KIERNAN: From RCIA to OCIA... What does this mean for an everyday Catholic?

(Photo by James Ramos/Herald)

In Advent of 2011, the U.S. began using the third English translation edition of the Order of the Mass. What was your experience of this transition? Perhaps it was a bit strange to be praying phrases like “and with your Spirit,” “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof,” or “through my most grievous fault.”

However, from our current perspective, those responses are commonplace. One danger we have with these prayers that are repeated so frequently is that they become so habitual that the intentionality behind them is lost. Each and every word is chosen for a reason to guide us into the mystery of God’s action unfolding right in front of us.  

Starting this Lent, we have another opportunity to intentionally hear God speak to us anew as the new translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) will be used. You may notice this translation in the upcoming Rite of Sending at your parish, the Rite of Election with the bishop, the scrutinies and even the Easter Vigil.  

One question you may have is, what if I am not involved in the ministry of initiation? How does this impact me? The ministry of initiation is the responsibility of all the baptized, so your example and participation are important even if you don’t realize it. Yet, if you still feel disconnected, we can return to the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, which expresses the nature of Lent in this way, “the two elements which are especially characteristic of Lent — the recalling of Baptism or the preparation for it, and penance” (SC, 109). The Lenten journey embodies a baptismal character, and this is something in which we can all participate. The new OCIA translation also can help us to do so. 

As an example, the first scrutiny, which is celebrated on the third Sunday of Lent, has an intercession that prays, “That we ourselves, in preparation for the Paschal Feasts, may correct our minds, raise our hearts and perform works of charity.” The second scrutiny echoes this with an intercession that goes, “That all of us, by the example of our conduct, may become in Christ a light for the world.” Likewise, the third scrutiny also has an intercession for the baptized that says, “That we ourselves, as the Paschal Solemnities draw near, may be strengthened in the hope of rising again with Christ.”  

What would our Lent look like if we reflected on those intercessions? What in my mind needs to be corrected to follow Jesus? Is my example a light for the world? Do I truly live in the hope of the resurrection? An intentional Lent in that fashion would uncover, then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful and bring out, then strengthen that which is upright, strong, and good. This is the purpose of the elect, but the opportunity exists for us as well. I pray that you have a fruitful Lent growing in your appreciation of Baptism and that this new OCIA translation gives you the foundation to be the disciple that our Lord is calling you to. 

Matt Kiernan is the associate director for Sacrament Preparation for the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.