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Man describes journey through Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) Holy Rosary-Idaho Falls parishioner Russell 'Rusty' O'Malley, at left with friend Randall Lillie and an unidentified photo bomber, attended a SEEK event, sponsored by FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) of the Diocese of Boise, last spring. He describes himself as once being a hungry, lost soul who found his way home. (Photo/Courtesy of Russell O'Malley) By Russell O’Malley For the ICR   The journey into the Catholic Church through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a profound, deeply personal odyssey—a pilgrimage of the heart leading seekers to the core of Christian faith and community. It's a path marked by intellectual discovery, spiritual awakening, and the profound embrace of the sacraments. This narrative reflects my journey through OCIA at Pope John Paul II Parish in Idaho Falls, offering insights into God’s transformative grace and the enduring beauty of coming home, a journey profoundly shared with my wife.   My own path began with a long-standing, gentle tug on my spirit, a persistent call to return to my Christian roots. My wife, a cradle Catholic, often mentioned attending Mass. While initially indifferent to our church choice, I found myself drawn into the profound reverence of the liturgy. There was an unmistakable sense of something ancient and true, a spiritual depth that resonated within me, planting the seeds for what would become a year-long expedition into Catholicism. This quiet stirring culminated in September 2023, as I formally embarked on the OCIA program, with the Easter Vigil of 2024 as my anticipated destination.   The Catechumenate: Foundations and Revelations The Catechumenate period, a foundational stage of OCIA, immersed me gradually into Christian life, doctrine, liturgy, and charity. This phase brought intellectual enlightenment and a burgeoning spiritual awareness. A true turning point was the session on the Holy Trinity . My prior understanding of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit had been rudimentary, but this insightful teaching opened my eyes to God's profound mystery and relationality, bringing clarity and depth to my burgeoning faith. Equally impactful was our Deacon, who directed the program. His welcoming demeanor, patient guidance, and unwavering commitment to allowing each of us to truly understand Catholicism at our own pace were invaluable. He never pushed, but rather gently encouraged us to explore, question, and internalize the teachings. This atmosphere fostered genuine spiritual growth. A palpable sense of being shepherded, much like doting parents, came from the Deacon and a dedicated couple assisting the classes. Their consistent presence and genuine care fostered a strong sense of community within our small group, a connection we cherish to this day.   Rites of Transition: A Solemn Affirmation As the Catechumenate deepened, we moved towards the Rites of Transition, culminating in the Rite of Election/Call to Continuing Conversion . For me, these rites held immense personal significance, often far more than recognized by lifelong Catholics. There's a unique hunger in a "lost soul" finally finding their way home to the Church and, more importantly, home to God. Every step, every rite, was a profound affirmation of my commitment. This particular rite felt like a public declaration of my deepest desire, a solemn step forward in being "set aside for the Lord, to be His."   The Lenten period of Purification and Enlightenment  that followed was a time of intensified spiritual reflection and self-examination. The scrutinies and the presentations of the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer were not just liturgical exercises; they were opportunities for deep personal introspection, solidifying my understanding of the Church's foundational beliefs and the essence of prayer. This period instilled a profound sense of my undertaking's seriousness—a commitment to a new way of life, a dedication of myself wholly to God. Holy Rosary Church in Idaho Falls, where Christ led Russell O'Malley to the faith. (Photo/Courtesy of Russell O'Malley) Easter Vigil: The Embrace of New Life Amidst Trials The Easter Vigil is the spiritual zenith of the OCIA journey, the night when catechumens are fully initiated into the Church. My experience was profoundly amplified by my participation in Exodus 90  prior to the Vigil, a spiritual program instrumental in shaping my mind and deepening my understanding of Christ’s immense sacrifice and the gift of His love.   However, the path to the Vigil was not without its trials. Fulfilling the necessary canonical requirements proved arduous, demanding immense effort and emotional toll to retrieve vital sacramental records from distant locations. Despite the invaluable assistance of a truly amazing Deacon overseas, the bureaucracy caused significant pain and moments of deep despondency, even leading me to question if this path was truly meant for me.   