HUNTERSVILLE — Hundreds of people across the Diocese of Charlotte are preparing to join the Catholic Church this Eastertime, through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).
They have been discerning, with the help of their sponsors and each parish’s OCIA team, that God is calling them to receive the sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation and first Holy Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil. Before they can be initiated, they must be officially called to the sacraments by the bishop or someone designated by him, during the Rite of Election.
At the Rite of Election celebrated Feb. 23 at St. Mark Church in Huntersville by Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, about 425 catechumens and candidates from 21 parishes took this next step.
One simple and powerful gesture was repeated. Sponsors placed a hand on the shoulder of the catechumen or candidate beside them. The hand was a visible sign of prayer, encouragement and commitment and a reminder that no one walks the journey of faith alone.
— Amy Burger
