OCIA Coordinators’ Update: 9/11/2026
OCIA Scrutinies and the Period of Enlightenment &
Fall ‘26 OCIA Registration Open
(Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)
OCIA members preparing for Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist will take part in the 1st Scrutiny at Mass on Sunday, September 13, at the 4:30 pm Mass. The weeks following their Rite of Election are described as a time of purification and enlightenment.
The Elect, the Candidates, and each of us, are called to repentance for the ways we fall short of living the gospel fully. We are challenged to permanently amend our lives. We ask for God’s Spirit to enlighten and strengthen us.
The Scrutinies teach the Elect about the mystery of sin, from which each of us longs to be rescued, and remind us of the saving power of Christ, who defeats sin and the power of the Devil, and redeems us by the sacrifice of his life.
They consist of petitions and exorcisms, praying that the Elect will be free from Satan’s “wicked cunning” as they draw close to the wellspring of Baptism. The presider petitions Christ to send his Holy Spirit to support the conversion of their hearts so that they may come to know the Father in sincere faith, which express itself in charity.
Every Sunday at Mass we celebrate Christ’s victory over sin and death and we strengthen our spiritual lives by feasting on God’s word and the Eucharist. We deepen our baptismal calling to live united with God in Christ and to go forth to spread the Good News of God’s Kingdom. Please hold our Elect, Candidates and their sponsors in your prayers.
The link to register for the next session of OCIA is now open. These sessions are for the unbaptized, Christians baptized in other denomination who wish to join the Catholic Church and Catholics wanting to complete their sacraments of initiation: Confirmation and/or Eucharist.
Meetings begin mid-November.
The Fall cohorts begin in mid-November. We host two cohorts.
The Thursday cohort will begin November 12 at St. Teresa of Avila, 1950 N. Kenmore, at Armitage just west of the Brown Line.
The Monday cohort will begin November 16 at Saint Clement, 642 W. Deming Place.
You may choose either day or indicate that you are flexible for either day. We meet from 7 - 8:30 p.m. with time off for holidays. Our sessions include content, discussion and Scripture reflection. Sacraments will be celebrated at the Easter Vigil on March 27, 2027.
Fr. Radley Alcantara and Ed Harasim, OCIA Coordinator, eharasim@clement.org
Learn more about OCIA