Faith Formation

OCIA
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a gradual process by which adults ordinarily become incorporated to the Catholic Church. It is marked with a series of steps (formal rites) celebrated in a context of learning the faith and spiritual formation. The rites gradually incorporate the person into the body of Christ, the Church.
Who can be in OCIA?
- An unbaptized adult who feels God’s call to the Catholic Church (catechumen)
- Baptized Catholic adults who need to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist and/or Confirmation
- Those baptized in other Christian churches and seek full communion with the Roman Catholic Church
- Non-practicing Catholics who want to return to the church and deepen their faith
- One in an interfaith marriage and wants to understand the family’s Catholic faith better
Duration
Embracing the Catholic Faith is a call from God. He calls in different ways and at different times. Thus, one can begin the process at any time. The conversion journey is always personal, shaped and influenced by many factors. Individuals vary in their needs and readiness.
If you are interested in learning more about our OCIA, please, contact any of our Pastors or call Sr. Elizabeth Wanyoike, ESM (Adult Faith Coordinator) at St. John Neumann Catholic Church’s office 865-966-4540.
The next sessions start on Wednesday, Sept. 10 th , 2025 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.
You can sign up here: https://forms.gle/4mJN4XnjV9AKubLV8
Group Studies
Ongoing Adult Fatih Formation Programs: Fall 2025
OCIA Candidates: Classes on Wednesdays: 09/10/25- 12/14/25
1. Deeping our Faith: Metanoia (11 session) Mondays 8: 30 -10:00 am
2. Deeping Our Faith: What We believe: the Beauty of the Catholic
Church (10 sessions) Tuesdays 6: 30-8: 00 pm
3. The Biblical Root and Sacraments (11 Sessions) Mondays 7: 00-9: 00
pm)
4. The Biblical Root and Sacraments (11 Sessions) Tuesdays 10am –
12pm.
5. Ladies Bible Study Wednesday 10 am – 12 pm
6. Ladies Bible Study Thursday morning 9 am-11 am
7. That Man Is You (TMIY): Men’s program: Saturdays: 6: 30 -8:00 am.
8. She Shall be Called Woman (SHE) Women’s program: 6: 30 -8:00 am.
9. Seniors Activities (TBD)
10. Advent Program and Retreat on Jubilee of Hope – (TBD)
If you are interested in learning more about these opportunities, please check the church bulletin or contact Sister Elizabeth at the church office at 865-966-4540 or by email at srelizabeth@sjnknox.org
Religious Education
“Let the children come to me. Do not hinder them. The kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
Jesus calls us to know and to follow Him. The primary aim of St. John Neumann’s parish religious education program is directed toward this mission so that children may grow in faith, hope, and love as His true disciples. Through an array of teaching methods, children are introduced to the Blessed Trinity, Prayer, Scripture, and Tradition, and as a result, come to know and love God.
For more information on the SJN religious education program, sacramental preparation, or to volunteer, contact the Parish Office or visit the Religious Education page.

Men’s Ministry
“That Man is You!” is one of the country’s leading Catholic men’s programs sweeping across the Nation in over 700 parishes. “That Man is You” combines Scripture, solid research about the trends of your contemporary world, and a little fun to address the pressures and temptations facing men in our modern culture. The ministry’s goal is twofold.
- Form authentic leaders who will be capable of transforming men, who in turn can transform their families and homes.
- Provide Catholic men the tools they need to lead themselves and their families to live a life of virtue.
A completely new TMIY program begins September 9, 2023 – new speakers, new topics, new theme!
Thy Kingdom Come – View Promo Video Here
This new year brings dynamic speakers from a range of backgrounds. The Fight of Faith equips and enables men to engage in the cosmic, spiritual battle raging in our day. Men will rediscover and reclaim their identities as soldiers, saints, brothers, disciples, sons of God and friends of Christ.
Now is the perfect time to join or re-join TMIY!
A list of speakers and a summary of topics for Thy Kingdom Come are available by downloading the brochure HERE.
Please Join Us! Contact Bruce Soderberg at bwsoderberg@gmail.com or Rich Cataldi at cdrcataldi@tds.net