YOU ARE INVITED TO SUPPORT THOSE EXPLORING THE CATHOLIC FAITH
The Basilica of Saint Mary currently has 61 people enrolled in its 2025-2026 Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) program, which prepares adults to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. Some are baptized Catholics who seek First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation. Others have Protestant backgrounds. A few have had little or no religious affiliation. Guided by the Holy Spirit, each is drawn to Christ and His one true Church, the Catholic Church. God willing, they will enter into full communion with the Catholic Church at Easter 2026.
You are invited to spiritually accompany one of these good people as a Spiritual Companion – a member of our Basilica of Saint Mary parish who has pledged to pray for the OCIA person on a regular basis. As a Spiritual Companion, you will be given the first name of an OCIA participant. That person will not be given your name or contact information but will be strengthened on their journey by knowing a Basilica parishioner is praying for them, by name. That’s powerful! You might offer a rosary or pray for them when you attend Mass; pause during the day to say a Hail Mary for them; or ask the Our Lady or a favorite saint to watch over and guide the person that day. You can pray especially for them to overcome any challenges or obstacles they face in their faith journey.
Interested in becoming an OCIA Spiritual Companion? Please email Diane at