As part of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, on Sunday, January 26, at the 10:30 Mass, we will celebrate the Rites of Welcoming and Acceptance for our OCIA class.

For those who have, so far, been inquiring into the Catholic faith, these public rites mark the beginning of a committed period of preparation for joining the Church at Easter and receiving the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.

Among our OCIA class, some individuals have already been baptized. These will participate in the Rite of Welcoming and will become known as Candidates for Full Communion.

Those persons who have never been baptized and who plan to receive Baptism in our Church at the Easter Vigil will participate in the Rite of Acceptance and will be called Catechumens.

Once Lent has begun, on March 8, the Catechumens will participate in the Rite of Election, and the Candidates will participate in the Call to Continuing Conversion. These rites take place offsite, with the Bishop.

On the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent, the Elect (those to be Baptized) will undergo a series of Scrutinies. These rites are meant to help purify the Elect and strengthen their resolve to join the Church. The Scrutinies will take place at the 5pm Mass March 23, 8:30 Mass March 30, and 10:30 Mass April 6.