OCIA/RCIA Coordinators’ Weekly Update 10/18/2024
Opportunities for conversion of heart, growth in faith, and spiritual strengthening
October 18, 2024
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Babies and young children are baptized and welcomed into the Church on the testimony of their parents and godparents who make a commitment of faith. Baptism precedes the child’s faith formation.
The process for adults who choose to be baptized begins with faith formation. The various rites of Christian initiation are designed for adults who, “after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. By God’s help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the sacraments fruitfully.”
The OCIA process provides opportunities for conversion of heart, growth in faith and spiritual strengthening. Growth in faith takes place in community. The entire parish takes responsibility for supporting those seeking to join their lives to Christ. Our OCIA team and sponsors support these inquirers by providing opportunities for prayer, reflection on the gospels and the Church’s rich heritage of tradition
The Fall 2024 – Spring OCIA begins on Monday, November 18, 2024, and concludes on Pentecost, June 8, 2025. The Sacraments of Initiation are celebrated at the Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 19. Sessions are scheduled on Monday evenings from 7 – 8:30 pm, with breaks for holidays.
The OCIA welcomes a) the unbaptized, b) Christians baptized in non-Catholic churches, and c) baptized Catholics who seek to complete their sacraments of initiation: Confirmation and Communion.
For more information, please contact Ed Harasim, OCIA Coordinator, eharasim@clement.org or Fr. Brett Williams, bawilliams@clement.org
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