Grace Thompson
Becoming Catholic is a profound and joyous experience, and the process can take different forms. The first step is to find your nearest Catholic Church and speak to a priest. You can then begin the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) or OCIA classes, which will help you build your knowledge of Catholic beliefs and practices. After a year of classes, you'll be baptised and become Catholic, before receiving other sacraments such as confirmation and the Eucharist.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First step | Talking with a priest to answer questions about the faith and what Catholics believe |
| First formal step | The rite of reception into the order of catechumens, in which the unbaptized express their desire and intention to become Christians |
| Second formal step | The rite of election, in which the catechumens' names are written in a book of those who will receive the sacraments of initiation |
| Process | OCIA (formerly called RCIA) |
| OCIA meaning | Order of Christian Initiation for Adults |
| OCIA process | Building knowledge about the beliefs and practices of Catholicism |
| OCIA duration | Around six months to one year |
| OCIA start time | September |
| OCIA end | Easter Vigil |
| Sacraments of Initiation | Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion/Eucharist |
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What You'll Learn
Research the Catholic faith and decide to embrace it
The Catholic Church welcomes converts and has a process in place for those wishing to join the faith. The process is called OCIA (formerly RCIA), which stands for the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults. This process involves adults and children who have reached the age of reason (age seven) entering the Catholic Church. The OCIA process is about one's conversion to the Lord and is one of the oldest in the Church.
If you're interested in joining the Catholic Church, you can start by reaching out to your local parish to get connected. You can also contact a priest at your local parish and set up a meeting. The OCIA classes typically start in September, with Confirmation occurring at the Easter Vigil, making it roughly a six-month commitment.
The first step in the OCIA process is the inquiry stage, in which those new to the faith begin to learn about it and decide whether to embrace it. During this period, one learns about the Catholic faith, hears the Good News of the Lord's salvation, and reflects on their decision to join the Church.
There are many resources available to learn about the Catholic faith, including books, podcasts, and websites. Here are a few recommendations:
- The Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition of the Bible
- The Catechism of the Catholic Church
- "Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist" by Brant Pitre
- "The Story of a Soul" by Terese of Lisieux
- "Catholicism" by Robert Barron
- "The Council of Trent" podcast
- "Pints With Aquinas" podcast
- "Ascension Presents" YouTube channel
- "The Catholic Talk Show" YouTube channel
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Find a Catholic church and speak to a priest
To convert to Catholicism, you must first find a Catholic church and speak to a priest. This is the first step in your journey to becoming Catholic.
Finding a Catholic Church
Start by searching for Catholic churches in your local area. You can do this by searching online or looking in local directories. You could also ask friends or neighbours who are Catholic for recommendations.
Speaking to a Priest
Once you have found a Catholic church, you should contact the parish office and ask to schedule a meeting with a priest. Be honest about your intentions and explain that you are interested in converting to Catholicism. You can ask to speak to them for a couple of hours to ensure you have enough time to ask all your questions. If you are nervous about speaking to a priest, remember that they are used to helping people enter the Church and will be happy to guide you.
At the meeting, you can ask the priest about the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) or RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) process. This is the formal process of conversion, which involves learning about the Catholic faith and will culminate in a ceremony where you receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Communion.
Choosing the Right Church
It is important to remember that individual Catholic churches can vary in their teachings and practices. If you feel uncomfortable with the church you have visited, try another one in your town or a neighbouring town. You can also ask other Catholics or on online forums about their experiences to get a sense of what is "normal" in a Catholic church.
Next Steps
After your initial meeting, you can begin the OCIA/RCIA process, which typically starts in the fall and ends at Easter. This will involve attending classes and reflecting on your faith. You will also have the opportunity to learn from other members of the church community and ask any questions you have.
Remember, the process of converting to Catholicism is a joyful one, and by taking these steps, you are beginning a profound journey of spiritual growth.
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Begin the OCIA/RCIA process
The OCIA, formerly known as the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), is the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults. This process involves adults and children who have reached the age of reason (age seven) entering the Catholic Church.
If you are ready to start the OCIA process, reach out to your local parish to get connected. You should aim to attend an OCIA group in the parish where you live. The OCIA process is a period of reflection, prayer, instruction, discernment, and formation. You will be expected to begin attending Mass on Sundays, participate in regular faith formation activities, and become increasingly involved in the activities of your local parish.
There is no set timetable for the OCIA process, and those joining are encouraged to go at their own pace. However, the OCIA school year typically runs from August/September through April/May, with Confirmation occurring at the Easter Vigil, making it a roughly six-month commitment.
