Dear Friends,

One of the greatest joys of our parish is welcoming those who are discovering the Catholic faith for the first time or returning to it after many years away.

Every year, through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), men and women begin a journey that leads them to encounter Jesus Christ and become fully united with his Church. Their stories are often inspiring, reminding us that God continues to call people to himself.

The remarkable growth of OCIA in many parishes in the past few years is the result of several factors working together, but at its heart is the work of the Holy Spirit awakening a spiritual hunger in people's hearts. In a world where many find that success, possessions, and pleasure do not satisfy their deepest longing for meaning, truth, and hope, they begin searching for God. Yet most people do not come to the Catholic Church simply because they see an advertisement or a bulletin announcement. They come because someone—a spouse, friend, neighbor, coworker, or parishioner—personally invites them and accompanies them on their journey. 

This personal invitation, supported by the authentic witness of joyful Catholics, a welcoming parish community, beautiful liturgy, and faithful catechesis, often becomes the catalyst for conversion. OCIA therefore flourishes not merely because of a well-organized program but because it is the fruit of evangelization. When parishioners recognize that, through Baptism, they are all called to be missionary disciples who share the joy of the Gospel, they become God's instruments in leading others to Christ. As St. Paul reminds us, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth" (1 Corinthians 3:6). Our role is to sow the seed, extend the invitation, and accompany those who seek; God is the one who brings about the harvest.

That simple invitation can change a person's life. If we are honest, however, many Catholics have not always seen themselves as evangelizers. We have often assumed that sharing the faith is the work of priests, deacons, religious, or missionaries. We may hesitate because we feel we don't know enough, or we worry that we might say the wrong thing.

Think for a moment about the people in your own life.

Is there someone who has drifted away from the Church?

Someone who has never been baptized?

Someone married to a Catholic who has quietly wondered about the faith?

Someone searching for meaning, healing, or hope?

Perhaps God has placed that person in your life for a reason.

The following Masses are livestreamed for those unable to celebrate with us.

Christ the King and St. Stephen Campus
Monday - Saturday
9:00am

First Friday Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Mass
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will begin at 8:15am followed by Mass at 9:00am

Saturday
4:00pm Vigil Mass

Sunday
10:30am

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