Sarah Mitchell
Becoming Catholic is a profound and joyous experience, and a person is brought into full communion with the Catholic Church through the reception of three sacraments: baptism, confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist. The process can take different forms and vary in duration, depending on one's age, prior religious background, and level of understanding of the faith. In New York City, individuals interested in becoming Catholic can participate in the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA), formerly known as the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). This program provides the necessary preparation for adults, regardless of their previous knowledge or experience with Christianity or Catholicism, to receive the sacraments and become fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Initiation into the Catholic Faith | Two ways or two tracks |
| Infant/Child Initiation | Ages newborn to 6 years old |
| Child of Catechetical Age | Ages 7 to 13 |
| Adult Initiation | Ages 14+ |
| Sacraments of Christian Initiation | Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist (First Holy Communion) |
| Preparation for Sacraments | Weekly classes, retreats, and apostolic service |
| Duration of Preparation | Several months to several years |
| Requirements for Unbaptized Adults | Profession of faith and formal reception into the Church |
| Requirements for Baptized Adults | Confession of mortal sins and sacrament of reconciliation |
| OCIA/RCIA | Order of Christian Initiation for Adults/Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults |
| OCIA Classes and Activities | Open to anyone over the age of 18 |
| OCIA Registration | 30-45 minute intake meeting and distribution of books |
| OCIA Class Timing | Typically Monday nights from 7:00-8:30 PM |
| OCIA Class Format | Taught by priests, addressing specific topics about the Catholic faith |
| OCIA Class Recommendations | No children, note-taking, and spiritual guidance from a priest |
| Duration of Conversion Process | Variable, depending on faith journey and understanding of faith |
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What You'll Learn
Initiation for infants/children
In New York City, there are two ways to initiate infants and children into the Catholic faith:
- For infants/children (newborn to 6 years old) who are not baptized – parents would request baptism from their local Catholic parish. Typically, the parish will interview the parents and offer them (and perhaps the godparents) a few baptism preparation sessions before the child's baptism is celebrated. When the child reaches 7 or 8 years old, they may receive their first Holy Communion after completing at least two years of sacramental preparation classes. Finally, when the child is at least 11 years old, they may receive the sacrament of Confirmation from a bishop after taking at least two years of sacramental preparation classes.
- For children of catechetical age (7–13 years old) and adults (14 years old and above) who are not baptized – they usually participate in their local parish Catechumenate process, which is a gradual process that takes place within a Catholic faith community known as a parish. Those participating in the Catechumenate, known as catechumens, must undergo a "conversion in mind and action" and develop "a sufficient acquaintance with Christian teaching, as well as a spirit of faith and charity." This process can take one to several years and includes various rites and stages. After completing the Catechumenate process, they receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist (First Holy Communion).
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), also known as the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA), is a process by which adults and older children can enter the Catholic Church. It is adapted for children and may last at least a full liturgical year or longer. During this time, it is important for the child to become involved in the life of the church and engage with their peers. Once the child has completed their conversion process and grown in their faith, they are fully initiated into the Catholic Church, typically during the Easter Vigil.
Parents play an essential role in the Christian initiation of their children, and their permission is required for their children to participate and receive the sacraments. The OCIA/RCIA process involves weekly classes, a retreat, and apostolic service. It is recommended that those undergoing this process have a spiritual father, such as a priest, to guide and counsel them.
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Initiation for older children/adults
Initiation into the Catholic Church as an older child or adult is a profound and joyous experience. This process is known as the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) or the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA). It involves receiving the three sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion (First Eucharist).
For older children (aged 7 and above) and adults, entrance into the Church is governed by the RCIA or OCIA. The process can vary depending on the individual's circumstances, such as whether they have been previously baptized in another Christian denomination or are unbaptized. Those who have been validly baptized outside the Catholic Church become Catholics by making a profession of the Catholic faith, followed by confirmation and the Eucharist. Before being received into the Church, preparation is necessary, and this can take several months to several years. This preparation may include weekly classes, retreats, and apostolic service.
For those who are unbaptized, the initiation process can take a year or longer. It involves learning about the Catholic faith and may be facilitated through OCIA classes and activities. These classes are typically held in the evenings and are taught by priests, addressing specific topics about the Catholic faith. Participants are encouraged to take notes and bring their own Bibles and other recommended reading materials. It is also suggested that individuals have a spiritual father, such as a priest, to guide and counsel them throughout the process.
Baptism is the sacrament that officially welcomes individuals into the Catholic Church. Confirmation deepens one's initiation and is usually received by teenagers and adults who have already received their First Holy Communion. The Eucharist, or First Holy Communion, is the third sacrament of initiation.
The process of becoming Catholic is a journey of faith and reflection. It is a momentous event, and individuals are encouraged to take the time they need to prepare spiritually and intellectually.
