Welcome to St. Eugene
On April 8 catechumens and candidates will come together with their sponsors at Easter Vigil and be initiated into the Catholic Church. But what’s the difference between a catechumen and a candidate? And what sets The Great Easter Vigil apart from other liturgies?
First, catechumens are those who have not yet been baptized, and candidates are those who have been baptized in other faith traditions. During a special mass on Easter Vigil, catechumens will be baptized, and all will receive their first Holy Communion and Confirmation.
The road to becoming Catholic as an adult differs for every person. Many of our catechumens and candidates began their journey with an "inquiry" and continued through the Rite of Acceptance and Rite of Election. The above photo was taken at this year's Rite of Election, held at the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine. Catechumens and candidates from across Oklahoma came together at the Shrine to express their desire to Archbishop Coakley to join the Catholic Church.
For many of our catechumens and candidates, arriving at this place has been a journey of great spiritual growth. Click the link below for more information about the special Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and what it entails, and the symbolism behind the color white and the use of light and oil.
The Great Easter Vigil is considered the "mother of all vigils" and the "greatest and most noble of all solemnities and it is to be unique in every single Church” (Missale Romanum, "Rubrics for the Easter Vigil" (EV), no.2). It begins outside after dark and is not a typical Sunday Vigil Mass. Rather, it includes the Service of Light, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of Baptism and Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Easter Vigil is full of tradition and symbolism and is a beautiful celebration of Christ’s resurrection. If you’ve never been to an Easter Vigil Mass, here’s what you’ll experience.
"I felt like there was something missing in my life spiritually. Part of my family is Catholic, so I have always been drawn to the Catholic Faith. Then I was invited to attend the Feast of the Assumption with a friend this past August, and I felt a strong desire to go through RCIA. I began my journey in September and have developed a deeper understanding of the Church and a stronger connection with God."
If you have questions about RCIA, or have a desire to sponsor a catechumen or candidate, please contact Judi Wilkinson at jwilkinson@steugenes.org.
Inquiry Period
Are you interested in joining the Catholic Faith? Do you have questions about Catholicism? St. Eugene has an "inquiry period" for non-Catholics to ask questions and initiate conversation – without judgement or signing on the dotted line! Deacon Rob and Sharon Blakely lead this informal discussion on the third Sunday of the month, from January through August. You are more than welcome to join us at sessions that typically begin at 3:30pm, followed by Mass at 5:00pm if you’d like. Please check the bulletin or website for more details.
“Formed” also has great resources about our Catholic Faith. Check out these trailers to learn more!
Congratulations to all candidates and catechumens who will be fully received into Church this Easter! God bless you!
Parish Mission TONIGHT at 7 p.m.
Don’t forget to join us this evening, tomorrow and Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. for our parish mission presented by Fr. Tom Boyer. This is a great opportunity to learn about why we do what we do at Mass!
Holy Week
Palm Sunday Masses:
Saturday Vigil Mass at 5 p.m.;
Sunday at 9:30 a.m., Noon (Spanish), 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Spanish)
Palm Sunday masses will begin outside on the Church steps,
weather permitting.
Holy Thursday Mass:
7 p.m.
Good Friday Communion Service and
Veneration of the Cross:
7 p.m.
Holy Saturday
Easter Vigil Mass:
8 p.m.
Liturgy of Light will begin outside on the Church steps.
Easter Sunday Masses:
9:30 a.m., Noon (Spanish), 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Spanish)
Let us love, live and share our Catholic faith!
St. Eugene Catholic Church
2400 W Hefner Rd.
The Village, OK 73120
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