Twenty Catholic Central students were officially welcomed into the Catholic Church through the Order of Christian Initiation of Teens (OCIT) process today during a school-wide Mass of Initiation, led by Bishop Jeffrey Monforton.

“This year, we had seven baptisms and 13 confirmations! We had seven seniors go through the process, and they came with mature and moving accounts of how God worked in their lives during their time at CC and in interesting ways in the past year. These encounters with Christ led them to their desire for initiation into the Catholic faith or to complete their initiation,” stated Theology Teacher, Rebecca Joseph. 

She continued, “The younger members have grown and have asked great questions. They truly have examined their hearts to make this important decision.” 

The Order of Christian Initiation of Teens (OCIT) at Catholic Central provides a meaningful opportunity for students who wish to grow in their faith and become fully initiated into the Catholic Church. Designed specifically for teenagers, this program reflects the adult OCIA process, offering a supportive and structured path for those seeking Baptism, First Communion, or Confirmation. 

Throughout the school year, students meet every other week with guidance from the Basilian Fathers and dedicated faculty and staff. Their journey leads to a special Easter season Mass, where they are joyfully welcomed into the Church community.

Congratulations to the following OCIT members honored during the Mass of Initiation:

• Dylan Fairchild ‘26
• Elijah Gutierrez ‘27
• Liam Day ‘28
• Ryan Locey ‘26
• Rafe Velasquez ‘27
• Brayden Tittensor ‘27
• Jacob Stankewicz '25
• Nick Edwards ‘26
• Gavin Swinea ‘27
• James Glackin ‘25
• Billy Shaw ‘25
• Jared Rioux ‘27
• Jake Matigian ‘25
• Andrew Stankewicz ‘27
• Jalen Montlouis ‘27
• Brendan Costello ‘28
• Nick Leiter ‘25
• Dylan Young ‘25
• Gianluca Gedeon ‘27
• Connor Lukas ‘25

“On our part as leaders, we have felt privileged and blessed to have been able to hear their conversion stories, to pray with and for them, and to have walked with them through the rites, the questions, and the details. It is a humbling and joyful experience to watch God work in their lives,” Rebecca shared. 

For more information about the OCIT process, please visit our Becoming Faith page.