OCIA Coordinators’ Weekly Update 11/29/2024
Periods of the OCIA Journey
November 29, 2024
(for the previous week’s update, please scroll down and click the left arrow found towards the bottom of the screen)
Our OCIA members return for a second session next Monday, December 2, at 7 pm. There is still time to join them on this journey of faith toward full initiation into the Body of Christ, the Church. You’ll find a link to register at the conclusion of this article.
The journey of catechumens (learners) toward full initiation into the Church is marked by various periods. These periods are sequenced to the journey of faith of those seeking to be baptized into the mystery of Christ.
The renewed Catechumenate was broadened to include baptized non-Catholics seeking initiation, as well as baptized Catholics seeking to complete their initiation through Confirmation and Eucharist. Since they are already baptized, they are not coming to “first faith,” but are committed to deepening their faith in Christ and to drawing closer to the community of the Church.
This first period is Evangelization and Pre-Catechumenate. This period is meant to lead those not yet baptized through Scripture, prayer, and friendly conversation to an encounter with the person of Jesus Christ as the fullness of God’s revelation. Those who have already been united with Christ through baptism, Christian as well as Catholic, are invited to deepen their faith, drawing ever closer to Christ in his Church.
Next Monday’s session will touch on how “We are made for God.” God has loved us from the beginning of creation. God continues to invite us to draw close, just as God has revealed his closeness to us through the stories of salvation history.
Just to review, 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.
You may still join us by registering at this link.
For more information, please contact Ed Harasim, OCIA Coordinator, eharasim@clement.org or Fr. Brett Williams, bawilliams@clement.org
Learn more about OCIA