With One Heart, St. Edward Parish experiences unprecedented growth in OCIA candidates and CCD students

Linda Fryman

Guest

St. Edward Parish, Cynthiana, has seen a record-breaking increase in the number of OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) candidates and CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) students this year. This remarkable growth reflects the success of the parish’s commitment to hospitality and outreach through the With One Heart pastoral plan initiative.

The With One Heart initiative was launched at St. Edward Parish to create a more welcoming, inclusive and spiritually nourishing environment for all parishioners and visitors. By focusing on renewing hearts and deepening community connections, the initiative has inspired parishioners to extend invitations to those seeking a closer relationship with Christ or exploring the Catholic faith.

A standout feature of this initiative is the “Meal with Your Shepherd” program. This approach invites nonCatholics, those with limited exposure to Catholicism, and new visitors to share a meal Father Niby Kannai, the pastor.

These informal gatherings provide a space for open dialogue, where participants can ask questions, share experiences and explore a deeper faith journey. These encounters have been meaningful, leading many participants to attend Mass regularly and explore the Catholic faith further.

Additionally, as part of the parish’s Missionary Discipleship program, St. Edward Parish has assembled a dedicated team to continue the spiritual formation of new Catholics beyond their formal initiation. This ongoing support nurtures a sense of belonging, helping new members stay engaged, deepen their understanding of the faith, and remain connected to the parish community.

The impact of the With One Heart initiative is evident in the personal stories emerging from the parish. A second-grade student, known for their enthusiastic participation in the children’s homilies during Mass, recently received the sacrament of Baptism. Another student, known for their dedication to prayer, also embraced the faith through Baptism. These young individuals exemplify the power of religious education in shaping the hearts of the next generation.

The influence of these young believers has even reached their families. Inspired by their child’s growing faith, one parent decided to join the OCIA program, showing how a child’s witness can inspire and transform an entire family, drawing them closer to Christ.

The increasing number of OCIA candidates and CCD students highlights the effectiveness of the With One Heart initiative in fostering a more inclusive and vibrant parish community. Parishioners, clergy and volunteers have collaborated to create a space where everyone feels valued, welcomed and encouraged in their faith journey.

As St. Edward Parish looks ahead, the commitment to hospitality, outreach and deeper spiritual formation will remain at the heart of its mission. The parish leadership hopes that the With One Heart initiative will continue to inspire more individuals to explore and deepen their relationship with Christ.

Jakob Furnish, a parishioner, noted, “Father Niby has made it welcoming for new members. I see many new faces every week — something I haven’t seen in my lifetime. I think the new engagement committee in the works is a great idea, and I would love to be involved. Thanks so much, and God bless!”

For more information about St. Edward Parish’s OCIA and CCD programs or to learn more about the “Meal with Your Shepherd” initiative, contact the St. Edward Parish office.

Linda Fryman is office manager for St. Edward Parish, Cynthiana, Ky. See related photo on page 17.