A person who is considering the possibility of becoming a Catholic, or who simply wishes to learn more about the Catholic Church, will find no better way to do this than to become a part of the Cathedral OCIA.

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process designed to form and inform inquirers who fall into three categories:

• The unbaptized person

• The person baptized into a faith tradition other than Catholic

• The baptized Catholic who was neither confirmed nor reared as a Catholic

 

At the Cathedral, OCIA Inquiry sessions meet every Thursday evening, with the exception of holidays at 7:00 pm in Room #303 of St. Albert Hall. The OCIA Catechumenate sessions also take place on Thursdays at 7:00 pm in Room #305 of St. Albert Hall. One must have gone through the Inquiry process to be a part of the Catechumenate.

The climax of the process comes when those who choose to do so are confirmed and baptized (if necessary) in the Catholic Church.

Our Thursday evening sessions begin promptly at 7:00 pm and close promptly at 9:00 pm. They usually begin with a song, a prayer, a scripture reading and a lecture. This may be followed by small-group discussions, a closing prayer. There are always snacks and refreshments or those coming directly from work and for everyone’s enjoyment.

A few months after beginning the OCIA process, each inquirer is assigned a sponsor. This sponsor is not to be confused with a baptismal or confirmation sponsor. The OCIA sponsor is a practicing Catholic, usually a member of this parish, who goes through the sessions and rites (ceremonies) of the process with the inquirer, serving as a friend and mentor.

There are various periods and phases and rites in the OCIA process, which will be explained before the inquirer experiences them. To do so upon reading this might be confusing. The only things that are important for the reader to understand now is that there is no charge and absolutely no pressure put upon an inquirer.

The OCIA is not a program or a class, but a sacramental formation process that prepares individuals and communities for a particular way of life as Catholic Christians. Conversion is at the heart of that way of life. Conversion is a turning around, an about-face; it is the change that happens when we allow God to love us enough that God reforms us.

In religious conversion we surrender ourselves to the all-loving God, who calls us from individual self-satisfaction a renewed and more authentic life in relationship with Him. Catholics understand conversion as a continuing process throughout our lives.

Conversion manifests itself in different ways (intellectually, morally, and emotionally) but it is always a radical shift from one way of being to another. The OCIA process helps people name and embrace the stirrings of God within them to new life. (The RCIA Transforming the Church, Thomas H. Morris, 1997)

If you have further QUESTIONS, please contact Kevin F. Raymond via the FORM BELOW and click SUBMIT or call the Cathedral office at (615) 327-2330. If you KNOW you will be joining us, you can save some time by filling out this Welcome Form in advance before you show up: https://forms.gle/htpDqpFoBKZJq4Wz6

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*** Please read the following about the OCIA process at the Cathedral***

At the Cathedral of the Incarnation, our OCIA process is intentionally year‑round, allowing anyone to begin the journey of becoming Catholic at the moment God stirs their heart. Whenever someone enters the process, they begin in the Inquiry room—a space designed for asking questions, exploring the faith, and laying a solid foundation. Inquiry is not a “pre‑class” or an optional warm‑up; it is the first required stage of OCIA, where genuine discernment and initial formation take place. Once a person is ready, they are welcomed into the Catechumenate, which is the second required stage of the process and focuses on deeper formation, spiritual growth, and preparation for the sacraments.

 

Because OCIA unfolds in distinct stages, we maintain two rooms each week: one dedicated to inquirers and one dedicated to catechumens. This structure ensures that everyone receives formation appropriate to where they truly are on the journey. No matter when someone begins, they will move naturally from Inquiry into the Catechumenate—not skipping steps, not repeating content, but progressing through the Church’s intended rhythm of conversion. This approach honors both the integrity of OCIA and the lived experience of those who are seeking Christ, offering clarity, consistency, and a welcoming path for all who come to the Cathedral.

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