August 26, 2026

By Father William Muench
NCC columnist

Each September, one of the most important Catholic parish programs begins in nearly every parish of our diocese. Here I am thinking of the OCIA (you will remember the former title of this program – RCIA). Now we speak of the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults. This is one of the Catholic Church’s formal processes through which unbaptized adults, those baptized in other Christian faiths – and – un catechized adult Catholics learn the faith and prepare to receive the sacrament of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).

Here in this parish, I look forward to each new group with hope and trust in God, and I look forward to this time to welcome another new group coming to discover more about the Catholic Church. We are ready to answer all of their questions and concerns about this Church of ours. May they join together in prayer and study, as some will make an important decision – whether to be baptized, whether to join the Catholic Church.

So, a question for you: Do you know someone, a friend or family member, who has expressed an interest in the Catholic Church? Don’t be timid – suggest this program to learn more about the Catholic Church. Invite them to the OCIA program in your parish. Remember that there are no definite commitments demanded; this is just a time to have questions answered. Let me suggest something here to you: Encourage them and make them feel welcome and comfortable and promise to go with them to each of these classes. You can be their guide. And tell them why you are Catholic or why you are still Catholic.

This OCIA program is one of our best and most successful parish programs. I know many who have become Catholic as adults; they often become very committed member of the Church and very involved in their parishes.

I have learned that many of the great Catholic saints were converts to the Catholic faith. They lived their faith in a powerful way, and the Church canonized them as saints. So, do you know some possible saints.

As you know, this summer I have been spending time with St. Augustine of Hippo. Augustine in his book, “Confessions” writes in great detail of his finding faith in God and the teachings of the Catholic Church. He was carefully taught by St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. Augustine’s Catholic faith was formed through his study of the Sacred Scriptures. Augustine writes about his decision to receive Baptism, and we know how he influenced our formative Catholic Church during this Fifth Century. He was a brilliant philosopher and became an important theologian. His writings continue to influence today’s Catholic Church. Augustine, like so many others, converted to the Catholic Church, and lived his Catholic faith, and he was canonized a saint of the Catholic Church.

I remember so well, and it has been many years: It was a Saturday morning – I heard a knock on the rectory door. The man’s name was Jim. He said to me, “I have decided, I want to join up.” Over a cup of coffee, I explained the details of our program. Jim was anxious but accepted the lengthy preparation. So, at the next Easter Vigil, Jim was baptized, confirmed and made his First Communion that evening. The next morning, Easter Sunday, he was right there at Mass. Jim became a real part of the parish and proved to be truly dedicated to his newfound Catholic faith. I did smile a bit when Jim would tell someone or other who asked him why he became a Catholic,“I know I will have a great funeral Mass.” And he did.