Michael Brooks
Becoming Catholic as an adult is a process that involves joining a church and taking classes to learn about Christianity and the Catholic Church. Before joining a church, it is recommended to research different denominations and compare their beliefs to your own. Once you have joined a church, you can speak to a priest and ask about catechism classes for adults. These classes are designed to teach you about the Catholic faith and typically begin in the fall, lasting until Easter when adults are baptized. The classes cover a range of topics, including the Catechism of the Catholic Church, church history, tradition, liturgy, teachings, and theology. In addition to the classes, you will need a sponsor who is already a practicing Catholic. The process of becoming Catholic as an adult is known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) or the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). This process involves a period of evangelization and precatechumenate, where individuals learn about Jesus Christ and develop a relationship with him, leading to their acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. During the Period of the Catechumenate, which can last several years or a shorter time, individuals reflect on their faith journey and the meaning of Baptism in the Catholic Church. Once the Catechumen and the priest agree that the individual is ready, the next step is the Rite of Election, followed by baptism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Classes | Catechism, RCIA/OCIA, Catechumen |
| Who to contact | Priest, Parish |
| Requirements | Water, consent, correct form |
| Timing | From September to Easter |
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What You'll Learn
Contact a Catholic Church
To get baptized as an adult, you must first join a Catholic Church. It is recommended that you pick a church based on how closely its beliefs align with your own, rather than superficial reasons such as convenience or proximity to your home.
Once you have chosen a church, you should contact them to ask about their process for adult baptism. You can usually find the pastor's email address on the church's website. Send them an email explaining your situation and that you would like to become Catholic. Ask about their RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) or OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) process. These classes are designed to help you learn about the Catholic faith before you are baptized.
RCIA/OCIA classes typically begin in the fall and end at Easter, when the baptism takes place. However, online RCIA classes are also offered to make the process more accessible. The length of the process will depend on your individual circumstances and readiness for baptism.
During your conversation with the priest or parish director, you may seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens through the Rite for Catechumens. This involves standing amidst the parish community and stating your desire to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church. The parish assembly will affirm your desire, and you will become a Catechumen.
It is important to note that the Catholic Church does not re-baptize individuals who have already been baptized in another Christian denomination that baptizes in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. If you have been previously baptized, you should provide your baptismal record and seek instruction in the Catholic faith to complete any sacraments you may not have received.
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Take catechism classes
To be baptized as an adult, you must first take catechism classes to learn about the Catholic faith. This is called RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) or OCIA (the new name for RCIA). These classes are typically offered by local parishes or churches and are usually held from September to Easter. During this time, you will learn about the teachings, theology, history, liturgy, and traditions of the Catholic Church.
The format of these classes is usually casual, with a priest leading discussions and answering questions. There are no entry requirements for RCIA/OCIA, just a willingness to learn. The classes are designed to ensure that you understand the truths of the Catholic faith and are ready and able to live by them.
In addition to RCIA/OCIA, you may also consider taking a Baptism Seminar Class offered by websites such as CatechismClass.com. This class can help you further prepare for your baptism and is suitable for both parents and godparents.
It is important to note that the amount and form of preparation required may vary depending on your individual circumstances. If you have been baptized in another Christian denomination, for example, the preparation process may be different compared to someone who is unbaptized.
Finally, keep in mind that online RCIA classes are also available for those who cannot attend in-person classes due to scheduling conflicts or other responsibilities. These online options ensure that everyone has access to the necessary catechism instruction.
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Find a sponsor
To be baptized as an adult in the Catholic Church, you will need to find a sponsor. This person must be a practicing Catholic who regularly takes part in Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. They must be confirmed and have received the Eucharist. The sponsor must be at least 14 or 16 years old (according to different sources) and cannot be the father or mother of the person being baptized. If you are having classes (see below) to prepare for your baptism, you could try to get to know people at the church who may be willing to be your sponsor. The priest may also be able to help you find a sponsor.
Church law requires that a candidate for baptism must have at least one sponsor, but no more than two. If two sponsors are chosen, one must be male and one must be female. The sponsor's role is to assist the person being baptized in their Christian initiation and to help them lead a Christian life. They will also represent the Church in receiving the person into the communion of the Church.
In some cases, a non-Catholic Christian may be admitted as a witness to the baptism, but only together with a Catholic sponsor. A non-Christian cannot serve in this capacity but is welcome to be present at the ceremony.
As an adult seeking baptism, you will need to take classes to learn about the Catholic faith before you are admitted to the Church. These classes are called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) and usually begin in the fall, ending at Easter when the baptism takes place. During this time, you will learn about the truths of the faith and prepare to live by them.
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Attend the Rite of Election
The Rite of Election is an important celebration in the process of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). This is a formal process of evangelization and catechetical instruction, ascetic practice (prayer and spirituality), and liturgies through which adults—called Catechumens—are formally admitted into the Catholic Church. During the OCIA process, the individual follows a spiritual journey of "steps" accomplished through defined periods punctuated with formal rites.
The Rite of Election closes the Period of the Catechumenate. This rite normally coincides with the first Sunday of Lent. At this rite, upon the testimony of sponsors and catechists and the Catechumens' affirmation of their intention to join the Church, the Church makes its "election" of these Catechumens to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. The Catechumens inscribe their names in the Book of the Elect as a pledge of fidelity, and the Archbishop, as shepherd of the archdiocese, declares them "the elect" (the chosen ones).
Prior to the Rite of Election, the Catechumen may choose one or two godparents, who will accompany the Catechumen on the day of Election, at the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, and during the Period of Mystagogy. During the Period of the Catechumenate, the Catechumens consider what God is saying to them in the Scriptures, what changes in their life they need to make to respond to God's inspiration, and what Baptism in the Catholic Church means. When a Catechumen and the priest and the parish team working with him or her believe the person is ready to make a faith commitment to Jesus in the Catholic Church, the next step is the request for baptism and the celebration of the Rite of Election.
The days of Lent are the final Period of Purification and Enlightenment leading up to the Easter Vigil. On the next five Sundays of Lent, three scrutinies (rites for self-searching and repentance) and the presentations of the Creed and Lord’s Prayer take place. This period concludes with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday when the Elect receives the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Now the person is fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
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Receive Confirmation
To receive Confirmation as an adult Catholic, you must first be baptized. This is because Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation that bring a person into full communion with the Catholic Church, the other two being baptism and the Holy Eucharist.
The process of becoming Catholic as an adult is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) or the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). This process typically involves taking classes from September until Easter when adults are baptized, receive Confirmation, and take Holy Communion for the first time.
During the RCIA or OCIA process, you will learn about the Catholic faith and the Church's history, traditions, liturgy, teachings, and theology. You will also need to find a sponsor who is already a practising Catholic.
After your baptism, you will receive Confirmation, which is a sacrament that deepens your initiation into the Catholic Church. Confirmation is typically received immediately after baptism and during the same liturgy when adults take Holy Communion for the first time.
If you have already been baptized in another Christian denomination, you may not need to go through the full RCIA or OCIA process. Instead, you may only need to make a profession of faith and receive instruction in the Catholic faith before receiving Confirmation and the Eucharist. However, it is still recommended that you participate in RCIA or OCIA to learn how the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church differ from those of other faiths.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need to take part in the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults), also known as RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). This involves taking classes for around a year to learn about the Catholic faith. You will then be baptized at the Easter Vigil.
You should contact your local parish and ask about their OCIA/RCIA process. You will also need to obtain a copy of your baptismal record if you have been baptized before.
The classes are an opportunity to learn about the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church. They will help you to understand how the beliefs and practices of Catholicism differ from those of other faiths.
