If you are interested, or if you know someone interested, in learning more about becoming Catholic, we will be very happy to assist you.
If you are unbaptized:
In the Catholic Church, we use a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) for those who have never been baptized and are seeking to come into the Catholic Church. There are five distinct phases of this process:
Period of Inquiry - where one becomes acquainted with the Catholic Church and hears about salvation through Jesus Christ. This is a reflective period where individuals look at their own life story and begin to make connections with the gospel. This is a time for inquirers to explore questions they have about the Church. The length of time this takes will vary from person to person. Some may discern that they are not ready to move forward at this time, while others will determine that they want to move to the next stage.
Period of Catechumenate - This stage comes after one has come to faith in Jesus Christ and desires to become a member of the Catholic Church. Individuals are welcomed formally into the "Catechumenate," where they will gather with the parish community on Sundays for the first part of the Mass. They will be dismissed after the priest's homily to spend time with their Catechist and continue a period of study and reflection on the scriptures and how they apply to their lives.
Period of Purification or Enlightenment - this is a very prayerful time for catechumens. Usually beginning on the First Sunday of Lent they are formally welcomed by the Bishop and are accepted as candidates for the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. This celebration is called the Rite of Election and henceforth catechumens are known as the Elect. During Lent, special prayers called scrutinies are offered for the elect. Scrutinies are prayers for strengthening and purification from any past wrongdoing.
Celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation - This celebration takes place during the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday when the Elect are Baptized, Confirmed, and receive the Holy Eucharist. At this point the person is fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
Period of Mystagogy - Newly initiated Catholics continue their education and formation through the post baptismal or mystagogy period. This is a time to reflect on the sacraments and the teachings of the Catholic Church. It is also a time to discern how best they can serve Christ through His church by becoming active in ministry.
If you are already baptized:
If you were baptized in another Christian church, or if you were baptized Catholic, but have not been Confirmed nor received the Eucharist, you would follow a process to bring you into full communion with the Church. Candidates for reception into full communion with the Catholic Church will undertake a formation program to guide them in understanding the teachings and practice of the Catholic faith. We are all at different stages in our faith journey, so this process may take longer for some than others. Candidates may be received into full communion by making a Profession of Faith and being Confirmed and receiving Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. They may also be received into full communion at another time during the year, depending on the readiness of the individual, and the pastoral circumstances involved.
Next Steps:
If you are ready to begin the process of learning more about becoming Catholic, please contact the parish office. You will be contacted by our Director of Faith Formation who will meet with you to determine the next steps for you. Since everyone's situation is different, the individual circumstances and sacramental needs of each person will be assessed. This is what determines the process to be followed and can affect the time frame involved.