OCIA Coordinators’ Weekly Update 10/25/2024
OCIA: Come and See
October 25, 2024
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In the first chapter of John’s Gospel, the Baptizer points to Jesus and declares “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” The next day, as Jesus walks by again, John again points him out and declares a second time, “Behold the Lamb of God.” In response, two of John’s disciples begin to follow Jesus. Jesus turns to them and asks them “What are you looking for?” “Rabbi,” they respond, “where are you staying.” Jesus invites them to “come and you will see.”
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is an invitation to “come and see.” It’s a process of study, exploration and faith formation. 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 or to deepen their lives in Christ in the community of the Catholic Church.
Our OCIA team and sponsors support inquirers by providing opportunities for prayer, for reflection on Jesus’ teachings and for understanding the Catholic Church’s rich tapestry of doctrine and tradition.
Our parish purpose is “to grow the kingdom of God.” Saint Clement embodies Christ’s mandate to his disciples which is our mandate as Church, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28: 19-20).
Our OCIA welcomes those who are not baptized who seek a relationship with God through Christ and the Church. We also welcome Christian sisters and brothers who share baptism in Christ and who want to profess their faith in union with the Catholic community. We also provide an opportunity for baptized Catholics, who have not completed their sacraments of initiation, Confirmation and Communion.
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.
Ed Harasim and Fr. Brett will be on the plaza after all Masses this weekend to answer your questions regarding our OCIA process.
For more information, please contact Ed Harasim, OCIA Coordinator, eharasim@clement.org or Fr. Brett Williams, bawilliams@clement.org
Learn more about OCIA/RCIA