OCIA Session 19: Conversion & Discipleship – Living Faith as a Lifelong Journey

Welcome, friends. You’ve journeyed a long way already - through the sacraments, prayer, morality, and the Mass. Now we turn a corner in OCIA: preparing for Easter. This phase is called Purification & Enlightenment.

It’s not just about learning information anymore. It’s about transformation. Conversion. Discipleship. These are big words, but they’re very simple:

Conversion means turning away from sin and toward God.
Discipleship means following Jesus - not just admiring Him, but living as His student.

This isn’t about a temporary course. It’s about a lifelong journey.

Conversion: A Daily Turn

Conversion doesn’t just happen once. It’s not like flipping a light switch. It’s more like steering a ship - daily adjustments to stay on course. Think about St. Paul. One dramatic moment on the road to Damascus changed everything. But even he said, “I die daily” (1 Cor 15:31). Conversion is ongoing.

Humor Break

Someone once said, “Conversion means giving God the steering wheel. The problem is, we keep trying to grab it back.” Isn’t that true?

Discipleship: Following the Master

The word disciple literally means “learner.” In Jesus’ time, disciples didn’t just learn information from a teacher. They lived with the teacher. They followed him around. They imitated his life.

Being a disciple of Jesus means:

Learning from His teaching.
Living His way of love.
Carrying our crosses with Him.
Staying close to Him in prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments.

Interactive Reflection

Take two minutes. Write down: “Where am I being called to turn more toward God right now? What part of my life needs change?” Don’t overthink. Just be honest.

The Cost of Discipleship

Jesus was clear: discipleship is not always easy. “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Mark 8:34).

That means we will face sacrifice - giving up sin, choosing forgiveness, loving when it’s hard. But here’s the promise: it leads to freedom and joy.

Humor Break #2

Someone once quipped: “Being a disciple doesn’t mean life gets easier. It means you now have Jesus in the boat when the storm comes. And He’s better than life jackets.”

Conversion in Daily Life

Conversion shows up in ordinary choices:

Choosing honesty instead of a “little white lie.”
Showing patience instead of snapping.
Choosing Mass on Sunday over sleeping in.
Giving time in service when you’d rather do nothing.

Each choice turns us closer to Christ.

Parish Connection

Discipleship is not private. You live it out in your parish community. That means joining ministries, serving the poor, teaching the faith, helping your parish thrive. Your discipleship strengthens the whole Church.

Interactive Activity

Pair up (or reflect quietly). Share one area where you feel God calling you to grow as His disciple - prayer, service, forgiveness, courage, parish involvement.

Conversion and the Scrutinies

In this phase, you’ll soon participate in the Scrutinies - special prayers at Mass asking God to strengthen and purify you. They’re not exams; they’re graces. They help root out sin and prepare you for Easter. We’ll talk more about them in the next few sessions.

Action Step

This week:

Go to Sunday Mass and listen for the word “disciple” or “discipleship” in the readings or homily.
Each day, make one small conversion choice - forgive, serve, pray, or resist temptation.
End each night with this simple prayer: “Lord, help me follow You more closely tomorrow.”

Closing

Conversion is not a one-time event. Discipleship is not a temporary project. They are lifelong journeys. And the Church walks with you every step of the way.

Next time, we’ll begin the first Scrutiny - a time of prayer and healing, asking God’s mercy and strength for the road ahead. Until then, remember: you are not just learning about Jesus. You are becoming His disciple.

next class:
OCIA Session 20: Scrutiny I – Healing from Sin, Relying on God’s Mercy