I am happy to announce that registration for the National Catholic Youth Conference is now open!
NCYC is the premier national youth event where young people all over the country gather together for three powerful days of prayer, community, evangelization, catechesis, service, and empowerment. This year, the featured emcees are Catholic speaker and musician Gian Gamboa and Salesian Sister Elfie Del Rosario, and the theme is I AM / YO SOY. Reflecting on God’s appearance to Moses in the burning bush, this theme explores how the sacraments are God’s love for us come alive, uniting us to Him through Jesus and the Church.
NCYC will take place November 20-22, 2025, at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. Ticket packages sold by us include admission, hotel room, and merch. Click below to check out the event page and register, and I hope to see you there!
Thank you to everyone who attended the 2025 CNE Appreciation Banquet! This year, we received a record number of nominations for the Radiate Christ Awards and are excited to showcase the 2025 winners!
Parish Evangelization
Fr. Brian Phelps, Our Lady of Light
Young Adult Evangelization
Jacob Kleinhenz, Quo Vadis
Hispanic Evangelization
Janet & Mauricio Dueñas
Marriage & Family Evangelization
Tom & Kristine Severyn
Communications Evangelization
Sarah Chivers
ANNOUNCEMENTS
AND REMINDERS
Catholic Telegraph Editorial Director Position
The AOC Communications office is searching for a new Editorial Director for the Catholic Telegraph. If you or someone you know is interested please click the button below to learn more.
The CNE has released an updated version of the Info Packet that explains our PED Diagram, the flower image that illustrates the Process of Evangelization and Discipleship. Here are some of the changes in the new Info Packet:
It brings uniformity to the use of the word “threshold” and “stage” so that “threshold” always refers to the Process of Discipleship and “stage” always refers to the Process of Evangelization.
It clarifies that “Accompaniment and Prayer” and “Kerygmatic Catechesis” are not technically stages of the Process of Evangelization, but they are red like the stages are because they still represent the ministry of the Church.
It includes an updated list of Contact Info at the end, if you would like to meet with someone to discuss implementing the Diagram in your ministry context.
Finally, there are small changes to grammar, punctuation, and formatting; and to the Diagram as it appears in the Info Packet.
Please discard any previous versions of the Info Packet that you have and use this new version moving forward. You can download it via the button below. For more info about the PED Diagram, see our website: www.MissionaryParish.com.
RSVP for the Rite of Election: The Rite of Election (and the Call to Continuing Conversion) will be celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent, March 9, 2025. RSVP by Feb 15! For more info and to make the reservation for your group, please go here.
Register for OCIA Workshops: Join us on either March 25 or 26 for a day with Fr. Paul Turner, focused on the OCIA and Christian initiation! We will be hosting this workshop in two locations, St. John the Evangelist (West Chester) and St. John the Baptist (Tipp City), from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Go here to register for one of the two days.
OCIA Q&A
Q: The “celebration of the Word of God,” which we provide during the Dismissal time, includes a “homily” that explains the readings (OCIA 85-89). Can a catechist provide that explanation or does it have to be a priest?
A: The homily is reserved to priests when it is within the context of the Mass. Since your celebration of the Word of God is outside of the Mass, it is fine for a lay catechist to provide this explanation. Canon 766 of the Code of Canon Law gives lay people the permission to preach outside of the Mass homily.
Q: When the celebration of the Word of God is in connection with catechetical instruction there can also be minor exorcisms and anointings. Does a catechist have to be specially appointed by the bishop to provide these (OCIA 91), or is it enough that he has been chosen by the pastor?
A: We don’t currently have a policy that would require this special appointment by the bishop. My advice would be to have a priest or deacon administer these exorcisms and anointings whenever possible, but in the absence of these – and in the absence of a policy for appointment by the bishop – a lay catechist approved by the pastor can administer them.
Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you with your initiation process.
The Peace of Christ to you,
Nicholas Hardesty, Assoc. Dir. of Adult Evangelization & OCIA
MDI is a week-long youth theological experience where youth will have the opportunity to live in a vibrant Catholic community of peers from around the country, all while being accompanied by a team of college students, learning directly from theology faculty, hearing from keynote speakers, and taking part in dynamic prayer experiences. The cost is $600, and scholarships are available to youth who are accepted into the Institute. You can learn more on the MDI websiteor by watching this videoto get a glimpse into the week!
