Introduction

Chances are, you know at least one person who has in the past or will soon become a member of the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil through a process called the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of the OCIA and its role in forming and welcoming new Catholic believers into parishes around the globe.  

 

Our guests

Springfield Dominican Sister Margaret Schrieber is the pastoral associate at All Saints Parish in Logan County, Illinois. She holds a doctorate in sacred theology and directs the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults in the parish. 

 

Our host

Sister Beth Murphy, OP, is director of communication for the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. 

 

Takeaways

• OCIA process rooted in the traditions of the very early Church 

• Less teaching and more building relationship and fostering community 

• Includes periods of inquiry, formation (catechesis) reflection during Lent, called Enlightenment & purification, Initiation (sacraments) and Mystagogy—unpacking the mystery 

• “We are an Easter people and alleluia is our song” --attributed to Pope St. John Paul II 

 

Resources

Apostolic Tradition 

Team Initiation (resources for catechists) 

Comedian Stephen Colbert’s conversion story 

Gregory Maguire’s spiritual journey (Creator of Wicked)