OCIA Coordinators’ Update 01/17/2025
Rite of Entrance and Welcome into the Catechumenate
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)
January 17, 2025
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The initial weeks of our OCIA process, which began on November 18, 2024, were an introduction to God, Jesus, salvation history, Scripture, prayer and liturgy for our unbaptized members and a review for those catechized Christians wishing to join the Catholic Church or complete their sacraments of initiation, Confirmation and Eucharist.
This Sunday, January 19, at the 11:15 a.m. Mass we will celebrate the Rite of Entrance and Welcome (previously called the Rite of Acceptance) into the Catechumenate for those who are not baptized. This is their first public commitment to grow in faith through relationship with Christ through his community, the Church. The Church receives them, and God grants them his grace. They are now known as “catechumens,” those instructed in the faith leading toward baptism.
Those already baptized are known as “candidates” because they are preparing to take the next steps in Christian faith by preparing for the sacraments, either through Reception into full communion with the Catholic Church or completion of the sacraments of initiation.
Please pray for our catechumens and candidates, their sponsors and our Team members, that they may continue to open their hearts to God’s graces and that they will experience our support through prayer, as well as through generous welcome to our many community events.
Our next OCIA cohort will begin shortly after Easter. Registration will open soon. The OCIA process is for a) the unbaptized, b) baptized Christians seeking to join the Catholic Church and c) baptized Catholics seeking Confirmation and Eucharist.
Those wishing to join the next OCIA cohort are expected to sign up for Alpha, beginning February 17. If you’ve already taken part in Alpha, you are expected to take part in one of our Beta courses or participate in either the women’s executive series or the men’s executive series.
For more information, please contact Ed Harasim, OCIA Coordinator, eharasim@clement.org or Fr. Brett Williams, bawilliams@clement.org
Learn more about OCIA