The Spirit's Guidance

For this article, we had a conversation with Ellen Lierk and Natalie Collins, former directors; Erin Armstrong, current director and Theresa Dykes, long-serving hospitality minister. Among them, they share over 105 years of participation on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) team. They have witnessed firsthand the fruits of collaborative ministry. 

Since the 1980s, the RCIA program at Alliance Holy Rosary Parish has welcomed, formed, and been blessed by the many individuals who have responded to the Holy Spirit’s invitation to grow in the love of God through our Catholic faith. (Note: RCIA was renamed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in 2021 to Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, or OCIA). The stability and strength of Holy Rosary’s OCIA program is grounded in the vision and work of Sister Bernard Meyer, OSF, who began the program at Father Gerald Harr’s invitation. Current team members credit her with planting seeds that continue to bear fruit. 

Like Sister Bernard, the current OCIA team recognizes skills and gifts and then encourages and supports lay men and women to share their faith as team members. 

“I first went to RCIA for enrichment in 1987 with a friend, both of us young mothers. In 1989, my husband went with me, also for enrichment. But before long, Sister Bernard said, “We need a discussion leader, I think you’d be perfect.” I became a discussion leader. In 1991, there was a need for a presenter. Sr. Bernard recruited and encouraged me — I became a presenter. —Natalie Collins 

“My husband Steve and I first attended RCIA for enrichment. We offered to help with refreshments that night. Sister Bernard persuaded us to become part of the team. A few years later our Marriage Encounter group presented on the sacrament of matrimony. I continue to serve as hospitality minister and present the lesson on matrimony. Without Sister Bernard’s invitation, I may not have served. It reminds me to notice gifts and call others. I appreciate the friendship I have made and look forward to many more.” —Theresa Dykes 

It is the team approach that allows leaders to share responsibilities and equip the next generation with leaders who will continue the program. 

“Due to her health, Sister Bernard needed to let go of directing the process. I was asked to become a director. Sister Bernard was there to advise me. Next, Natalie Collins took the lead. Recently, Natalie has passed leadership to Erin Armstrong. Both Natalie and I have stayed involved as presenters and filling in where needed. Sister Bernard modeled the graceful way to let go and follow the Spirit’s lead.” —Ellen Lierk 

Team members have listened to the Holy Spirit and our newly initiated. While the structure of the program has been constant, prayer opportunities and new resources have been added. 

“Our RCIA is a living process. We discern the Holy Spirit’s direction when making adaptations. The OCIA is ever old, ever new.” —Ellen Lierk 

The team approach allows each member to bring their own perspectives and approach. Each catechumen or candidate can then make a connection with a team member. 

The diversity of the team is a strength because people coming into the Church, like team members, have their own perspective and approach, and can see that it’s OK. If you have no diversity, the same person presenting every week, then you only get Catholicism according to that person. —Natalie Collins 

“Presenters and discussion leaders share belief in Church dogma. We love the Church and people and want them to grow more in love with God. We provide inquirers a space where they can go deep into their faith and explore what it means to be Catholic. Inquirers understand that the Catholic Church has common beliefs, yet a Catholic lives those beliefs out in our own unique way. Those on this journey witness that becoming Catholic isn’t a cookie cutter thing.” —Ellen Lierk 

Parish support has also been an important part of the Holy Rosary OCIA. The team has been intentional about involving the parish community. 

“We ask the community to pray for those in formation. Just a few weeks ago, we celebrated the Rite of Acceptance at Mass. It is powerful seeing the community stand turned toward the catechumens and candidates in support of their journey.” —Erin Armstrong 

“Our experience shows that although knowledge is important, we don't teach people into the church. We model Christ. We love them into the church. One of the greatest joys is hearing in the post program interview, the elect say, ‘I feel at home when I'm at Mass’. The community makes them feel that way.” —Ellen Lierk 

The Holy Rosary process has been going strong for five decades. A longstanding asset is that it is lay led with the pastor as a co-laborer. Father Matt Koperski, as pastors have in the past, is deeply involved and attends sessions. However, the gatherings are led by the team. The collaboration of the pastor and the lay team gives stability to the program, a model of ministry that was described in the USCCB publication Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord. 

Sister Bernard had the motto, "We have enough lukewarm Catholics, if you're going to be a Catholic, be a Catholic. Don’t be a bump on a pickle!” She directed this advice toward the candidates and the team. —Theresa Dykes 

“During the small group discussions of personal sharing and questions is where I believe the magic happens. This time of connection opens the team and inquirer alike to the Spirit’s promptings.” —Erin Armstrong 

The seeds of courage, faith, connection, authenticity, and love planted by Sister Bernard at the Spirit’s prompting bears fruit in the many team members, pastors, inquirers, and parishioners whose faith, hope, and love have grown on this spiritual journey, the OCIA. Come, Holy Spirit!