OCIA Coordinators’ Update: 06/20/2025
Rite of Entrance and Welcome into the Catechumenate
(Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)
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The initial weeks of our OCIA process, which began on May 5, were an introduction to God, Jesus, salvation history, Scripture and prayer.
This Saturday, June 21, at the 5:00 pm Mass we will celebrate the Rite of Entrance and Welcome into the Catechumenate for our inquirers, who seek baptism in Christ. This is their first public commitment to grow in faith in a relationship with Christ through his community, the Church. The Church receives them, and God grants them his grace. They are now known as “catechumens,” learners, preparing for baptism.
Those already baptized are known as “candidates” because they are preparing to take the next steps in Christian faith by preparing for the sacraments, either through reception into full communion with the Catholic Church or completion of the sacraments of initiation.
Please pray for our catechumens and candidates, their sponsors and our team members, that they may continue to open their hearts to God’s graces and that they will experience our support through prayer, as well as through generous welcome to our many community events.
Our next OCIA cohort will begin in the fall (November) following Alpha. The OCIA process is for a) the unbaptized, b) baptized Christians seeking to join the Catholic Church and c) baptized Catholics seeking Confirmation and Eucharist.
Those wishing to join the next OCIA cohort are encouraged to sign up for Alpha, beginning in September. If you’ve already taken part in Alpha, you are encouraged to take part in one of our Beta courses, in our summer learning opportunities, and/or our fall women’s Lydia series or the men’s Executive series.
Please contact Ed Harasim, OCIA Coordinator, eharasim@clement.org
Learn more about OCIA