Catechesis & OCIA

Welcome to the Department of Catechesis and OCIA of the Diocese of Duluth.

This department is dedicated to the faithful handing on of the fullness of what the Most Blessed Trinity has revealed through Jesus Christ, and entrusted to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. The Catholic Church has been given the fullness of truth and grace, which is what our Lord Jesus Christ died to give each and every one of us. God "desires all men to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:4). This means none other than coming into full communion with He who is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (Jn. 14:6).

"The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: only He can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Trinity" (Pope John Paul II, On Catechesis in Our Time #5). Catechesis is not only for children. It is for every human person God ever created, and will create. The goal of catechesis is to put all people into intimate communion with Jesus Christ. This means two things. First, all catechesis is sacramental preparation. In the Eucharist we receive Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, body, blood, soul, and divinity. There can be no more intimate communion with Christ this side of the grave. Second, the definitive aim of catechesis is to lead people to a life of holiness in order to live in the midst of the life-giving love of the Trinity for all eternity. Yes, the goal of catechesis is to be a saint.

All human persons have a right to all that God intends, and the Department of Catechesis and OCIA is dedicated to forming catechetical leaders and catechists in this mission.

Even more resources are available at our Diocese of Duluth Catechesis and Evangelization SharePoint site. Contact Grace or Annette to be added to the SharePoint site. 

The image of “Christ the Pantocrator” on this page is in the public domain in the United States because it was published before January 1, 1923.

Memorial August 21st

Patron Saint of the Department of Catechesis & OCIA 

Father, to defend the Catholic faith and to make all things new in Christ, you filled Saint Pius X with heavenly wisdom and apostolic courage. May his example and teaching lead us to the reward of eternal life. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen