If you are interested in learning more about your child Becoming Catholic, please read through the information below. Children who are at least 7 years old and in grades 1st - 12th grade and have not been baptized or were baptized in another faith are eligible to become members of the Catholic Church through the program – OCIA: BECOMING CATHOLIC. In accordance with the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, St. Anthony's prepares children over a two year period.

The first year, the child/teen must regularly attend formation classes corresponding to their grade level. Children should also attend Mass weekly with their families. If your child/teen has not received any formation up to this point, begin by enrolling them in a year of Faith Formation/Life Teen during open registration in the fall from August 1st to August 31st. Visit ap.church/registration.

The second year, the child/teen must regularly attend the "Becoming Catholic" program corresponding to their grade level. Children should also attend Mass weekly with their families. Enrolled children and teens who haven’t been baptized in any faith will receive Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation during the Easter Vigil Mass. Children and teens who were baptized in a faith other than Catholic will make a Profession of Faith, and receive First Holy Communion and Confirmation during the Divine Mercy Sunday Mass. Child and parent(s) will meet with program administrators before beginning the second year to ensure readiness for this program.

7 Years to 8th Grade

• YEAR 1 : Child will attend weekly Faith Formation classes. Open registration is in the fall from August 1st to August 31st. Elementary sessions are offered on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays for 2nd-5th grades. Intermediate/Junior High session time is Sunday afternoon for 6th-8th grades. Visit ap.church/registration for more information and to sign up.
  

• YEAR 2 : For children who are eligible to continue, the second year consists of the following components for the family to attend.

  • OCIA participants and their families will sit together at the 9:00AM Mass on Sundays.

  • During Mass, children are dismissed after the homily (around 9:30AM) for Breaking Open the Word (BOW).

  • After Mass/Breaking Open the Word, children attend a weekly session until 11:15AM.

  • Parents join the children for once-a-month family sessions after attending the 9AM Mass.

  • Parents and children attend once-a-month Sacrament Preparation sessions on a selected Tuesday or Wednesday evening.

9th to 12th Grade

OCIA high school-aged teens will participate in Youth Ministry programs for 2 years in preparation for initiation/reception in the Catholic Church. 

• YEAR 1 : Teen will attend 6PM Mass weekly followed by Life Teen Year 1 Sessions. Life Teen is offered on Sunday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00PM only. Life Teen Year 1 registration is from August 1^st through August 31^st. Visit stanthonyym.org/lifeteen for more information and to register.

  
  

• YEAR 2 : For teens who are determined ready to continue, the second year consists of the following components: 

  • OCIA Teen participants will attend Sunday Mass weekly.

  • Teens will attend weekly Confirmation Classes which take place on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30PM. Visit www.stanthonyym.org/confirmationyear2 for more information and to register. 

  • On designated Sundays (approximately once a month), teen Catechumens will attend the 6PM Mass and will be dismissed after the homily (around 6:30PM) for Breaking Open the Word (BOW). 

  • Throughout the 2^nd year of preparation, teen Catechumens and their Sponsors will attend specifically designated Masses to participate in a RITE or SCRUTINY.