Meet our OCIA Candidates and Catechumen 2026 -
Catholic Communities of Oak Park and Neighbors
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The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is a process to guide you in your discernment as well as a pathway to become Catholic - The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is how people can question, search, and learn about the Catholic faith. It is also the journey that leads to full initiation into the Catholic Church, which consists of receiving the three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist (First Communion).
The following are some of our OCIA Candidates and Catechumen. More will be featured in future bulletins and on this page. Please keep them in prayer!
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Marium Baker
Marium Baker is blessed to be the mom of two children. Marium’s life is dedicated to service. She will be receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist. She is choosing this to serve God.
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Jeremy Blain Hunt
Jeremy is seeking exaltation by entering the Catholic Church. Husband to a loving wife and father of three, Jeremy, is preparing for Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation. He strongly believes in justice and mercy.
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Claire Alonso
I am Claire Alonzo, a student at DePaul University studying Physics. I'm attending OCIA to prepare for my Confirmation to complete my Sacraments of Initiation.
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Daniel V. Fortuna
While lost in the darkness, I heard the call of angels and saints. Rescued by Mary, I was led to the Catholic Church. I pray: “Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.”
Married for 25 years, Daniel and his wife have one son, 20, who attends the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Daniel has been in private chiropractic, acupuncture, and bodywork practice for 25 years. “For He commands His angels with regard to you, to guard you wherever you go.” - Psalm 91:11
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Kiana Burkot
Kiana is drawn to the Catholic Church because of the way it honors and reverences Jesus. She was recently sacramentally married to her Catholic husband, Robert, which has been an important part of Kiana’s faith journey. She enjoys creative hobbies and participates in OCIA because of her love for Jesus and her desire to continue growing in faith and to live her life for the glory of God.
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Tawny Ruane
Tawny was baptized Catholic and is preparing to receive her First Communion and Confirmation. She felt called to OCIA to better understand her faith and to grow closer to God, especially after losing her dad and hoping to be closer to him in heaven. Time spent with family, travel, and experiences are how Tawny makes her favorite memories, and she looks forward to starting sewing classes after Easter!
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Sean Casselman
Sean, son of Mary Ellen and Matthew Casselman, grew up at St. Giles. Currently he is a college student studying Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity. Some of his hobbies include building/working with computers, day hiking local trails, and fishing. Sean is attending the OCIA to receive the sacrament of Confirmation in order to be closer with Jesus and be able to follow him not only through his thoughts and words, but through his actions and participation in a community of faith.
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Haley Samatas
Haley grew up in the United Church of Christ denomination in Connecticut. She came to Chicagoland originally to attend seminary school. She recently got married to her Catholic husband, and works in nonprofit fundraising. Haley is looking forward to being received into the Catholic Church and receiving the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
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Stephen Tyda
Stephen will be baptized, along with receiving First Communion, and Confirmation this Easter. He currently works at a dog daycare and is in school for a history degree.
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Tyler Ocampo
Tyler is a 24-year-old graphic designer living in River Grove. He joined OCIA to rekindle his faith after being unable to finish my sacraments as a child. He has truly appreciated the kindness, support, and guidance I’ve found within this group, from both the leaders and fellow students. He is ready to receive his sacraments.
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