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OCIA Workshop for Clergy & Parish LeadersThis foundational workshop invites clergy and parish ministers to explore the newly translated Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) and its vital role in parish life. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the four stages of initiation, the associated rites, and the pastoral principles that should guide all ministries. Through interactive “fishbowl” sessions, attendees will also engage in practical demonstrations, exploring both the "how" and the "why" of effective initiation ministry. Ideal for anyone involved in parish leadership, this workshop aims to rekindle the catechumenal spirit at the heart of the Church’s mission. -
Training Overview
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Dates, Location, & Cost
Location: Diocese of Amarillo Pastoral Center
4512 NE 24th Avenue, Amarillo, TX
Dates: Friday, June 20 & Saturday, June 21
Times: See schedule below for workshop times
Cost:
Friday's Sessions: FREE
Saturday's Sessions: $10 per person
Lunch included on both days for those who register online.
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FRIDAY (Clergy) – The Vision of the OCIA: A Workshop for Clergy
In this workshop, clergy will have the chance to examine the newly translated ritual text and consider the ways they can implement the vision of the OCIA throughout all parish life, thus renewing the life-giving fire of the catechumenate.
See Schedule Below for Details.
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Friday – The Vision of the OCIA: A Workshop for Parish Staff & Ministry Coordinators
This workshop is foundational for all of those involved in parish ministry. Participants will receive an overview of the four stages of initiation and the accompanying rituals. Additionally, we will examine the pastoral principles that should influence all our parish ministries. The workshop will conclude by reviewing the appropriate paths of formation for unbaptized catechumens and baptized candidates.
See Schedule Below for Details.
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Saturday – What Does This "OCIA PROCESS" Look Like?
While it is important to understand the vision of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, it is also necessary to spend time review the practical “how-to” aspects of this ministry. In this workshop, initiation ministry coordinators and teams will experience a series of “fishbowl” sessions that model good practice. We will take the time to examine the how/why of what we do.
See Schedule Below for Details.
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Schedule
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The Vision of the ocia: A workshop for Clergy
In this workshop, clergy will have the chance to examine the newly translated ritual text and consider the ways they can implement the vision of the OCIA throughout all parish life, thus renewing the life-giving fire of the catechumenate.
10:00 am Welcome, Introduction, and Prayer 10:15 am Session 1: The Principles of Initiation Ministry 11:00 am Break 11:15 am Session 2: The Steps & Stages of the Initiation Process 12:00 pm Lunch (provided) 1:00 pm Optional Session for Clergy:
Implementing the Vision, Animating the Community, Obstacles and Struggles, Questions & Answers
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The Vision of the OCIA: A Workshop for Parish
Staffs & Initiation Ministry CoordinatorsThis workshop is foundational for all of those involved in parish ministry. Participants will receive an overview of the four stages of initiation and the accompanying rituals. Additionally, we will examine the pastoral principles that should influence all our parish ministries. The workshop will conclude by reviewing the appropriate paths of formation for unbaptized catechumens and baptized candidates.
1:00 pm Welcome, Introduction, and Prayer 1:15 pm Session 1: The Principles of Initiation Ministry 2:00 pm Break 2:15 pm Session 2: The Steps & Stages of the Initiation Process 3:15 pm Break 3:45 pm Session 3: Sorting Fish – A Task at the Beginning 4:15 pm Session 4: Ministry with Catechized Baptized Candidates 5:00 pm End of Session
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What Does This "OCIA Process" Look Like? An Experiential Skills-Training Workshop for OCIA Ministers
While it is important to understand the vision of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, it is also necessary to spend time review the practical “how-to” aspects of this ministry. In this workshop, initiation ministry coordinators and teams will experience a series of “fishbowl” sessions that model good practice. We will take the time to examine the how/why of what we do.
9:00 am Welcome, Introduction, and Prayer 9:15 am SESSION 1: From Vision to Implementation – The OCIA’s Impact on the Whole Community
In this session, we will review how the whole parish community can be impacted and changed by the vision of the baptismal catechumenate. Whether we have catechumens, candidates, or no one in the process, we may still wish to consider a model where “catechesis of catechumenal inspiration” (Directory for Catechesis 62) shapes the entire community. (See also OCIA 75+244)9:45 am SESSION 2 The Period of the Precatechumenate – A Sample Session
In this role play session, we will invite a few participants to serve as inquirers and initiation ministers in a sample precatechumenate session. To foster an encounter with Christ, we will turn to Scripture, prayer, and friendly conversation. (See OCIA, NS 1)10:15 am Break 10:30 am SESSION 3: Breaking Open Presentation 2, Preparing for Presentation 3 11:00 am SESSION 4 The Period of the Catechumenate – A Fishbowl Experience of a Catechetical Session
Beginning with a short reflection on God’s Word, we will role play a catechetical session in which catechumens, sponsors, and initiation ministers cover a certain doctrinal topic and include the four principles of catechumenal formation (OCIA 75). Afterwards, all participants will have an opportunity to share what they observed.12:00 pm Lunch (provided) 1:00 pm SESSION 5: Ritual Celebration – Adapted Rite for Entrance 2:00 pm SESSION 6: Spiritual Reflection on our Ritual Celebration 2:30 pm Break 2:45 pm SESSION 7: Spiritual Preparation and Discernment Interview before the Rite of Election
Before moving from period to another, catechumens and parish leaders should spend time in prayerful discernment. This session will model a conversation and time for spiritual preparation that can take place weeks before the Rite of Election.3:45 pm Closing: Questions & Answers, Take-Aways, and Prayer) 4:00 pm End of Day
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OCIA Training Registration