OCIA Topic Summaries
Lesson 1: Faith
Introduces the concept of faith as a theological virtue and gift from God. Explores personal trust in God, the communal nature of belief, and the importance of nurturing faith through prayer, Scripture, and Church teaching.
Lesson 1Lesson 2: God as Mystery
Discusses God as the greatest mystery of our faith—something we participate in rather than solve. Emphasizes the mystery of God’s nature and our call to enter into relationship with Him through faith.
Lesson 2Lesson 3: Jesus Christ
Covers the identity of Jesus as both fully God and fully man. Explains how Jesus restores our relationship with God through His life, death, and resurrection.
Lesson 3Lesson 4: Mary
Explores the role of Mary in salvation history as the Mother of God. Describes how Catholics honor (not worship) Mary and understand her many titles in spiritual life.
Lesson 4Lesson 5: The Church
Describes the Catholic Church as the Body of Christ, the Bride of Christ, and the People of God. Highlights the Church’s divine origin and spiritual mission on earth.
Lesson 5Lesson 6: The Creed
Explores the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds as foundational summaries of Catholic belief, used to profess and remember the faith we share.
Lesson 6Lesson 7: The Scriptures
Introduces the Bible as the Word of God. Explains how it was written, how it's structured, and its importance in guiding the Church and personal faith.
Lesson 7Lesson 8: Covenant
Explains the sacred nature of covenants in salvation history. Distinguishes them from contracts and highlights God’s lasting promises with humanity.
Lesson 8Lesson 9: Jesus and the Old Testament
Shows how Jesus fulfills the promises of the Old Testament and brings to completion the law and the prophets as the long-awaited Messiah.
Lesson 9Lesson 10: Prayer
Explores the personal and communal practice of prayer. Teaches how we speak to and listen to God to grow in relationship with Him.
Lesson 10Lesson 11: The Mass
Teaches the meaning and structure of the Catholic Mass as the highest form of worship. Explains the Eucharist as Christ’s sacrifice made present.
Lesson 11Lesson 12: Church Items & Liturgical Year
Describes liturgical vestments and sacred vessels, and how the Church calendar marks seasons like Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter.
Lesson 12Lesson 13: Eschatology
Explores the “Four Last Things”: death, judgment, heaven, purgatory, and hell. Encourages reflection on eternal life and the choices we make now.
Lesson 13Lesson 14: Angels
Describes angels as spiritual messengers created by God. Explains their role in Scripture and Catholic belief, including guardian angels.
Lesson 14Lesson 15: Sin
Defines sin as offense against God. Discusses types of sin, its impact on our relationship with God and others, and the need for repentance and grace.
Lesson 15Lesson 16: Sacraments
Defines the seven sacraments as outward signs of inward grace. Describes their role in initiating, healing, and serving the Church and individuals in their journey of faith.
Lesson 16Lesson 17: Eucharist
Explains the sacrament of the Eucharist as the Real Presence of Christ. Emphasizes its roots in the Last Supper and its meaning as a meal, sacrifice, and communion.
Lesson 17Lesson 18: Confirmation
Highlights Confirmation as a sacrament of Christian maturity. Describes the strengthening of the Holy Spirit to live out faith actively and publicly.
Lesson 18Lesson 19: Sacraments of Healing
Covers Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. Explains how these sacraments offer forgiveness, strength, and spiritual healing in times of sin or suffering.
Lesson 19Lesson 20: Sacraments of Service
Introduces Holy Matrimony and Holy Orders as vocations of lifelong service. Describes how each sacrament supports the Church and society through self-giving love.
Lesson 20Lesson 21: Discipleship and Mission
Reflects on our baptismal call to follow Christ and share the Gospel. Encourages students to live as missionary disciples through prayer, service, and evangelization.
Lesson 21Lesson 22: Catholic Social Teaching
Outlines key principles of Catholic Social Teaching including dignity, solidarity, and care for creation. Shows how faith is lived out in the world through justice and service.
Lesson 22
