/ By Zach Etienne / Parish News/ 0 Comments

August 03, 2026 – OCIA Update – Information Meeting

Order of Christian Initiation for Adults – Are you or do you know someone who wonders why Catholics do the things they do? Thinking about becoming Catholic? Has a child 7+ who has not been baptized? Was baptized Catholic but has not celebrated the Sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation?
Then, OCIA is a way to answer those questions. Please plan on attending an information meeting on Tuesday, September 8, from 6:30-7:30 in the Church conference room next to the family room. Please contact Sue Kroupa at skroupa@evdio.org
/ By Zach Etienne / Parish News/ 0 Comments

Upcoming Arise Events

Good afternoon.  I went ahead and planned the themes through the end of the year; here is what I was thinking:

– August — “Be Holy” (Liturgical anchor:  Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (8/15).  A month often associated with holiness through Mary’s example. This theme is rooted in Holiness isn’t reserved for saints—it is the universal call of every Christian.    Intercession: Pray for personal holiness, families, priests, and the Church.  Tagline: “ Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future. ”

–  September — “Come, Follow Me”  (Liturgical anchor:  Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14)     Focus on Jesus continually calls disciples to leave comfort and follow Him more deeply.  Intercession: Pray for students, teachers, families, catechists, and all disciples.  Tagline: “Lord, where You lead, I will follow.”
–  October — “Go Make Disciples”  (Liturgical anchor:  World Mission Sunday (next-to-last Sunday of October).  Missionary emphasis throughout the Church.  Focus on Faith is meant to be shared.  Intercession: Pray for missionaries, parish outreach, and those far from God.  Tagline: “You are sent.”
– November — “Hope Beyond the Grave” (Liturgical anchor: All Souls’ Day, End of the liturgical year, Readings about Christ the King and the Last Things.  This theme centers on Death does not have the final word.   Intercession: Pray for the faithful departed and those grieving.  Tagline: “Our hope is in Christ.”
–  December — “Prepare the Way”  (Liturgical anchor: Advent, Immaculate Conception (December 8), Christmas.  Focus on preparing not just for Christmas—but for Christ.   Intercession: Pray for loved ones to return to the Church and for those who struggle during the holidays.  Tagline: “Prepare the way of the Lord.”
@Michaela Kunkler, if you could please get us the August marketing material, we would appreciate it.  Fr. Zach is already putting this in his marketing rotation.
Since we are at the close of another ARISE year, I will be sending out another schedule similar to last year soon.  Thanks for all the help!
Sincerely,
Jason Smith