A zeolite-containing fixed bed catalyst is formed by pre-shaping a mixture of a reactive aluminum-containing component and a matrix component into pre-shaped particles, and contacting the pre-shaped particles with a reactive liquid containing a silicate for a sufficient time and temperature to form an in-situ zeolite within the pre-shaped particles. The contacting of the pre-shaped particles and the liquid is achieved such that there is relative movement between the pre-shaped particles and the liquid.