Every year, adults come to St. Matthew asking the same quiet question: how does someone become Catholic? The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults — OCIA — is the Church’s answer. It is not a course to be passed. It is a journey of faith, walked alongside others, at a pace that respects where you are starting from.

Who is OCIA for?

• Catechumens — those who have never been baptized in any Christian faith, and who are preparing to receive Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion.
• Candidates — those already baptized in a Christian tradition (including baptized Catholics) who have not yet received Confirmation and/or the Eucharist, and who wish to come into full communion with the Catholic Church.
• Inquirers — anyone who simply wants to understand the Catholic faith better. Inquirers make no commitment of any kind. You are welcome to come, listen, and ask whatever you would like to ask.

What the journey looks like

OCIA unfolds in stages rather than lessons:

• Inquiry — an unhurried period of asking questions and getting to know the community. No commitment.
• The Catechumenate — growing in prayer, Scripture and the teaching of the Church, supported by the parish.
• Purification and Enlightenment — a period of preparation and reflection during Lent.
• The Sacraments — ordinarily celebrated at the Easter Vigil, the most joyful night of the Church’s year.
• Mystagogy — continuing to grow in the life of the parish after the Sacraments are received.

Questions people often ask

“I was baptized Catholic but never confirmed.” You are very welcome. Many adults complete their initiation this way.

“I’m not sure I believe yet.” That is precisely what the Inquiry stage is for. Coming to find out more commits you to nothing.

“I was married outside the Church.” Please come and speak with us. These situations are more straightforward than most people expect, and they are handled with discretion.

“How long does it take?” It depends on you. The Church deliberately allows the journey to take the time each person needs.

Children and young people

Children of catechetical age preparing for Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion or Confirmation are welcomed through our Faith Formation program rather than through adult OCIA.

How to begin

Registration and sacramental forms are handled through our Faith Formation site: faithformation.saintmatthewcatholicchurch.org

You are equally welcome to simply telephone the Parish Office at (561) 966-8878, or speak with one of our clergy after any Mass. There is no form to fill in before you make that first inquiry.

St. Matthew Catholic Church, 6090 Hypoluxo Road, Lake Worth, FL 33463.
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – Noon and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.