WOODSTOCK--The first OCIA class at St. Michael the Archangel Parish was baptized and confirmed Dec. 15 in Cherokee County Recreation Center where the parish meets for three Sunday morning Masses and religious education.

Originally begun as a mission of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Kennesaw, with about 300 families in August, 1995, the congregation was officially designated as a parish in June, 1996, when Father Conor Fitzgerald was appointed first pastor. The parish now has 785 families on its roll with 550 children enrolled in religious education, according to Debbie Quinn, full-time office manager. There is a good mix of families with young children and older people, she said.

An archdiocesan seminarian, Keith Ishmael, is assigned to the parish. The pastor is also assisted by Deacon Jim Easterwood, Roxanne Wilhelm, director of religious education and OCIA coordinator, and three part-time employees. Church offices are located in the rectory at 115 Jay Lane in Canton.

Received into the church in December were catechumens Susan Burns, Alan Miller, John Schmidt and Jill Williamson and baptized candidates Carol Benton, Sue Waynick and Karen Vossen, who received the other sacraments of initiation.

A new Order of Christian Initiation of Adults class began in December and will be welcomed into the church at Easter.

A property has been purchased on Arnold Mill Road for future building.