OCIA Session 28 Supplement - Ongoing Formation - Study, prayer, and Catholic learning resources

One of the greatest misunderstandings people have about OCIA is that it ends at the Easter Vigil. In reality, the Vigil is a beginning, not a finish line. Becoming Catholic is not about completing a course; it is about beginning a lifelong journey of faith. That journey requires ongoing formation - study, prayer, and continued growth in knowledge and love of God. Just as our bodies need food daily, our souls need constant nourishment. Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Formation is how we remain in Christ, staying connected to Him so our faith can flourish.

The Church has always encouraged lifelong learning. Even the greatest saints never stopped growing. St. Augustine, one of the greatest minds in Christian history, spent his life diving deeper into the mysteries of faith. St. Jerome, who translated the Bible into Latin, once said, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” To grow in faith, we must constantly return to the Scriptures, to the teachings of the Church, and to prayer. Faith is not static - it is alive, dynamic, and meant to deepen over time.

So how do we practice ongoing formation? First, through study. Make a habit of reading the Bible regularly. Begin with the Gospels, where you encounter Christ most directly. Read the daily Mass readings, which the Church has carefully arranged to walk us through God’s Word. Supplement your study with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is a treasure chest of teaching. Don’t be intimidated by its size - take it one section at a time, letting it answer questions and strengthen your understanding. Many excellent Catholic books, podcasts, and videos are available today, making it easier than ever to keep learning.

Second, through prayer. Study informs the mind, but prayer transforms the heart. Without prayer, knowledge becomes dry. With prayer, knowledge becomes wisdom. Make time each day for prayer - in silence, with Scripture, through devotions, or before the Blessed Sacrament. Pray with the Liturgy of the Hours if you can, joining your voice to the universal prayer of the Church. Above all, never let a day pass without speaking to God and listening for His voice. As Philippians 4:6 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Third, through the community. Ongoing formation is not a solo project. The parish provides opportunities for Bible studies, retreats, faith-sharing groups, and ministries. By joining these, you not only learn more about your faith, but you also build relationships that sustain you in the Christian life. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” When you surround yourself with others who are seeking holiness, your own faith grows stronger.

Here’s a humor break: Catholics sometimes joke that the Church has “an app for everything” now - prayer apps, Bible apps, rosary apps, daily Mass readings apps. It may seem overwhelming, but the truth is, technology can be a powerful tool if we use it well. Even a phone notification can remind us to pause and pray.

Take time to reflect: where do you want to grow most in your faith? Is it understanding Scripture better? Learning Church teaching more deeply? Developing a stronger prayer life? Building Catholic friendships? Identify one area and commit to nurturing it.

Here’s your practical challenge: pick one resource this week to help you grow. It could be reading the daily Gospel, joining a Bible study, downloading a Catholic app, or setting aside fifteen minutes of prayer. Write down your commitment and share it with a friend or mentor so you stay accountable.

In closing, remember this: being Catholic is not about a one-time decision but about a lifelong relationship with Christ. Ongoing formation keeps your faith alive, your heart open, and your mind growing. Next time, we will look at evangelization and community - how to invite others, share your faith, and build up the Church together. Until then, remain in Christ, keep studying, keep praying, and never stop growing in the love of God.