By Erin McGeever
In addition to the three disciplines of Lent—prayer, almsgiving and fasting—Lent is also a privileged time of final preparation for those entering the Catholic Church at Easter. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process by which persons of catechetical age (7 and older) complete their full initiation into the Catholic Church. This includes both the unbaptized and those who have been baptized but have not been fully formed in the Catholic faith. Through prayer, study, discernment and interaction with members of a Catholic parish, the OCIA process helps these individuals grow in love and knowledge of Jesus Christ and embrace the role of a disciple.
In the Diocese of St. Augustine, the Rite of Election (for catechumens) is celebrated alongside the Call to Continuing Conversion (for candidates) in one of three celebrations at the beginning of Lent. These ceremonies take place at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, the Mother Church of the diocese. This year, due to space, attendance is by invitation only at the following celebrations:
Sunday, March 9, at 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 15, at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, March 16, at 2:00 p.m.
Bringing others to Christ is the responsibility of all the baptized, and we are pleased to announce that nearly 100 more people than last year will be presented to Bishop Pohlmeier and called to receive the sacraments at Easter. This year, a total of 952 individuals, including 385 children, will take this important step in their faith journey.
During the Rite of Election, the bishop proclaims:
“Now, with divine help, your duty, like ours, is to be faithful to God, who is faithful to his call, and to strive with a generous spirit to reach the full truth of your election.”
May we keep these catechumens and candidates in our prayers as they continue their journey toward full communion with the Church.
Erin McGeever is the director of Christian Formation for the Diocese of St. Augustine.
