OCIA Catch-Up Review

A Time for Reflection and Review
ociapath.org
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?" -- 2 Corinthians 13:5

Welcome Back

This page is designed for students who need to catch up on recent OCIA sessions. Please take time to carefully review the three lessons linked below, listen to the accompanying audio reflection, and then prayerfully respond to each question.

Your answers will be sent directly to your OCIA instructor. There are no wrong answers here -- only honest ones. Let the Holy Spirit guide your reflection.

Review Materials

Study these lessons before answering
I

God the Father

The Eternal Source -- Session on the First Person of the Trinity

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II

The Most Holy Trinity

A Contemplative Journey into the Mystery

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III

The Gospel of Mark

Encountering Christ through the Earliest Gospel

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Audio Reflection

Listen to the audio reflection →

Reflection Questions

Prayerfully respond to each question
Question 1
Scripture and Honesty in Prayer
When we studied the Gospel of Mark, we looked closely at how Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was completely honest with God the Father about His pain, fear, and desire to avoid suffering, but He still surrendered, saying, "Not my will, but Yours."

Think about a difficult situation or "cross" you are dealing with right now. How can Jesus's example in the garden help you be more honest and open with God about your struggles, while still trusting in His plan for your life?
Question 2
The Catechism and the Four Pillars of Faith
Our first class introduced the Four Pillars of the Catholic faith: The Creed (what we believe), the Sacraments (how we worship), Morality (how we live), and Prayer (how we connect with God). These four areas are meant to work together to build our faith.

Please look up paragraph 2558 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (you can easily search for "CCC 2558" online). This paragraph explains that our faith requires a "vital and personal relationship with the living and true God." After reading that paragraph, how would you explain in your own words why it is impossible to live a good Catholic life just by following the rules, without also having a personal prayer life?
Question 3
Entering Silence and Knowing the Father
Our lesson on "God the Father" reminds us that we are His adopted children, and He wants to spend time with us.

Growing in faith means finding quiet time away from the noise of everyday life to just be with God the Father. What is one specific, realistic step you can take this week to create a few moments of silence in your normal daily routine to listen to Him?

Thank You

Your reflections have been submitted. May the Lord bless your continued journey of faith.