One Step Closer: The OCIA Rite of Sending

On Sunday, February 15, the Seton Hall University community gathered to celebrate the Rite of Sending for our OCIA candidates and catechumens. The OCIA candidates and catechumens have been diving deeper into the Catholic faith since the Fall semester through weekly classes hosted by the Community of Saint John (CSJ) with the hopes of receiving the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation directly following Easter.

The Rite of Sending is one of many steps in the process of preparing to receive the sacraments for OCIA candidates and catechumens. The step represents the formal acknowledgment from the candidates/catechumens, the sponsors/godparents and the parish community of the individual’s readiness to advance to the Rite of Election which will occur on Sunday, February 22 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, NJ, with Cardinal Joseph Tobin.

Seton Hall’s OCIA program is directed by Sister Anne Dukart, CSJ, who helps form the students in their Catholic faith. When asked what the Rite of Sending means for the candidates and catechumens, Sister Anne replied that it “reassures catechumens and candidates that they have made spiritual progress and that progress is seen and affirmed by their sponsors and Godparents as well as by the local community.” Additionally, “The Rite is also a reminder for the Christian community that is surrounding the candidates and catechumens to continue to support them by their prayers and example.” What a powerful reminder of the way Christ is at work in our Seton Hall University community.

Ultimately, the Rite of Sending comes at a great time in the liturgical calendar, as not only are the candidates and catechumens advancing one step further in their faith journey, but the whole community is preparing their hearts for the upcoming Lenten season, beginning on Wednesday, February 18 with Ash Wednesday. As Father John Francis, CSJ, reminded the crowd in his homily Sunday night, that no one is perfect in their current state. Our imperfections, however, should not be sources of despair. Rather, we are called to bring our imperfections to Jesus with full hearts, knowing that trust in Him will produce deeper faith. Just as the OCIA candidates and catechumens fully rend their hearts to God on their journey toward receiving the sacraments, the rest of us are called to do the same in our daily lives, particularly during the upcoming Lenten season.

If you are able to, please come support our OCIA Candidates and Catechumens at Mass and please keep them in your prayers!

Categories: Campus Life, Faith and Service