Regis Penn ’25

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This year, a few students have sought to enter the fullness of the Church instituted by Christ and His apostles by enrolling in the Order of Catholic Initiation of Adults (OCIA). Strake Jesuit partners with St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church for this initiation process. The class meets on Sundays at the parish before Mass and discusses the sacraments, Catholic teachings, and Catholic life to prepare students for becoming Catholic.

The St. Michael’s director of the youth and young adult apostolate, Chris Hart, notes that this partnership began when “Mr. Barboza and Mr. DeLeon [theology faculty from St. Thomas High School] presented a problem to Fr. Bart [St. Micheal’s Pastor]: many young men have strong faith, but they face unnecessary hurdles when entering the church.” In years past, students had to contact their local parish and attend weekly courses for about a year before entering the Church. 

Fr. Bart and Mr. Hart eagerly sought to meet the needs of these students, offering that they “come to St. Michaels!” The OCIA course offered at St. Michael’s allows “students who are participating to stay in their school cohorts.” Hart emphasizes that “accountability from friends is a key element.” The Strake Jesuit and St. Thomas students in this OCIA process together form “The Men of St. Michaels.”

Because Strake Jesuit students are already well catechized through our theology curriculum, the process is, according to Mr. Barboza, “highly customized,” an expedited version of the typical year-long OCIA program.

However, due to the course’s expedited nature, Mr. Hart has asked that “students attend sessions with regularity and ensure this is something you are serious about.” Students who are simply inquiring about the faith can enter the traditional OCIA course that concludes in November.

The Men of St. Michael’s have chosen to enter the Church for a number of reasons. Although Logan Warner ‘26 once believed “Christianity was foolish,” his Jesuit education has changed his views. “Learning about Thomas Aquinas’ five ways, the fact that Christian scientists contributed to the theories of evolution and the big bang theory, and what the Church really believed opened the doors to finding my faith,”

The deep truths of the Catholic faith draw many agnostics, Protestants, and people of other religious backgrounds to the Church. Dir. Hart added, “We believe in the fullness of the Catholic faith, in which the seven sacraments are a key element.”

Hart expects that St. Micheals “will be initiating or welcoming at least 20 committed and faithful students by Easter.” At the completion of the OCIA, these students will receive the sacraments of initiation and will enter full communion with The Catholic Church. “Our humble prayer,” Mr. Hart said, “is that these young men live long lives in the fullness of truth that is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”