OCIA Coordinators’ Update 03/21/2025
OCIA Scrutinies and the Period of Enlightenment
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)
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Our OCIA members preparing for Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist take part in the Scrutinies at Masses during the Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays of Lent. This marks the final stage of preparation for the Easter sacraments. It’s described as a time of purification and enlightenment.
The Elect, the Candidates, and each of us, are called to repentance for the ways we fall short of living the Gospel. We are challenged to permanently amend our lives. Father Peter described this challenge of Lent in recent homilies when he asked: Are we returning to God or are we just coming for a visit during Lent and then reverting to old ways?
The Scrutinies teach the Elect about the mystery of sin, from which each of us longs to be rescued, and remind us of the saving power of Christ, who defeats sin and the power of the Devil, and redeems us by the sacrifice of his life.
They consist of petitions and exorcisms, praying that the Elect will be free from Satan’s “wicked cunning” as they draw close to the wellspring of Baptism. The presider petitions Christ to send his Holy Spirit to support the conversion of their hearts so that they may come to know the Father in sincere faith, which express this faith itself in charity.
Our Lenten journeys provide each of us opportunities to cultivate and strengthen our spiritual lives, already joined to Christ. We deepen our baptismal calling to live united with God in Christ and to go forth as disciples of God’s Kingdom. Please hold our Elect, Candidates and their sponsors in your prayers.
The link to register for the next session of OCIA preparation for the sacraments is now open. This 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 p.m. 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
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