The OCIA curriculum guides the process, and its text encompasses how it is a lifelong journey. The OCIA process is composed of five distinct periods: evangelization, precatechumenate, catechumenate, purification and enlightenment, and mystagogy. The catechumenate period is intended to give catechumens a thorough background in Christian teaching and the opportunity to reflect upon and become firm in their desire to become Catholic.
The first formal step to becoming Catholic is the rite of reception into the order of catechumens, in which the unbaptized express their desire and intention to become Christians. The catechumenate period typically lasts less than a year, but it can be longer if needed. The second formal step is the rite of election, in which the catechumens' names are written in a book of those who will receive the sacraments of initiation.
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Study Catholic beliefs, sacraments and initiation rites
To convert to Catholicism, one must first study Catholic beliefs, sacraments, and initiation rites. This is done through the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults), formerly known as RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). OCIA is a process that helps individuals build their knowledge of Catholic beliefs and practices. It involves studying the teachings of the Catholic Church, including its doctrines and moral life, and reflecting on one's commitment to joining the Church.
The OCIA process typically begins with an inquiry stage, where individuals learn about the Catholic faith and decide whether they want to embrace it. This is followed by the catechumenate stage, where those preparing for baptism, known as catechumens, receive a thorough background in Christian teachings. During this stage, catechumens may choose one or two godparents to accompany and guide them through their journey. The catechumenate period is a time for spiritual growth and reflection, allowing individuals to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and their commitment to becoming Catholic.
The next step is the Rite of Election, where catechumens publicly express their desire for baptism and are enrolled in a book, becoming known as the "Elect." This marks the beginning of the final period of preparation before their initiation into the Catholic Church. During this time, the Elect engage in prayer, study, and spiritual direction, with the support of their sponsors, families, and the parish community.
The Sacraments of Initiation, which include Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, are then celebrated during the Easter Vigil or at another time. Through these sacraments, individuals are brought into full communion with the Catholic Church. Baptism symbolizes a person's passage into a new life of grace and their membership in the Body of Christ. Confirmation, through the anointing with the Sacred Chrism, seals the individual with the power of the Holy Spirit. Finally, the Eucharist calls for full participation at the Eucharistic Table, marking their full membership in the Catholic Church.
After receiving the Sacraments of Initiation, the newly baptized members enter the Period of Mystagogy, which lasts from Easter Sunday until Pentecost. During this time, they reflect on their experiences, continue to learn about the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church, and consider how they will serve Christ and contribute to the Church's mission. This period reminds individuals that initiation is just the beginning of their lifelong journey as Catholics, a journey of living and loving the Catholic faith.
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Get baptised and become Catholic
The Catholic Church welcomes converts and has a well-established process for people who want to become Catholic. This process is called the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA), formerly known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). OCIA is a process of study and commitment, involving several stages.
Inquiry
The first step is the inquiry stage, where an unbaptised person learns about the Catholic faith and decides whether to embrace it. This stage involves freely asking and discussing questions in an inquiry group.
Catechumenate
The second stage is the catechumenate, where the catechumen (someone preparing to be baptised) receives a thorough background in Christian teaching. This stage is intended to give catechumens the opportunity to reflect upon and become firm in their desire to become Catholic. The catechumenate typically lasts less than a year.
Rite of Election
The third stage is the Rite of Election, where the catechumens express their desire to become Christians and are formally received into the Church. Their names are written in a book of those who will receive the sacraments of initiation.
Sacraments of Initiation
The Sacraments of Initiation are celebrated at the Easter Vigil, an extended night watch of prayer, singing, and hearing God's Word in anticipation of Christ's resurrection at Easter. Through the waters of Baptism, a person passes into the new life of grace and becomes a member of the Body of Christ. This is followed by Confirmation (or Chrism) and the Holy Eucharist, which deepen one's initiation into the Catholic Church.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to find your nearest Catholic Church and speak to a priest there. You can also attend a mass and speak to a local parish about OCIA (formerly known as RCIA) classes.
OCIA stands for Order of Christian Initiation for Adults. It is a process to help build your knowledge about the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church. The process involves preparation and learning about the Catholic faith before your initiation.
The OCIA process typically takes around a year, starting in the fall and ending at Easter. However, it can vary depending on the individual's circumstances and level of preparation.
The Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church are Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion or the Eucharist.
Through the waters of Baptism, a person passes into the new life of grace and becomes a member of the Body of Christ. Confirmation involves anointing the person with the Sacred Chrism, sealing them with the power of the Holy Spirit. The Eucharist marks full membership in the Catholic Church, calling the individual to full participation at the Eucharistic Table.
