HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING THE GOOD NEWS!

This past week, Tony, Michele, and I took advantage of some professional development and continuing education at the National Gathering on Christian Initiation. This was a conference for catechumenal ministers and pastoral leaders. Evangelization was highlighted in light of the newly translated OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults). The updated ritual is to be promulgated this November 1, and implemented by parishes on or before Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

The staff and I gathered on the beautiful Lakeshore Campus of Loyola University in the Archdiocese of Chicago to reflect on the work of Christian initiation, of accompanying people on their journey to Christ and the Church. At the heart of this process is always the invitation for individuals to enter into relationship with Christ and to fall in love with him. This invitation is rooted in the call of the Church to spread the Gospel and make disciples.

The connection between evangelization and the OCIA invited us to recognize the tie between the Church’s mission to evangelize and the work of initiation ministry. Evangelization is a thread that weaves through the entire initiation process. Through liturgy, catechesis, apostolic witness, and the involvement of the entire parish community, Christ is made known to all. When you and I fully commit to this, we foster a culture of evangelization across the entire parish.

For two days, we had the privilege of connecting with others from across the nation and shared stories of encountering Christ in our respective ministries and parishes. I believe we truly opened ourselves to the presence of the Holy Spirit, and entered into discussions and exercises with an open heart. I can attest, as a parish in the Diocese of Cleveland, we are already doing a lot of what was offered and suggested, made evident from our liturgies, hospitality, and outreach.

I am pleased to share that Michele’s daughter, Mary Jo, also joined us. Already preparing for her second year at Loyola University, Maryland, recently, Mary Jo was chosen to be an intern at Loyola’s campus ministry faith formation. This is a testament to her having been formed by her Saint Noel family. It proves how hospitality is the responsibility of the entire community, and demonstrates how a community formed by the liturgy lives its identity. This is the engine that empowers us as a people baptized into Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, sharing in his threefold ministry as priest, prophet, and king!

So, when and how did you fall in love with Jesus? And when was the last time you shared that with someone?

Fr. Terry