Becoming Catholic
How Do I Become a Catholic?
If you are thinking about becoming a Catholic, the first thing to do is speak to someone you know.
Don't be afraid.
Becoming Catholic is an amazing, life-changing journey.
Much more than a series of educational classes, it moves through a process of deep reflection, discernment and formation.
God offers us the grace of desiring and seeking love, truth, and meaning.
He is the initiator and giver of all faith, who inspires and guides us on our journey.
Throughout the process of initiation into the Catholic Church, the people of God accompany those seeking full initiation step-by-step to support, guide, and help them hear God’s call in their life.
I'm not baptised, but I'm interested in becoming a Catholic
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA, is an ancient process revived recently at the Second Vatican Council. The process of RCIA corresponds to the stages of individual faith development and personal conversion. It also involves the deeper conversion of the accompanying Catholic community, who witness and are partaking in the same spiritual journey. In order to hear and follow God’s voice, those seeking initiation enter into an RCIA programme with a parish community. This involves prayer and careful listening.
For the unbaptised, this journey may lead to the waters of new life in Baptism, the sealing of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation, and the receiving of the ‘Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity’ of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
The journey of each person is unique. The RCIA process respects this, and the rituals reflect it. The first step is to speak to your parish priest.
I was baptised in a different Christian tradition or denomination
If you were baptised with water in the name of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you are a Christian!
Depending on your particular background and circumstances, your formation and discernment process would prepare you for a profession of faith, the sacrament of Confirmation, and the reception of the Eucharist. When you make contact with your parish priest, you should share your personal experience of Church and faith with them. This will help them determine your next steps towards full initiation.
I was Baptised Catholic, and I am Interested in Full Initiation into the Church
If you were already baptised into the Catholic Church, you are a Catholic!
Many people find themselves in this situation. Perhaps your parents raised you Catholic, but for some reason, you missed the sacrament of Confirmation. You may have been baptised Catholic but for various reasons were not raised in the Faith.
You may have never gone to Mass regularly, attended faith formation, or been prepared for First Communion or Confirmation.
When you call your parish priest, you should share your personal experience of Church and faith with them. This will help them determine your next steps towards full initiation, making sure that the path you follow is particularly suited to helping you in your journey.
Tell Me More About the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The RCIA programme brings people together to share their faith. Those who wish to become Catholic meet with Catholics to share their faith journeys. They get to
know each other and explore the faith of the Catholic Church together, considering how it speaks to the lived reality of each person. This series of informal meetings is divided into stages. The process takes time. It is important no one feels rushed as they make this journey. Here is a short explanation of the stages:
Inquiry: the initial period before you decide to enter the Catholic Church. You’re asking questions and checking it out but aren’t yet ready to commit.
Catechumenate: those who decide to enter the Church and are being trained for a life in Christ are called catechumens, an ancient name from the early Church. In this stage, you’re developing your faith and are being “catechized” – learning catechism, or the basic points about Catholic faith and life.
Purification and preparation: The Church will help you focus and intensify your faith as you prepare you to commit your life to Christ and be received into the Church at Easter. If you’re following the RCIA process, you’ll go through a beautiful series of Gospel-based meditations during Lent, which is the time frame of this period.
Initiation itself, the culmination of the whole process! You’re received into the Church during the Easter Vigil Mass, where you’ll receive the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. (If you’ve already been baptized, you won’t be baptized again.)
Mystagogy: after reception into the Church at Easter, this period lets you reflect and learn more about the mysteries of the Mass and the Sacraments that you now participate in fully.