationship with Christ and in our faith so we can help get ourselves and our families to heaven.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT ADULT FORMATION 2024-2025
On Wednesday nights from 7:00-8:00 pm, we gather at Church of the Resurrection to learn more about our faith. Our studies this year will be:
September 11-November 20: James: Pearls for Wise Living. This is a bible study from Ascension Press. Please pre-order your workbook on the Ascension website, www.ascensionpress.com. If you want to attend but the price is a bit steep for you, please contact Katherine Kardok and we will help you out.
January 8-February 12: True Reformers: Saints of the Catholic Reformation. This is a series offered through Formed.org. No workbook required.
March 12-April 9: A Biblical walk Through Christ's Passion. This is a bible study from Ascension Press. Please pre-order your study set on the Ascension website, www.ascensionpress.com. If you want to attend but the price is a bit steep for you, please contact Katherine Kardok and we will help you out.
April 30-June 11: Who is Mary? This will be a compilation of several study offerings. No workbook required.
Additional Adult Formation Opportunities
Saturday, November 9, 1:00 pm: Catholic art tour at the Chrysler Museum.
March TBD: Parish Mission: stay tuned as we finalize our plans!