How Does One Become Catholic?

A brief description of the RCIA process:

How does one become Catholic?
Many Catholics are born into Catholic Families and gradually come to share in the full sacramental life of the Church. Others, who have been previously baptized in a non-Catholic Christian Church, have become Catholics after participating in a formation process that leads to a profession of faith and the celebration of the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. And some, never baptized, are initiated through a formation process that leads to the celebrations of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. All sacraments are celebrated at the solemn Easter Vigil celebrated by the Catholic community. The Catholic Church warmly welcomes new members and tries to provide an atmosphere of spiritual formation according to each person's needs. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the Church's way of initiating new members.

How is the Christian Initiation of Adults Implemented?
Every parish is responsible for designing the formation of persons for initiation into the Catholic Church, according to guidelines provided by the universal Catholic Church. The process is concerned with the total formation of the person who seeks initiation into a believing (doctrinal formation), a living (practical formation), a worshipping (liturgical formation), and a serving (apostolic formation) community.

Who comes to the RCIA?

  • Persons who have never been baptized as Christians
  • Persons who have been baptized in another Christian faith tradition and are now interested in the Catholic tradition
  • Persons who were baptized in the Catholic tradition but we were not raised as Catholics

What does the RCIA involve?
The RCIA meets from September through May for two hours each week. During this time persons seeking full membership in the Catholic Church gather with some members of the Catholic Church to explore questions and share in the way, there are meaningful public rites mark the joy of the community and its prayerful concern for those coming toward full membership.

What topics are discussed? The weekly gatherings cover a broad range of topics because our Catholic beliefs encompass the whole fabric of our lives. Insights are offered and shared, which shed light on themes such as the following:

  • Who God is, how God is to be understood
  • The Jesus of Faith and our discipleship with him
  • The Worshipping Church Community and the sacraments as sustaining and supporting one's life of faith
  • The Bible as the Living Word of God speaking today
  • Prayer as essential to a good life
  • Social Justice as application of Gospel principles to world and human issues.

How long does it take to become a Catholic?
The RCIA is a process of preparation for a lifetime commitment to be lived out in the Catholic Church. Consequently some people may seek more time than others to prepare for this. The usual length of preparation is from one to two years. In all cases, the reception of new members, through the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist takes place at the Easter Vigil on the Saturday night before Easter.

Who leads the RCIA?
A parish staff person directs the RCIA in collaboration with a dedicated team of parishioners. In addition other parishioners assist as catechists, facilitators, sponsors and hospitality persons.

If I begin, am I obligated to become a Catholic?
There is no obligation to make any kind of commitment, nor is there pressure exerted on anyone to become a Catholic. We respect the conscience and decision of every inquirer. It would be hoped though, that through association with us, the inquirer would gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Catholic Church.

I think I might like to begin, but I'm still hesitant
If there is some concern or reason that may have you wondering about beginning the RCIA, please call Sr. Adria Connors (742-0953) to talk over your concern. Confidentiality will be respected and there will be no obligation.

Click Here for our invitation to inquire about our Catholic community.