OCIA Rite of Election
February 23, 2026
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process adults undertake to become Catholic. Recently, our Catechumens celebrated the Rite of Election at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains. In six weeks they will be fully initiated into the Church at the Easter Vigil. Are you interested in becoming Catholic? Please contact Birgitt Hacker at bhacker@smoy.org for more information.
During this holy season of Lent, we invite you to join us in praying the Stations of the Cross as we walk with Christ on His journey to Calvary. Together, we will reflect on His sacrifice, deepen our conversion, and draw closer to His Sacred Heart. All are welcome to join us in this sacred tradition. Friday, March 20 & 27 at 7:00 pm in church with Fr. Stephen. *You may also pray the Stations independently using the booklets on the cart outside the St. Margaret Room.
Saint Carlo Acutis's relics came to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains for three days in February. This modern saint is a model of Christian charity, holiness, and piety. St. Carlo Acutis was devoted to Jesus in the Eucharist and encouraged others to unite their lives to Him. The life and witness of St. Carlo shows us the way. Become a Saint: Five Steps to Holiness with Carlo Acutis 1). Frequent reception of the Eucharist "The Eucharist is my highway to heaven." 2). Eucharistic Adoration "If we go out in the sun, we get a suntan...but when we get in front of Jesus in the Eucharist, we become saints." 3). Spiritual direction and regular Confession "Why do people worry so much about the beauty of their own body and not about the beauty of their soul?" 4). Devotion to our Blessed Mother and the saints "The Rosary is the shortest ladder to heaven." 5). Acts of charity, usually small and hidden "A life will be really beautiful if we come to love God above all things and our neighbor as ourselves." -Adapted from Carlo Acutis: Saint of the Young by Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo
Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a special Franciscan Jubilee Year to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. This Jubilee will be celebrated from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027 , inviting the faithful to renew their commitment to holiness, peace, humility, and charity following the example of St. Francis. During this year, the Apostolic Penitentiary grants a plenary indulgence , under the usual conditions, to those who participate devoutly in Jubilee observances. Catholics may obtain the indulgence by making a pilgrimage to a Franciscan church or shrine dedicated to St. Francis, or by spiritually uniting themselves to the Jubilee if they are unable to travel. This special Jubilee is intended as a spiritual continuation of the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025. The Church encourages all believers to take part in this year of grace as a time of renewal, deeper faith, and active charity in today’s world.
