Joshua Bennett
Becoming Catholic as an adult is a process that can be highly rewarding. The Catholic Church welcomes adults into the fold through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion/the Eucharist. The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a program that helps adults enter the Catholic Church through these sacraments. The process involves learning about the Catholic faith, attending classes, and connecting with a local parish. After initiation, new Catholics are encouraged to stay involved with the parish and continue learning about their new faith. The process can be lengthy, but it is a profound and joyous experience, and one that is well worth the effort.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Process | Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) or Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) |
| Requirements | Desire to enter the Church, living a life in harmony with Church teachings, and receiving the Sacraments of Initiation |
| Sacraments of Initiation | Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion/Eucharist |
| Registration | Contact local parish or church office for registration and paperwork |
| Classes | Regular attendance at in-person classes is expected; reading materials provided by the church |
| Post-Baptism | Formation and education continue post-baptism, with reflection on experiences and further learning about scriptures and teachings |
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What You'll Learn
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
The RCIA is a journey of several stages marked by study, prayer, and rites at Mass. Participants in the RCIA are known as catechumens. They undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.
The first step of the process is the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate. During this period, an individual comes to some knowledge of Jesus Christ and considers their relationship with him, usually feeling attracted in some way to the Catholic Church. This period may be long or short, and often involves contact with people of faith and a personal faith experience. After conversation with an advisor or spiritual guide, the person, known as an “inquirer”, may decide to seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. The inquirer stands amidst the parish community and states their desire to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church.
The next step is the Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names for those who are unbaptized, and the Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion for those who are baptized. This is a significant step in the RCIA, usually celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent at the local diocesan cathedral, led by the local bishop. All of the Catechumens and Candidates, their Godparents (for Catechumens), and Sponsors (for Catechumens and Candidates) gather together on this day. The Church formally ratifies the Catechumens' readiness for the Sacraments of Initiation and the Candidates' readiness to be received into full Communion with the Catholic Church. In turn, the Catechumens – from now on known as the Elect – publicly acknowledge their desire to receive the Sacraments of Initiation, and the Candidates their desire to be received into full Communion with the Catholic Church.
The third step is the Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, which takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday. The sacraments of initiation are baptism, confirmation, and Holy Communion. According to the latest USCCB guidelines, this ceremony is reserved for Catechumens, so there is no confusion between those becoming Christians and those being confirmed as Catholics. The formation process for Candidates, including its length, should be decided on a case-by-case basis and ideally concludes with a Confirmation at a regular Sunday Mass before Easter Vigil.
The period of formation after Easter is known as 'Mystagogia' or 'Mystagogy', in which the participant reflects on the graces received in Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. It is a time to consider how Christ calls us to a life of service and stewardship.
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Baptism
For adults, the first step towards receiving the Sacrament of Baptism is to register your interest with your local parish. You will then be asked to attend an intake meeting with a member of the Office of Religious Education, who will provide you with the necessary reading materials and may refer you to a priest.
The next step is to begin learning about the Catholic faith. This period of learning is known as the catechumenate and can last for several years, depending on the individual's progress and faith journey. During this time, you will attend classes that cover key events in Scripture and show how the teachings of the Catholic Church are rooted in the Bible. You may also be encouraged to attend Mass, join a prayer group, and participate in other parish activities.
When you feel ready to make a commitment to the Catholic faith, you will enter the Rite of Election, during which you will formally request to receive the Sacrament of Baptism. This rite takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday.
After receiving the Sacrament of Baptism, you will be a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church. However, your formation and education will continue during the period of post-baptismal catechesis, also known as "mystagogy". This is a time for reflection on your experiences during the Easter Vigil and for deepening your understanding of Scripture, the sacraments, and the teachings of the Catholic Church. You will also consider how you will serve Christ and participate in the Church's mission and outreach activities.
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Confirmation
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a process by which adults can enter the Catholic Church through these three Sacraments of Initiation. The RCIA is sometimes called the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA).
