Teaching OCIA
Order of Christian Initiation

Spiritual formation at the Church of Saint Matthew seeks to embody the “field hospital” vision laid out by Pope Francis—a vision of accompaniment, and one that is aware that all of us are pilgrims on a journey, a journey we will be on the rest of our lives, and beyond. As this relates to the official Catholic Church process known as OCIA (the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), this means that when catechumens, those interested in entering the Catholic Church, enter into relationship with catechists, those who offer instruction to newcomers, they begin a mutual and reciprocal process. At Saint Matthew’s, catechumen and catechist learn from and accompany each other on the journey.  

There are many ways you can be involved in our OCIA program

Parish Community engagement is the foundation of formation. Everyone in the Church Community is tasked with welcoming the initiates and inviting them to participate in the normal goings on of our Parish family.

Welcoming Committee – Members of our Welcoming Committee meet quarterly for dinner at the members’ homes, to welcome new comers, form relationships, and answer initial questions about our faith tradition. These individuals help match the Catechumen or Candidate (Initiate) with a Sponsor from within St. Matthew’s who will walk with them through the process of discernment and if desired, initiation. 

Catechists – A team of teachers (individuals are assigned to a given week) that meet with the initiates weekly during the second half of Mass on Sundays, after the Liturgy of the Word. Together they dive into the teachings of the Catholic Church and wrestle with their application to our daily lives. 

Retreat Team – A team that assists with a morning retreat on the Day of the Easter Vigil, where the death and resurrection of Christ is reflected upon.