WAKE FOREST, N.C. — More than 85 parish leaders gathered Oct. 18 at St. Catherine of Siena Parish for a diocesan formation event focused on the Orden de la Iniciación Cristiana para Adultos, or the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.
The daylong workshop aimed to strengthen parish teams that accompany Hispanic adults through the Christian initiation process. Attendees represented parishes across the Diocese of Raleigh, including Sister Ines of St. Therese Church in Wilson and Father Vijaya Babu Katta of Holy Trinity Church in Williamston. Both expressed a desire for continued formation to better serve their communities.
Dr. Luis Guzmán, a doctor of theology and member of the FORUM team in Atlanta, led the training on the theological, pastoral, and liturgical foundations of OICA. He emphasized that OICA is not simply a sacramental preparation program, but a journey of conversion, discipleship and faith accompaniment.
Participants reflected on the importance of forming well-integrated and committed initiation teams, capable of guiding catechumens and candidates with patience and hope toward a new life in Christ.
“We left with a clearer and more practical understanding of the catechumenal process, especially regarding the accompaniment and discernment of each stage,” said Jansen Job, director of faith formation at St. Stephen Parish in Sanford.
Xochitl Martinez, diocesan coordinator of Hispanic adult formation, said the event reaffirmed the diocese’s commitment to Christian initiation rooted in personal and communal accompaniment, attentive listening to the Holy Spirit, and full participation in the sacraments.
Participants returned to their parishes with renewed enthusiasm to serve, proclaim the Gospel and help others encounter the fullness of life and faith in Christ.
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