How Do I Become Catholic?
If you’re curious about Catholicism, the first step is simply a conversation. You do not need to have made a decision or have everything figured out before reaching out. You can contact our Coordinator of Evangelization and Adult Faith Formation, Brandon, at bsillen@stfrances.org.
You are also welcome to attend Sunday Mass and experience the Liturgy with us. You do not need to be Catholic to attend.
What Does “Becoming Catholic” Mean?
Becoming Catholic is a process of conversion and formation that leads into full communion with the Catholic Church and a life centered on Christ, the sacraments, and Christian discipleship.
Your Path Depends on Where You’re Starting
Never Baptized
If you have never been baptized, you will prepare to receive the three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
Baptized in another Christian tradition
If you were baptized in another Christian tradition, the Church will first determine whether your Baptism is valid. Because we profess “one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins,” the Catholic Church does not repeat a valid Baptism. Your preparation ordinarily leads toward reception into full communion with the Catholic Church, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
Baptized Catholic
If you were baptized Catholic but never completed your initiation, your preparation will focus on receiving the sacraments you have not yet received.
What is “Becoming Catholic” or OCIA?
OCIA is the Church’s process of accompanying adults through conversion, formation, prayer, and preparation for the sacramental life of the Church. OCIA stands for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. For those who have never been baptized, OCIA ordinarily unfolds through four periods of formation. Those who are already baptized follow a path adapted to their circumstances and the sacraments they have already received.
Inquiry
This is a time to hear the Gospel, encounter Jesus Christ, learn the story of salvation and ask questions. There is no pressure to make a commitment before you are ready.
The Catechumenate
For the unbaptized, the Rite of Entrance into the Catechumenate marks the beginning of this period. This is an extended period of catechesis, conversion, prayer, participation in the life of the Church, and growth in Christian discipleship.
The Rite of Election
Near the beginning of Lent, those preparing for Baptism celebrate the Rite of Election, when the Church recognizes their readiness for the final period of preparation. From this point, they are called the elect.
Purification and Enlightenment
The elect celebrates a series of prayerful rites called the Scrutinies with the parish community. The Scrutinies call the elect to deeper conversion, uncovering what is weak or sinful and strengthening what is good as they prepare for the sacraments at Easter.
The Easter Vigil
The Easter Vigil is the great celebration of Christ’s Resurrection and the culmination of the elect’s preparation. Here, the elect receives the Sacraments of Initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist — and are fully initiated into the Catholic Church
Mystagogy
After initiation, the newly baptized deepen their understanding of the mysteries they have received and learn to live more fully from the sacramental life of the Church.
Have questions? Start a conversation – Contact Us.