Let us pray for our catechumens daily and reach out with warmth and encouragement. The OCIA process is not just for those entering the Church - it is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on our own faith and renew our commitment to Christ.

The Baptized’s Prayer for the Catechumens

Life-Giving Father,
you desire that we may be one in Christ,
so that all creation may give you praise.
Look kindly upon the catechumens you have calledto the table of your Word.
We pray especially for Damiane McMillen, Vickie Deal, Chad Carpenter, Emma Wrona, Hayden Grey, Grethe, Tyler, and Stella Bates of our parish.Through the power of your Word,
our life of prayer,
and the example of Christ’s love
we share with those most in need,
may they come in time to the table of the Eucharist
where we shall stand as one body
united in the Holy Spirit
to offer you praise and thanksgiving
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Suggestions on How You Can Support OCIA in Our Parish

• Pray for the Catechumens and Candidates – Lift them up in prayer as they prepare to enter the Church.
• Participate in the Rites - Attend Masses when the rites occur. The dates, mass times, and explanations are in the Spotlight and Bulletin. 
• Send a Note of Encouragement – A simple card can mean so much in letting them know they are supported.
• Become a Sponsor – It isn’t too early to let your parish know you are willing to “walk with one” as a sponsor. This vital role allows you to accompany someone on their journey into the Church, sharing faith, encouragement, and support.
• Lead Others to the Catholic Church – Extend an invitation to those who may be curious about the faith or in need of spiritual direction.

A Journey of Faith and Transformation 



In case you haven’t noticed RCIA has a new name: OCIA - Order of Christian Initiation for Adults. While the ministry remains unchanged, this new title more accurately reflects the original Latin translation and emphasizes the ongoing faith formation of those entering the Catholic Church, rather than focusing solely on a single "rite." OCIA is a spiritual journey in which the parish community accompanies those seeking to grow closer to Christ through the Sacraments of Initiation. God’s grace is at work in every step, shaping both the candidates and those sharing the journey with them as mentors and friends.

The Elect of our parish have entered the Period of Purification and Enlightenment, the final stage of preparation before receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. This time is marked by deeper prayer, reflection, and spiritual conversion as they seek to be more fully conformed to Christ. They are called to an interior renewal, turning away from sin and embracing the light of Christ more completely.

OCIA has several milestones that are celebrated within Sunday liturgy. During the scrutinies, a period of intense prayer on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent, the priest and the people pray over the candidates in the final days of their journey to the reception of the sacraments at the Easter Vigil. These three Sundays utilize readings of Year A from the Gospel of John: the story of the Samaritan Woman, the story of the Man Born Blind, and the story of the Raising of Lazarus.

As a parish, we are invited to walk alongside them in prayer and support:

• Pray for the Elect - that they may be strengthened in faith and prepared to receive the sacraments.
• Offer encouragement - meet the newly elected and share a kind word or a note of support.
• Reflect on your own baptism - as they prepare to be welcomed into the Church, we too can renew our commitment to Christ and His mission.
• Participate in the Scrutinies - these rites take place within Sunday Mass and are a powerful way for the parish to intercede for the Elect. The schedule is:

First Scrutiny: Sunday, March 23rd at 10 am Mass

Second Scrutiny: Saturday, March 29th at 5 pm Mass

Third Scrutiny: Sunday, April 6th at 10 am Mass

Let us join together in prayer for our Elect, asking God to bless them with wisdom, courage, and a deepened faith as they approach the joy of Easter!