Dear Parishioners and Friends,
The Second Vatican Council decreed that the Catechumenate for adults should be restored and be characterized by a period of well-suited catechetical instruction, leading to spiritual growth, intellectual enlightenment, conversion, and commitment to Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. The revised Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) was approved by the US Catholic Bishops in 1986, and subsequently confirmed by the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship. RCIA is a restoration of the ancient practice of Christian initiation during which the catechumens entered an extended period of time for instruction and formation. They would join the church community to ritually celebrate their conversion to Christ, leading to the solemn celebration of initiation through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
For several years, the US Bishops have given prayerful consideration to update the RCIA process. The name/acronym is being changed to, OCIA, to more closely correspond to the Latin original, Ordo Initiationis Christianae Adultorum. The new name will also better reflect that an “Order” is not a single “rite,” (Latin: ritus, practice, religious ceremony), but a collection of “rites.” We have seen these changes previously, with the Rite of Funerals and the Rite of Marriage, which became the Order of Christian Funerals and the Order of Celebrating Matrimony. While celebrating various Christian “rites” in an “established order,” we work together and unite with the Holy Spirit in transforming the world into a more wholesome, peaceful, and “orderly place.”
Do you know someone who may be interested in learning about the Catholic Church? Share with them the joy of being an active member of the welcoming and caring community of St. Mark Catholic Church. Invite them to consider joining the transforming OCIA sacramental journey of spiritual growth. Ask them to call the Parish Office for more information. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is for:
- adults and children of catechetical age (over 7 years) who have not been baptized
- those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition who consider becoming Catholic
- baptized in the Catholic faith but did not receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation
The Holy Spirit initiates and guides our faith journey through the inner promptings and enlivening grace. God’s invitation often comes to us through the human voice of a family member, friend, co-worker, or neighbor. As joyful and committed disciples of Jesus, we are called to invite our brothers and sisters to share in the blessings of our Catholic Faith.
In Christ’s abundant Life,
Fr. Stanley