what the church teaches
Discovering the Heart of Catholicism
"What the Church Teaches" is St. John the Baptist’s answer to OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) formation, while also providing an opportunity for all parishioners to continue learning and growing in their Catholic faith.
Whether you are exploring the Catholic faith, preparing to become Catholic, or are a lifelong Catholic who wants to deepen your understanding of what the Church teaches, you are warmly invited to join us!
Each session offers practical teaching on the Catholic faith, with opportunities for discussion, questions, and deeper reflection. Those journeying through OCIA will participate in the full series as part of their formation. Parishioners are welcome to join us for continued faith formation and can choose the topics that interest them most. Simply look at the weekly schedule and come learn about the topics you would like to explore.
This is also a wonderful opportunity to invite someone to learn with you—a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker who has questions about Catholicism or is curious to learn more.
WEEKLY SESSIONS:
- Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
- In the Parish Life Center
- Sundays after the 11:00 AM Mass
- In the Lounge
BEGINS SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2026
SEE THE FULL SCHEDULE AND TOPICS BELOW
Please contact us if you are interested in entering the Church and you've missed the start date!
Full Schedule
SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER
Week 1 — Welcome, Intro, Tour the Church
- Wednesday, September 9
- Sunday, September 13
Week 2 — Why Do I Need the Church?The Mystery of the Catholic Church
- Wednesday, September 16
- Sunday, September 20
Week 3 — Salvation, Justification, Merit & the Paschal Mystery
- Wednesday, September 23
- Sunday, September 27
Week 4 — Relationship with the Trinity & Prayer
- Wednesday, September 30
- Sunday, October 4
Week 5 — Sacred Scripture & Sacred Tradition
- Wednesday, October 7
- Sunday, October 11
Week 6 — Faith, Hope & Charity: The Theological Virtues
- Wednesday, October 14
- Sunday, October 18
Week 7 — Sacraments: Baptism & Confirmation
- Wednesday, October 21
- Sunday, October 25
Week 8 — Sacraments: Eucharist — The Source & Summit of Christian Life
- Wednesday, October 28
- Sunday, November 1
Week 9 — Sacraments: Eucharist (Part II)
- Wednesday, November 4
- Sunday, November 8
Week 10 — Sacraments: Penance
- Wednesday, November 11
- Sunday, November 15
Week 11 — Sacraments: Matrimony & Holy Orders
- Wednesday, November 18
- Sunday, November 22
Week 12 — Thanksgiving Break & Advent Begins
- Wednesday, November 25 — No Class (Thanksgiving Break)
- Sunday, November 29 — First Sunday of Advent
DECEMBER - JANUARY
Week 12 — Liturgical Calendar: Seasons & Liturgy (Differences in the Mass)
- Wednesday, December 2
- Sunday, December 6
Week 13 — Walk Through the Mass: Part 1
- Wednesday, December 9
- Sunday, December 13 — Attend Mass as a Group
Week 14 — Walk Through the Mass: Part 2
- Wednesday, December 16
Week 15 — Rite of Anointing of the Catechumen & Sacraments Q&A
- Sunday, December 20
Christmas Break — No Class
- December 23–January 3
Week 16 — Catholic Moral Teaching Forming Conscience, Natural Law & Commandments 1–3
- Wednesday, January 6
- Sunday, January 10
Week 17 — Catholic Moral Teaching Commandments 4–10
- Wednesday, January 13
- Sunday, January 17
Week 18 — Catholic Social Teaching (Catholic Social Teaching in Action (Food Pantry, Service Projects, etc.))
- Wednesday, January 20
- Sunday, January 24
Week 19 — Catholic Morality (Q&A Catholic Social Teaching in Action (Food Pantry, Service Projects, etc.))
- Wednesday, January 27
- Sunday, January 31
FEBRUARY - MARCH
Week 21 — Ash Wednesday, Lent & Liturgical Prayer
- Wednesday, February 10
- Sunday, February 14
Week 22 — Creed / Examination of Conscience & Reconciliation Walk Through
- Wednesday, February 17
- Sunday, February 21
Week 23 — The Four Last Things
Spiritual Combat, Church Militant, Church Suffering & Church Triumphant
- Wednesday, February 24
- Sunday, February 28
Weekend Retreat : The Deadly Sins & Seven Lively Virtues
- Friday, February 26– Saturday, February 27
Week 24 — No Wednesday Class (Retreat Weekend)
- Wednesday, March 3 — No Class
- Sunday, March 7
Week 25 — Redemptive Suffering & Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
- Wednesday, March 10
- Sunday, March 14
Week 26 — Prayer & Devotions
- Wednesday, March 17
- Sunday, March 21
Week 27 — Easter Triduum Preparation & Q&A Panel | Blessing of Religious Articles
- Wednesday, March 24
- Saturday, March 27 — Easter Vigil
Easter Week — No Class
- Sunday, March 28– Wednesday, March31
APRIL - MAY
Week 28 — Divine Mercy Sunday Chaplet of Divine Mercy & The Lord’s Prayer on Forgiveness
- Wednesday, April 7
- Sunday, April 11
Week 29 — Who Is Jesus to You? The Priesthood of the People
- Wednesday, April 14
- Sunday, April 18
Week 30 — Being Catholic in a Non-Catholic World | Evangelization: The Call of the Good Shepherd
- Wednesday, April 21
- Sunday, April 25
Week 31 — Ecumenism & Other Religions
Evangelization
- Wednesday, April 28
- Sunday, May 2
Week 32 — Eucharist: A Model for Virtue
Living in Virtue
- Wednesday, May 5
- Sunday, May 9
Week 33 — God’s Plan for You
Discernment Through Prayer, Vocation & Becoming a Saint
- Wednesday, May 12
- Sunday, May 16
Week 34 — Pentecost & Adoration
How and Why We Adore
- Wednesday, May 19
- Sunday, May 23
Week 35 — Called & Gifted Seminar
- Wednesday, May 26
- Seminar Details TBA
SUMMER
We will host 6-8 What the Church Teaches Sessions over the summer. Details TBA
