February 25, 2024
RCIA…OCIA… what’s it all about?
Krystal Montgomery & Roland Flasch
In November 2021, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops changed the name of RCIA the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults to OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. The change from “rite” to “order” is due to a retranslation of the Latin name.
The new structure is more like an invitation to candidates and catechumens into the continuous process of spiritual formation. The process invites those in OCIA to become involved in the parish, to attend Mass and OCIA classes. By making the entire process an “order,” the candidate or catechumen understands the rites received in church are just one part of the ongoing journey of discipleship as they fully enter during Easter Vigil. They come to understand that this is a journey they will continue for the rest of their lives.
Coming up on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent are the scrutinies. The word “scrutinize” can sound negative, but its true meaning is simply “to see clearly or inspect closely.” The scrutinies are about seeing sin in our lives, and coming to understand the way we fall victim to it. They are also about the healing possible for us through Christ.
Not everyone’s journey through the faith is a straight line. For anyone interested in becoming Catholic, wishing to complete the sacraments, or wanting to learn more about what the church teaches, OCIA is for you. If you are already Catholic and you wish to learn more about your faith, OCIA is also for you. Please join us Thursdays at 7pm at St. Joseph Church or call us for more information!
Krystal Montgomery | kmontgomery@stjosephricelake.org | 715-736-3104
February 18th, 2024 – Safe Haven Sunday –
Fr. Isaiah Schick
Today is Safe Haven Sunday, an annual day on which we can focus on how to aid our families to become and to stay the “safe haven” that they are meant to be, especially from the plague that has been so rampant in our society in recent years: pornography. The statistics on regular consumption of pornography are staggering for both men and women, and the average age of exposure to graphically obscene material is shockingly low. In my own life, I have had friends who developed a habit of viewing as young as the age of 5 years old, and many people in similar situations have spent years trapped in a cycle of addiction, self-hatred, discouragement, and distorted views of the human person and healthy human sexuality. This is the bad news – but it is not the end of the story. There is hope!
That is why Safe Haven Sunday exists – to bring light into the darkness of a pornographized society and to give families encouragement and practical tools to help address the issue from a variety of aspects. Each year will have a theme focusing on one particular area of family life. This year’s theme, “Equipping the Family, Safeguarding Children,” focuses on assisting parents in their role helping children to navigate the world in purity and truth in our digital age. It speaks to the fact that every family is affected by pornography in one way or another, and it is not a matter of whether children will eventually be exposed to obscene material, it is a matter of when. As parents, do not be afraid of your role – you are not powerless. Establishing and maintaining relationships of trust and openness, especially about difficult topics, is vital to being able to have your children come to you to be able to ask important questions, especially if they are asking for help to battle the impurity that the world tries to push on them. The tactics of Satan and those who do his will, including pornographers, are relentless, and they often attack the most innocent and vulnerable among us for their own gain. However, the armor of grace and faith is stronger, and you are not alone in the fight: “The battle belongs to the Lord” (1 Sam. 17:47).
Your priests, your pastoral staff, and your community are all here with you – we truly are family, brothers and sisters in Christ. If you need help with this issue, whether personally or in helping your family and friends, do not be afraid to reach out. And NEVER forget that you have God as a Father who loves you – yes, even in this!