Becoming Catholic
St. Michael Church offers the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) for those interested in learning more about the Catholic Church. Get answers to your questions about Catholicism, develop your spiritual life, and find out the steps required to become fully integrated into the Catholic family. Attending OCIA does not imply an obligation to become Catholic. In fact, it's a great opportunity for Catholics to learn more about the Faith.
OCIA will meet Saturdays: at 9:00am in English and 4:00pm in Spanish. There are no tests or exams, but of course, the more you contemplate the materials and participate in the discussions, the more you will benefit from the program.
FAQs:
I was baptized in another religion. Will I be baptized again?
The Catholic Church believes in only one baptism. If you were baptized with water in the Trinitarian formula (meaning the minister said, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”), the Catholic Church recognizes that as a valid baptism, so you will not be “baptized again.” If other words or procedures were followed, you will receive Christian baptism at the end of the program.
How long does it take to become Catholic?
The OCIA program meets weekly, September through Easter, and you are brought into the Catholic Church on Holy Saturday (the evening before Easter Sunday). Once you complete the Inquiry Form, you will be contacted to learn more about your specific situation.
Why does it take so long? Why is everything so formal?
OCIA is purposefully thorough to ensure you are well-prepared and understand the wonderful graces received when you enter fully into the Church. The Catholic Church has been in existence since Jesus founded it by naming Peter the first Pope, and takes the responsibility of caring for your spiritual life very seriously. Becoming Catholic is meant to be a lifelong commitment and it is important to understand the process, the Mass, and the sacramentality of the Catholic Church.
I have more questions. Is there someone I can speak with about how to proceed?
For information about becoming Catholic, please contact Alexis Zamora at (901) 399-8804 or alexis.zamora@stmichaelmemphis.org.
Registration for fall of 2026 is now closed.
For information about becoming Catholic, please
contact Alexis Zamora at (901) 399-8804 or alexis.zamora@stmichaelmemphis.org.
El plazo de inscripción para el otoño de 2026 ya ha finalizado.
Si desea información sobre cómo convertirse al catolicismo, póngase en contacto con Alexis Zamora en el (901) 399-8804 o en alexis.zamora@stmichaelmemphis.org.