Sponsor Mixer with the Coffee Bar and Pastries

Come meet our newest class of inquirers to the Catholic faith! We have over 65 inquirers so far, our largest group yet! They each need a sponsor.... 

What is OCIA? RCIA has been expanded by the Bishops to OCIA - the Order of Initiation of Adults. This Order is calling on the ancient processes of catechizing adults into the Catholic faith. But evangelization precedes catechesis. Evangelization is first and foremost a dialogue. Those who come to the Basilica thirsting for purpose, belonging, and that which only the Church can give need personal conversations along the road to conversion. Thankfully we are many in the One Body! 

How can the whole parish body engage in evangelizing and catechizing our inquirers? Simple: spend time walking with them during the conversion process. To walk with someone means to get to know them, listen to them, and especially pray for them. Are you able to check in with someone once a week to see how they are doing? Then you might be a good sponsor…

Who makes a good sponsor? If you are able to walk with someone and are also a practicing Catholic: 

• at least 18 years of age (or at least age 16 if you're sponsoring a youth)
• a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist
• who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on
• is not bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared
• is not the father or mother of the one to be sponsored.
• See the Godparent/Sponsor Affirmation of Faith and Morals form for specific qualifications. 

Come to the Sponsor Mixer in Varallo Parish Hall on Sunday, September 7 at 10:15am to see if there is an inquirer you naturally connect with!