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Preparation for confirmation
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ and continued in the Catholic Church. Confirmation candidates must have received the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist and be between the ages of twelve and eighteen. Confirmation completes the graces received during the Sacrament of Baptism.
There are Confirmation classes for all ages, from young children to adults. These classes can be taken in person or online. In-person classes are typically held weekly and are taught by a priest. Online classes can be completed at a student's own pace and are often more flexible. Both in-person and online classes cover the theological importance of Confirmation, the role of the Holy Ghost, the fruits and gifts of the Holy Ghost, and the Church's teachings on morality, divine revelation, Scriptures, and more.
In addition to classes, those preparing for Confirmation are expected to actively participate in the Eucharistic life of the community and attend Mass regularly. This is a privilege and an obligation of baptized Catholics. Candidates are also required to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the obligations of a practicing member of the Catholic Church and have a sincere desire to receive the sacrament.
Candidates for Confirmation must also select a sponsor, who can spiritually guide them during their sacrament preparation and throughout their faith journey. The sponsor must be a practicing Catholic, fully initiated into the Catholic Church, 16 years of age or older, and may not be the candidate's parent.
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The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
For unbaptized adults, the RCIA begins with the inquiry stage, where they start to learn about the Catholic faith. During this time, they are known as "inquirers". When they are ready, inquirers can seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, publicly stating their desire to become baptized members of the Catholic Church. This is followed by the Rite of Election, where catechumens and their sponsors gather at the cathedral church and publicly request baptism. Their names are recorded, and they are now referred to as "the elect". The period of Lent then serves as a final preparation for the catechumens, marked by prayer, study, and spiritual direction. Finally, during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday, the catechumens receive the sacraments of initiation and become full members of the Christian faithful, known as "neophytes".
For baptized adults, the process involves a profession of the Catholic faith and formal reception into the Church, followed by confirmation and the Eucharist. This usually occurs during the Easter Vigil as well, with the celebration of the sacraments of initiation.
The RCIA is a gradual process that allows adults to deepen their understanding of Catholic beliefs and practices. It is a time of reflection and conversion, as individuals study the Gospel, profess their faith, and receive the sacraments. The specific length and form of preparation may vary depending on individual circumstances, with some experiencing a longer journey to the Catholic Church than others.
The RCIA is also known as the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA), with the name change reflecting a greater fidelity to the original Latin term. While the OCIA name is now used in the United States, many English-speaking countries still refer to the process as the RCIA.
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The Sacraments of Initiation
Initiation into the Catholic Church is a profound and joyous experience. There are two ways to become a Catholic: as an infant/child (from newborn to 6 years old) or as a child of catechetical age (from 7 to 13 years old) and as an adult (from 14 years old and above).
Baptism
Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation and is the basis of the whole Christian life. Through baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God. We become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church, and share in her mission. For infants and children, parents would request baptism from their local Catholic parish. The parish will interview the parents and offer them and the godparents some baptism preparation sessions before the celebration of the child's baptism. When a child reaches the age of seven or eight, they may receive their first Holy Communion after taking at least two years of sacramental preparation classes.
Confirmation
Confirmation is the second sacrament of initiation. It fills us with the Holy Spirit and makes us more completely the image of the Lord. For teenagers (13 to 17 years old) and adults who have already received their First Holy Communion, they are usually enrolled in a Confirmation program that ends with the celebration of the sacrament of Confirmation with a bishop. The preparation may last several months to several years and may include weekly classes, a retreat, and apostolic service.
Eucharist (First Holy Communion)
The Eucharist, or First Holy Communion, is the third sacrament of initiation. At the table of the Eucharist, we eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man so that we may have eternal life and show forth the unity of God's people. By offering ourselves with Christ, we share in the universal sacrifice and pray for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
For adults and children who have reached the age of reason (seven years old), entrance into the Church is governed by the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), also known as the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA). This is a systematic process that involves preparation and education prior to receiving the Sacraments of Initiation. The amount and form of preparation depend on the individual's circumstances, such as whether they are unbaptized or have already been baptized in another Christian church.
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Frequently asked questions
The time it takes to become Catholic varies from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as age, baptismal status, and level of understanding of the faith. The process can be flexible and fluid, continuing even after baptism.
For those who are not baptized, it can take a year or longer, especially depending on when they engage with a particular parish.
For children of catechetical age (ages 7–13) and adults (ages 14+), the Catechumenate process usually takes one to several years.
The Catechumenate process involves teachings, classes, meetings with a sponsor, rites within Mass, and finally, receiving your sacraments in the Church. It is a gradual process that takes place within a Catholic faith community known as a parish.
The first formal step to becoming Catholic is the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), in which the unbaptized express their desire and intention to become Christians.
