Two parishes within a 30 minute drive from me are seeing record numbers in OCIA this year. One parish doubled in numbers (30 candidates to 70 candidates) and at least half are in their 20s and 30s. One of these parishes completely rebuilt their sanctuary within the last two years and some passerby's said that was a motivation factor in checking out the parish. Years ago another parish saw record numbers in what was then called RCIA when former parishioners from an Episcopalian church a mile away enrolled. Signs like this are hopeful for Holy Mother Church.
There's something strange going on across the world with record numbers (especially of young people) entering the Church. Recent news stories have highlighted France, England and Canada. I've just returned from the Easter Vigil at my parish in Canada and we had 20 new additions to the Church tonight! This is much higher than in previous years. The Holy Spirit is at work!!
A word of encouragement:
ReplyDeleteTwo parishes within a 30 minute drive from me are seeing record numbers in OCIA this year. One parish doubled in numbers (30 candidates to 70 candidates) and at least half are in their 20s and 30s. One of these parishes completely rebuilt their sanctuary within the last two years and some passerby's said that was a motivation factor in checking out the parish. Years ago another parish saw record numbers in what was then called RCIA when former parishioners from an Episcopalian church a mile away enrolled. Signs like this are hopeful for Holy Mother Church.
There's something strange going on across the world with record numbers (especially of young people) entering the Church. Recent news stories have highlighted France, England and Canada. I've just returned from the Easter Vigil at my parish in Canada and we had 20 new additions to the Church tonight! This is much higher than in previous years. The Holy Spirit is at work!!
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