The RCIA process begins with the inquiry stage, where an unbaptized person learns about the Catholic faith and decides whether to embrace it. The first formal step is the rite of reception into the order of catechumens, where the unbaptized express their desire to become Christians. The catechumenate period varies depending on how much the catechumen has learned and how ready they feel to take the step of becoming a Christian. During this time, catechumens consider what God is saying to them in the scriptures, what changes they want to make in their lives, and what membership in the Catholic Church involves.
After the catechumenate period, the next step is the request for baptism and the celebration of the Rite of Election, which includes the enrollment of names of all those seeking baptism at the coming Easter Vigil.
The third step is the Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, which takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday. It is during this step that catechumens receive the sacrament of Confirmation. With Confirmation, along with Baptism and the Holy Eucharist, the catechumen becomes a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church.
The period after Easter is known as 'Mystagogia' or 'Mystagogy', during which the newly baptized members reflect on their experiences at the Easter Vigil and continue to learn more about the scriptures, the sacraments, and the teachings of the Catholic Church. They also reflect on how they will serve Christ and help in the church’s mission and outreach activities.
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Holy Communion
To prepare for this union with Christ, one must be in a "state of grace", free from mortal sin. This involves going to Confession, or the Sacrament of Reconciliation, to seek forgiveness and absolution. Fasting is also required, typically for at least an hour before the sacrament, although some may choose to fast for longer.
The worthy reception of Holy Communion is seen as a profound gift, uniting the recipient more deeply with Christ and the Church. However, it is not obligatory for Catholics to receive Communion at every mass. Those who do not receive Communion can still participate in the mass and join the community in prayer.
For adults wishing to become Catholic, the process often involves enrolling in a program like OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) or RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). These programs include classes that teach about the Catholic faith and its key events, as well as guidance on how to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion. After completing these programs, adults can receive Holy Communion for the first time, marking their full initiation into the Catholic Church.
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Joining a parish
Contact Your Local Parish:
Reach out to your local Catholic parish, either by visiting or calling the church office. Inquire about their Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program, sometimes referred to as the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA). This program is specifically designed for adults interested in joining the Catholic Church.
Attend RCIA/OCIA Classes:
These classes are an essential part of your journey towards becoming Catholic. The classes will provide you with an understanding of the Catholic faith, its teachings, and practices. Typically, these classes are held regularly, often on a weekly basis, and are led by priests or religious educators. Regular attendance is expected, and you will be accompanied through different stages of the OCIA journey, depending on your individual needs and progress.
Participate in the Sacraments:
As part of your initiation into the Catholic Church, you will receive the Sacraments of Initiation, which include Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion (also known as the Eucharist). The timing of these sacraments may vary depending on the diocese, with some administering all three sacraments in one ceremony, usually during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday.
Continue Your Faith Journey:
Even after your initiation into the Catholic Church, your faith journey continues. Newly initiated Catholics are encouraged to actively participate in the parish community. This may include joining an adult Bible study group, a prayer group, or a ministry. Summer studies and other faith formation opportunities are often available to help you continue learning and growing in your faith.
Seek Support:
Becoming Catholic is a profound and joyous experience, but it can also be a long process that may involve periods of waiting and reflection. Remember that you are not alone in this journey. The priests, directors of religious education, and other parish staff are there to guide and support you. Don't hesitate to reach out and ask questions or seek alternative arrangements if your schedule changes.
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Frequently asked questions
You can start by contacting your local parish and asking about their Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program. You can also attend Mass and speak to the priest at the end of the service.
The RCIA program is a process by which adults can enter the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion. The program involves learning about the Catholic faith and deciding whether to embrace it.
The time commitment for RCIA can vary depending on your individual journey and progress. The catechumenate period, for instance, can last for several years or a shorter time, depending on your growth in faith and how God leads you on your journey. Regular class attendance is expected, and the classes are typically held once a week in the evenings.
After completing the RCIA program, you will receive the Sacraments of Initiation during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday, becoming a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church. You are encouraged to continue your faith journey by participating in Bible studies, prayer groups, ministries, and other opportunities to serve Christ and the Church's mission.