The moment the notice of dispensation arrived, finally overcoming the hurdles just two weeks before the Vigil, was truly exhilarating. I ran to the Deacon, joyfully embracing him—a gesture born of overwhelming relief and gratitude. It’s difficult to explain the burning desire, the profound yearning, to come to the Lord, to be joined with Him, to be in union with God’s plan, especially after one’s eyes have been opened to His calling. To be standing on the outside looking in, once that vision is clear, is an intensely difficult experience.   Receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil was nothing short of miraculous. The cleansing waters of Baptism  washed away the old, ushering in new life in Christ. The anointing of Confirmation empowered me with the Holy Spirit, strengthening me to live out my faith boldly. And finally, receiving the Eucharist , truly the Body and Blood of Christ, was the ultimate act of communion, a profound and intimate union with God. It was a moment of complete belonging, of being fully welcomed into the family of God, and the spiritual peace that enveloped me was indescribable.   Mystagogia: Living the New Life The period of Mystagogia following Easter is vital for continued formation, deepening understanding of the sacraments and integrating fully into the parish community. For my wife and me, this has been a time of profound and ongoing transformation. More than a year on from my baptism, our lives have been completely reshaped. We've cultivated a more peaceful dynamic, and both of us have deepened our commitment to the Lord, striving to attend daily Mass whenever possible. My participation in Exodus 90, which evolved into a continuous Exodus 365 , has become a cornerstone of my spiritual life. The weekly meetings offer invaluable discussions that continue to help me explore and deepen my faith. This past year, I've truly focused on developing my internal spiritual life, greatly enriched by the profound theological insights shared by our priests and deacons. Russell O'Malley wife Grace. (Photo/Courtesy of Russell O'Malley) Through the Sacrament of Confession , I've hesitantly confronted and explored past wounds, things I thought I had overcome but were merely calloused over and hidden, even from myself. For the first time in my life, I truly understood forgiveness, which allowed me to heal and let go of burdens I had unknowingly carried for years. The sense of liberation has been immense, unleashing my mind to delve ever deeper into my faith. I often feel as though I could spend all my time in the church, a testament to the burning desire to be closer to Christ, even wishing I could sleep at the foot of the tabernacle.   Challenges and Sustaining Grace The significant challenges surrounding the complexities of fulfilling certain canonical requirements  tested our patience, resolve, and at times, even our very spirit. Yet, in retrospect, these hurdles underscored the seriousness of my commitment and the profound value of the sacraments we were seeking. They forced us to rely more deeply on God’s grace and to persevere even when the path seemed insurmountable. Receiving the long-sought dispensation literally at the eleventh hour felt like a cruel test at the time, but it ultimately revealed itself as God's miraculous welcome home for me.   Throughout this journey, the support system around us in our parish was a true blessing. My sponsor was phenomenal, consistently dropping everything to be present for classes or church events, his enthusiasm infectious and inspiring. The joy radiated by a visiting monk upon learning of my impending baptism was truly endearing and memorable. The parish priests were genuinely excited to welcome us into their flock, their enthusiasm palpable. The wider parish community embraced my wife and me with open arms, making us feel genuinely welcomed and "pulled in from the cold." The couple who assisted with the OCIA classes, acting as true shepherds, felt like doting parents, and our friendship has endured beyond the program. Their collective support, guidance, and prayers were instrumental in navigating the challenges and celebrating the joys.   Transformation and Advice for the Journey Completing OCIA has been nothing short of transformative for me and for us as a couple. My faith has deepened, and our life together has been profoundly strengthened, now rooted in a shared spiritual journey. For anyone considering or currently in OCIA, I offer the following advice, born from my own experience: Proactively Engage with Your Director on Requirements:  From the outset, maintain open, honest dialogue with your Deacon or program director. Ask for a comprehensive list of all requirements early on, as some (especially those involving marital status or historical records) can take considerable time to fulfill. Embrace Community:  Actively participate in parish activities and seek to integrate into the parish family. This belonging is vital for sustained faith.          Embrace Disciplined Spirituality:  Explore programs like Exodus 90 that foster disciplined prayer, silence, and fasting to deepen your personal relationship with Christ. Explore Adoration:  Seek opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration. Consider touring the parish's Adoration chapel. Spending time in quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament is profoundly transformative. Attend Mass Regularly:  Make Sunday Mass a non-negotiable priority; strive for daily Mass too. Even before receiving Communion, Mass is the source and summit of our faith, essential for spiritual growth and encountering Jesus.

