Dear Parishioners,

As we approach the Third Sunday of Lent, the Holy Week is bearing down on us. Through our Lenten practices, the Church has been preparing her children to embrace this sacred time through Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving. Through acts of penitence, we turn away from our disordered affections and persevere in the virtues of this season to help us imitate God in his kindness. Lent also offers us the opportunity to utilize the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA formerly called RCIA), to prepare our brothers and sisters who have not been baptized [Catechumens], and those already baptized (Catholics and non-Catholics: Candidates) for the Easter Sacraments. Originally, the OCIA began as a three-year formation focused on Catechumens. More broadly, it has evolved into an explorative phase on Catholic faith, teachings and practices while focusing on one’s relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It’s an interactive time for catechists and the neophytes to share and listen to each other's faith journey as well. OCIA has served varied purposes for the unchurched, and the baptized but uncatechized.
 
You may have observed that we have several people who are seeking to become Catholics at the Easter Vigil, on their own volition. Last fall, sixty-four people began the period of inquiry, which is a time to focus on Catholic teachings as they search for meaning and purpose. The OCIA process provides a safe place to learn, ask questions, and seek understanding of the tenets of the Catholic faith. This exploratory stage presents its own challenges and opportunities to account for what we believe in while listening to those who have questions. Each week a person with expertise and passion in a subject area would visit the OCIA participants. Presentations include exploring the Seven Sacraments, the Nicene Creed, Christian Morality, Catholic Prayers, Catholic Social Justice teachings, Sunday Scripture readings, and basic decorum at Mass. You may have observed that we have prayed for those on this journey and celebrated the different Rites for them at the 9:30 am Masses. The OCIA team endeavors to model their Catholic beliefs and practices as they accompany these neophytes in a spirit of missionary discipleship.
 
There are opportunities for several outreach projects as part of the formation process to introduce participants to practical Christianity, otherwise known as corporal works of mercy. These activities include organizing towel collection effort at St. Gabriel to benefit Samaritan Inn, the only shelter for the unhoused in Collin County.

This year, by the grace of God, seventeen people will be baptized on Easter Vigil Mass, and hopefully, forty-four people could join the newly baptized in celebrating the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion, thus completing their sacrament of initiation. Completing the sacrament of initiation does not mean graduating from the faith. It's the beginning of study, reflection, and practice of the Mysteries in everyday life!

We must not forget our obligation as a parish to accompany our brothers and sisters with our prayers. Our journey together offers us the opportunity to live out our baptismal vows to witness and evangelize our homes, neighborhoods, and communities. Missionary Discipleship draws us to live the life of Christ in the context of family and community every day; it is a proclamation with little or no words. St. Francis of Assisi would say to his disciples: “Go and proclaim the gospel, if necessary, use words.” As disciples, we are ambassadors for Christ!
 
Our parish has adopted an all-year-round OCIA process. A new group of inquirers will begin meeting on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 6:30pm. Please watch for announcements and information in this regard.

Please remember to keep the sick, the elderly, the lonely, and those in need in your thoughts and prayers especially in these holy days!

We're entering the 3rd week of Lent, and we hope it's been a time of renewal and reflection. We look forward to seeing you at Mass. 

Check out some of our youngest parishioners helping out and cleaning the church. EVERYONE is needed to make this our parish home