OCIA Coordinators’ Latest Update: 04/18/2025
Anointed for Service
A New OCIA Begins May 5
(Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)
(for the previous week’s update, please scroll down and click the left arrow found towards the bottom of the screen)
At the annual Chrism Mass celebrated last Tuesday at Holy Name Cathedral, Cardinal Cupich blessed three oils to be used throughout the archdiocese this coming year, beginning with the Easter Vigil: the Oil of Catechumens (OC) and Sacred Chrism (SC) and the Oil of the Sick (OI). The Rite of Blessing includes the Cardinal breathing on the surface of the oils, just as Jesus breathed on his disciples after His resurrection, bestowing on them the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The Chrism Mass, as well as Holy Thursday’s Mass of the Last Supper, commemorates the gift of the ‘ministerial’ priesthood, the sacrament of Holy Orders. The Easter Vigil, whose highlight is the Baptism of new members of Christ’s family, commemorates the ‘priesthood of the laity.’
Each of us who are baptized in Christ are anointed with Sacred Chrism, and are incorporated into Christ who is anointed priest, prophet and king. We share in Christ’s ministry to consecrate the world to God.
We share in Christ’s priestly ministry by our prayer, especially at Eucharist when we offer ourselves together with Christ to the Father. Joined to Christ as prophets, we witness to the truth of the gospel by our lives offered in service of others, especially on behalf of the most vulnerable and those living on the margins. Our kingly ministry is to work alongside Christ to increase the kingdom of God’s justice and peace here on earth.
Please continue to pray for our community members who will be baptized and anointed with the Holy Spirit through the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Please continue to welcome and walk with them on this journey of faith.
Preparing for Baptism, Confirmation and Communion
· Ryan Ortiz
· Cesar Anton
· Sina Movahedi Aliabadi
· Riley Judelson
· Colt Simpson
· Nick Feuillerat
· Nicholas Brune
· Jason Dingee
· Suvali Ahuja
· Sejal Ahuja
· Sarah Carter
· Madeleine Ryan
· Amber Vu
· Annie Crawford
· Camila Garay
· Alexa Boersma
Preparing to be received into the Catholic Church, Confirmation, Communion
· Keely Wise
· Matthew Sutherland
· Nathaniel (Nate) Calder
· Mark Kobe
· Peggy Perona
· Cassidy Duvall
· Nicki Nabasny
· Carissa Coffey
· Brett Ekenberg
· Cameron Fritts
· David Bywaters
· Emily Ruwe
· Emma Fraser
· Haley Bluhm
· Hannah Hinnerman
· John (Cal) Connelly
· Karlie Payne
Completing Sacraments of Initiation: Confirmation, Communion
· Joe Self
· Lindsey Baldo
· Madelyn Waumans
· Nick Hernandez
· Patrick Murphy
· Tomas Silva
· Lindsey Riker
· Anna Jacobsen
· Brooke Cabrera
· Charles Kramer
· Emma Weyn
· Chloe Schaefer
· Grace Stewart
· Jackson Martin
· Jacob Diaz
The next OCIA cohort begins meeting Monday, May 5, with the sacraments of initiation scheduled for Sunday, October 5, 2025. The group meets Mondays from 7 – 8:30 pm, with breaks for holidays.
The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is open to a) those seeking to be baptized, b) baptized Christians seeking full Communion with the Catholic Church and c) baptized Catholics seeking to complete their sacraments of initiation: Confirmation and/or Eucharist.
For more information, please contact Ed Harasim, OCIA Coordinator, eharasim@clement.org or Fr. Brett Williams, bawilliams@clement.org
Learn more about OCIA