Father Francisco Godínez and his faithful companion, Chewy, before cutting the cake prepared by his parishioners in celebration of his 15 years as a priest. Much of the Corpus Christi community gathered to celebrate their pastor, Father Francisco Godínez, on his priestly anniversary. (ICR Photo/Vero Gutiérrez) By Vero Gutiérrez Assistant Editor FRUITLAND — On Sunday, June 8, the Feast of Pentecost, the Corpus Christi community in Fruitland celebrated a grand event to mark the 15 th  anniversary of the priestly ordination of their pastor, Father Francisco Godínez. After the Eucharistic celebration, Father Godínez spoke about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which we receive from God to serve others. He also appealed to the community to be vigilant, as not only does God give us gifts, but the devil also tries to offer us his.   He urged us to be vigilant in rejecting these gifts, which seek to separate us from God's love. Through moments of Eucharistic adoration, we show Our Lord that we love him and want to spend all eternity at his side. Father encouraged everyone to spend more time in Eucharistic adoration.   After the Eucharist, the community held a surprise party for him. Most of the attendees were parishioners from Corpus Christi, as well as Hispanic-Latino and Anglo-Saxon people, and some parishioners from Saint Nicholas in Rupert, where Father Godinez was pastor before coming to his current parish.   The feast took place in the parish hall and was made possible by contributions from the community, who brought all kinds of dishes. The youth mariachi group Cantares de México entertained the guests for a couple of hours, and another musical group got everyone dancing at the end of the festivities. Father Godínez is pictured with the young musicians of the Mariachi Cantares de México during the celebration. (ICR Photo/Vero Gutiérrez) Father Francisco, as he is affectionately known, was ordained on June 10, 2010 by Bishop Michael Driscoll at St John the Evangelist Cathedral in Boise, Idaho. Originally from La Piedad, Michoacán, he came to Idaho in 2002 to train as a priest in this diocese.   He completed his philosophy studies at Conception Seminary College, graduating summa cum laude in 2005.   He has served at St. Pius X in Coeur d'Alene, St. Nicholas in Rupert, and Corpus Christi in Fruitland, where he is currently the pastor.   While serving as pastor at St. Nicholas in Rupert, he spent two years studying Canon Law at St. Paul University in Ottawa, Canada.   He also serves as a judge for the Diocese of Boise's Canon Court. In 2023, he became a United States citizen in a ceremony held at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Boise, Idaho.

WASHINGTON  – Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Liam Cary, 77, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Baker, and has appointed Reverend Thomas Hennen, as Bishop-elect of Baker. “Under Canon law, bishops are required to submit a letter of resignation once they turn 75, and Bishop Cary is 77, so he was two years past that,” USCCB (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops) Communications Associate Kendall McClaren told the Idaho Catholic Register . Father Hennen is a priest of the Diocese of Davenport and currently serves as the diocese’s vicar general and rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport, Iowa. The resignation and appointment Diocese of Baker Bishop-elect Rev. Thomas Hennen. (Photo/Courtesy of Diocese of Davenport, Iowa) were publicized in Washington, D.C. on July 10, 2025, by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.   The following biographical information for Bishop-elect Hennen was drawn from preliminary materials provided to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops:   Father Hennen was born July 4, 1978, in Ottumwa, Iowa. Bishop-elect Hennen pursued studies at Saint Ambrose University in Davenport. He also studied at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, and the Pontifical Gregorian University, earning a bachelor’s in sacred theology (2003). He received a licentiate of sacred theology (2005) from the Pontifical Alphonsian Academy in Rome. Father Hennen was ordained to the priesthood on July 10, 2004.   Bishop-elect Hennen’s assignments after ordination include: parochial vicar, Prince of Peace parish in Clinton (2005-2010); campus minister and parochial vicar, Newman Center and Saint Mary in Iowa City (2010-2011); chaplain and theology teacher at Assumption High School in Davenport (2014-2017).   He also served at Sacred Heart parish in Oxford Junction, Saint James parish in Toronto, Sacred Heart parish in Lost Nation and Saints Philip and James parish in Ground Mound (2015); chaplain and director of campus ministry at Saint Ambrose University in Davenport (2017-2021); parochial vicar at Saint Anthony parish in Davenport (2017-2018). Since 2021, he has served as priest moderator of Saint Andrew parish in Blue Grass and rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport.   Bishop-elect Hennen’s additional responsibilities for the Diocese of Davenport have included: director of vocations (2011-2018); associate director of vocations (2018-2021); consultor and vicar general (2020-present). Bishop-elect Hennen speaks English, Spanish, and Italian.   The Diocese of Baker is comprised of 66,826 square miles in the State of Oregon and has a total population of 532,734 of which 33,356 are Catholic.

