As I write this on Saturday morning we’re preparing for the Vigil Mass tonight. Here at Auburn we’ll bring about 80 people into the Church tonight. I think there are 34 to be baptized, 4 to complete their initiation who were baptized Catholic, and the rest come from other Christian denominations. It is a huge number and it’s clear the Holy Spirit is working in this community, especially at the University.
It’s a different situation for me than what I’m used to. I typically am making sure all our T’s are crossed and I’s are dotted and that everyone knows what to do. The pastor does that here though he has asked me to take on a greater role in the fall. Being able to just watch how someone else implements OCIA has been helpful. I’ve been to a lot of in service training over the years and I’ve talked with lots of coordinators from different parishes but actually seeing it done has been interesting.
The goal of the OCIA is actually conversion to Christ, not just Church membership. For those who are unbaptized, which is really who the OCIA is intended for, that conversion happens, if it does, through the work of the Holy Spirit. Those of us who work in initiation ministry are just there to set the environment where He can do His work. For those already baptized in another Christian tradition the OCIA is to help them understand what they’re saying yes to tonight and to make sure they understand the need for ongoing conversion, as we all are.
It has been a great blessing to me to be involved in RCIA/OCIA over the years. I cannot imagine anything more gratifying than to help someone come to Christ within the midst of His Church.
So, as we renew our baptismal promises let’s be thankful for the new Catholics in our midst, let’s be sure to make them feel welcome, and let’s model the faith for them in a way that makes them happy to be among us.
I hope you and yours are blessed this Easter.
That’s it for now. Thanks for reading.
I hope you have a great Easter and a great week.
Peace, Bob
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