At St. Thomas High School, students on a faith journey have a new path into the Church through the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) program, offered in partnership with St. Michael Catholic Church. The program is tailored for students who are not baptized, baptized in another Christian denomination, or baptized Catholic but not yet fully catechized. OCIA offers an accessible path toward receiving the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.

While much of the education happens on campus—through biweekly lunchtime sessions and participation in the school’s vibrant sacramental life—students also attend Mass and formation sessions at St. Michael’s, connecting them to the broader life of the Church.

“The Church, in her wisdom, recognizes that as great as Catholic schools are, people need to be rooted in a parish, and that is where they should participate in the sacraments,” program leader and Theology teacher Allan DeLeon said. “The pastor of St. Michael, Fr. Bart Reynolds, and his Youth Director, Chris Hart, graciously opened their doors to our students for Sunday Mass and Faith Formation classes.”

With a background in business administration from the University of Houston Clear Lake and a master’s degree in theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary, DeLeon has spent years teaching and walking alongside young people as they grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith.

DeLeon also coaches in the Archdiocese’s annual Priest vs. Seminarian Basketball Game, a joyful event that draws thousands—including St. Thomas families—and highlights the fraternity of the priesthood.

That same spirit of building Catholic community is reflected in his work with students in the OCIA program. As they journey through the sacraments with DeLeon and the St. Thomas Campus Ministry team, students are deepening their relationship with Christ in meaningful ways.

One student reflected, “I grew up in a nondenominational church where I learned a lot about Jesus. When I first got here at St. Thomas, I didn’t know anyone so I would go to Mass/Adoration during lunch and the moment I walked into the Chapel I knew the Jesus I had grown up learning about was really present.”

One mother even wrote to say that because of her son’s experience in OCIA, she had decided to join the Church as well.

Looking ahead, DeLeon hopes to see the program grow—not just in size, but in scope. “I would love to make it available for teachers or parents who may want to become Catholic and help them get acclimated to a parish,” he shared. “The second goal would be to collaborate with other Catholic schools in the Archdiocese so they could start their own program.”

Whether in the classroom, the chapel, or the community, OCIA at St. Thomas is helping students experience the beauty and depth of the Catholic faith. For DeLeon, that is the heart of the mission: “This program has been a constant reminder that this is the Lord’s work, and it is His voice and His presence that is calling our students to Him and His Church.”