Welcome to Idaho Catholic Register, the official source for Catholic Media provided by Diocese of Boise. Featured News Pope Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of Bishop Liam Cary of the Diocese of Baker; Appoints Rev. Thomas Hennen as Successor WASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Liam Cary, 77, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Baker,... 26 minutes ago 2 min read Catholic News Articles Pope Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of Bishop Liam Cary of the Diocese of Baker; Appoints Rev. Thomas Hennen as Successor WASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Liam Cary, 77, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Baker,... 26 minutes ago 2 min read Science is ‘participation in Divine truth’ New Catholic outdoor program, COMPASS, gives Idaho students hands-on science education rooted in prayer, discovery and stewardship of... 3 days ago 4 min read Bishop Christensen releases statement on north Idaho tragedy Arsonist shoots firefighters as they respond to wild fire By Bishop Peter F. Christensen Bishop Diocese of Boise The Catholic Diocese of... Jul 1 1 min read Salt & Light Radio commemorates 15 years of on-air service The Vigil Project, an international association of Catholic musicians based in Louisiana, also focused on evangelization. They led workshops and performed concerts at Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Meridian, Boise and Cottonwood. The organization has teams of artists and speakers who provide retreats, workshops and concerts to promote Catholic liturgical and devotional music. Jun 30 4 min read Does God have a sense of humor? All Good things come from God By Father Ron Rolheiser Professor of Spiriturally Oblate School of Theology For the ICR Does God have a... Jun 30 4 min read Idaho Catholic Register Earns National Recognition at 2025 Catholic Media Conference Four honored among top contributors to Catholic communications The Idaho Catholic Register won Honorable Mention for Best Newspaper... Jun 28 4 min read More Articles Subscribe to the Register Join the Register and be the first to know about Diocese of Boise news. Subscribe for as little as $20 a year, but if you can give more, you will greatly assist our mission to inform, inspire and teach. You can also subscribe through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705 or call 208-350-7554. Basic Subscription $ 20 20$ Every year For those who want to stay informed while providing essential support. Select Your contribution of $20 helps us stay afloat. You'll get 22 issues for $20--that's less than $1 per issue! Out of the Red Supporter Subscription $ 50 50$ Every year For those committed to making a significant impact on our ability to create and share meaningful content. Select If everyone gave $50 per subscription, we would break even. This is the cost of one dinner out, if you don't splurge. Evangelizer Subscription $ 150 150$ Every year For those deeply dedicated to advancing our mission and empowering us to grow and expand our outreach. Select We know this is a lot to ask! $150 allows us to grow and extend our reach. $150 helps us to tell more of Idaho's faith stories. Recent Articles View All

About the Idaho Catholic Register Welcome to Idaho Catholic Register! The Idaho Catholic Register is the official newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise. Founded in 1958, the ICR's mission is to inform, inspire and teach. Our dedicated team is committed to delivering accurate and compelling stories that matter to you. Explore our website to discover a wide range of topics, including local events, faith-based initiatives, inspiring stories, and much more. Whether you're a member of the Catholic faith or simply interested in learning about the Catholic Church, we invite you to be part of our journey. Photo caption: Bishop Tod David Brown inspects the latest edition of the ICR, hot off the press in 1994. (ICR file photo) Subscribe ICR Archive The Idaho Catholic Register Archive offers a rich collection of past issues, preserving decades of faith-filled stories, news, and Catholic life across Idaho. View Archive