Becoming Catholic | Adult Initiation (OCIA)
If you are interested in becoming a Catholic, join the process called OCIA (The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults). At the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, the OCIA is composed of Sunday Mass, weekly classes, retreats, and prayer.
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a gradual process of spiritual formation that includes prayer, sharing, and study and occurs in the context of the parish community. It is intended for adults who:
- are not baptized and would like to be fully initiated and welcomed into the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist
- were baptized in another Christian community/tradition* and seek to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist
- were baptized as Catholics* as infants/children but have not received the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist
* Proof of valid Christian baptism is required (by way of certificate or letter of verification from one’s church of baptism).
When Do I Become Catholic?
Sacraments are celebrated at the Easter Vigil, (The Saturday night Mass before Easter Sunday), with Cardinal McElroy on Saturday, April 4, at 8pm.
OCIA Meetings
- OCIA meets Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30pm in the North Conference Room.
- Consistent, regular attendance is expected.
- There are also retreats and opportunities for service and outreach.
- OCIA classes begin August 19, 2026
Registration Links for 2026 – 2027
- These will be given out in class in October 2026.
Classes Begin August 19, 2026
Sponsors
Sponsors are vital to the OCIA process. Beginning in the Catechumenate phase, a Sponsor builds a one-on-one relationship with a catechumen or baptized candidate, serving as a companion, listener, mentor, and pray-er; sharing her or his own faith; and attesting to the catechumen or candidate’s faith, intentions, and readiness for reception. Everyone needs a sponsor, that is, a practicing Catholic. Spouses and parents cannot act as sponsors. Otherwise, sponsors need to be at least 16 and practicing Catholics with all their sacraments.
Contact For more information, email L.J. Milone, Director of Faith Formation.