RCIA has a new name: OCIA – Order of Christian Initiation for Adults. It’s the same ministry that has thrived in the Catholic Church since the 1970s, but the new name better reflects the original Latin translation and emphasizes the ongoing faith formation for individuals becoming Catholic, rather than just a single "rite" involved in the process.
OCIA is a spiritual journey that allows a parish to walk with those in the community who feel called to draw closer to Christ and the Church through reception of the Sacraments of Initiation. This journey varies according to local circumstances and custom, and in this variance God’s grace is at work, touching the hearts of both the candidates and those in the parish who walk with them as friends and mentors.
OCIA has several milestones that are celebrated within Sunday liturgy. During the “scrutinies.” a period of intense prayer on the 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays of Lent, priest and people pray over the candidates in the final days of their journey to the reception of the sacraments at the Easter Vigil. These three Sundays utilize the readings of Year A, the so-called OCIA Option, with its focus on three dramatic stories from the Gospel of John: the story of the Samaritan Woman; the story of the Man Born Blind; and the story of the Raising of Lazarus.
Today, on this 3rd Sunday of Lent, the focus is on the encounter between Jesus and the woman at the well. Their conversation is anchored in Jesus’ revelation to her that HE is the living water, and everyone who drinks of this water will never thirst again. This is obviously so relevant to our OCIA Elect as they prepare to receive the waters of baptism.
The Samaritan woman, by her own admission a sinner, was Jesus’ first missionary, the first to preach the Good News to people beyond the Kingdom of Judah. A whole community was invited to believe in the Savior of the World because of her testimony. This is a powerful witness to our OCIA Elect and to all of us Christians. We are called to help lead all people to the waters of eternal life that Jesus promised, despite our own shortcomings. As Saint Paul says today in his Letter to the Romans:
Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.”
Together with the First Reading’s story of Moses giving the people in the desert water from the rock, the readings today present us with powerful images of baptism to new life. As our OCIA Elect await their baptism, let us join them in prayer and recall how our own baptism calls us to give testimony for Christ as the Savior of the World.
3rd Sunday of Lent Entrance Antiphon When I Prove My Holiness Among You (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #72 [Option 2]
Antiphon Option 2 from Ezekiel 36 has resonance with today’s Gospel: “See I will pour clean water upon you and cleanse you from all your impurities, and I will give you a new spirit, says the Lord.”
Entrance Chant We Belong to You (Trevor Thomson)
Spirit & Song #368; Breaking Bread #635
This melodic song references the waters of mercy and the Spirit who breathes new life into all who seek the Lord. It’s an appropriate reflection for our OCIA Elect.
Responsorial Psalm If Today You Hear His Voice, Harden Not Your Hearts (Ben Walther)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 122
There’s a verse in Psalm 95 that speaks of the hardening of hearts at Massah and Meribah, mentioned in the First Reading. On this day of the first scrutiny, we pray that the hearts of our OCIA Elect are softened by the Spirit to hear God’s voice.
Gospel Acclamation Praise and Honor: Mass of Restoration (Josh Blakesley and Leland G. “Grae” McCullough, IV)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 124
The acclamation verse from John 4 has a direct connection to today’s Gospel: “Give me living water.”
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts You Stand Knocking (Tom Booth)
Spirit & Song #370
Christ stands knocking at our door as he calls us each by name.
3rd Sunday of Lent Communion Antiphon For Anyone Who Drinks It, Says the Lord (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #73 [Option 1]
Once again, the Roman Missal offers an antiphon for those who choose the OCIA readings for today. Option 1 is a direct reference to today’s Gospel.
Communion Chant Come, All You Thirsty (Kathleen M. Basi)
Breaking Bread #303
Here is a marvelous song by one of OCP’s newest composers, Kathleen Basi. Based on the iconic Isaiah 55, the soaring melody is a gentle invitation to drink from the refreshing waters of rebirth.
Sending Forth Overflow (Matt Maher)
Spirit & Song #336; Never Too Young #251
Continuing the water motif of today’s readings, Matt Maher’s popular “Overflow” sings in joyful gratitude for God’s generous outpouring of grace.
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