Becoming Catholic

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“He loves, he hopes, he waits. Our Lord prefers to wait Himself for the sinner for years rather than keep us waiting an instant.”

St. Maria Goretti

Interested in Becoming Catholic?

The process by which adults come into the Church has come to be known as the “RCIA,” or “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.” The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a faith journey for those desiring to enter the Catholic Church or for those who wish to complete their initiation into the Church.

The RCIA Formation Process is for:
  • Unbaptized – Adults who need a process to help them grow in awareness to God’s call to conversion as well as ways to respond to that call, the R.C.I.A. gradually uncovers the story of God’s salvation for all; the mystery of Jesus’s life, death and resurrection; and the workings of the Holy Spirit as revealed in the beliefs, sacramental life and spiritual practices of the Catholic Church. They are considered catechumens.   The process of Christian initiation (known also as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA) prepares you to enter into the Catholic Church by celebrating what are called the sacraments of Christian initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist (or Holy Communion).
  • Baptized in Another Christian Church – those catechized and uncatechized persons who are seeking full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. They are considered candidates.   If you were already baptized in another Christian tradition, the initiation process prepares you to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church by celebrating the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist (or Holy Communion).
  • Baptized but uncatechized Catholic Adults – persons who were baptized as infants and not given any religious upbringing within the Catholic Tradition. These adults will be prepared to celebrate the sacraments of Penance, Confirmation and Eucharist. They are also considered candidates.

What is the Rite of Christian Initiation?

The Rite of Christian Initiation is based on the principle that the process of conversion proceeds gradually, in stages. Progress from one stage to the next is marked by a liturgical celebration in the midst of the parish community. The experience and needs of those in each category described above differ, and so the length of time may vary for each person. Yet there are certain similarities among all the groups and the process they will experience.

Some Common Questions