OCIA Coordinators’ Weekly Update: 2/6/2026
Rite of Sending our OCIA cohort for the Rite of Election
(Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)
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We will celebrate the Rite of Sending for Election at the 11:15 am Mass this Sunday, February 8th. The presider will ask their godparents, Team members and those present, whether they have sufficiently prepared to draw close to baptism.
This second phase in the process of the Christian Initiation of Adults follows the period of the catechumenate. The Rite of “Sending for Election “takes place within the parish community. This is also known as the “enrollment of names.”
Those stepping forward for election by the bishop inscribe their names in the ‘Book of the Elect,’ which will be presented to the Bishop at Holy Name Cathedral. The bishop is the proper minister of election. He, or his delegate, chooses these OCIA members in the name of Christ and the Church to draw near to the waters of salvation at the upcoming Easter Vigil. We journey alongside them throughout Lent.
In preparation for election, our dedicated OCIA Team members who have been accompanying them on this journey are meeting with them to “check-in.” How are they progressing in prayer, in deepening their faith, in understanding the mystery of the Church, it’s sacraments and traditions? Our Team members offer guidance and support.
Saint Clement will take part on February 22 at 7 pm at Holy Name Cathedral in one of the four Rites of Election in our Archdiocese. Bishop Robert Lombardo, who oversees the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels, will preside and choose them for the sacraments. Those who are baptized OCIA members have their names already written in the “Book of Life.” They will be encouraged to renew their lives of faith and prayer and charity.
Registration for our Spring – Fall OCIA will open in March. Please email Ed Harasim, our OCIA Coordinator, eharasim@clement.org, for further information on the process of joining the Church or completing your sacraments of initiation through Confirmation and/or First Communion.
- Fr. Radley Alcantara and Ed Harasim
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