Sarah Mitchell
Becoming a Catholic as an adult is a process that involves several steps. The first step is to get in touch with a priest at your local parish and express your interest in joining the Church. You will then be recommended to take catechism classes for adults, also known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) or the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). These classes typically start in the fall and last for about a year, after which adults are baptised at the Easter Vigil. During this time, you will also need to choose a sponsor, i.e. a practising Catholic who will guide and encourage you on your journey. The RCIA classes are designed to help you understand the Catholic Church's beliefs and practices, after which you will be baptised, take your first Holy Communion, and be confirmed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Classes | Catechism classes for adults, RCIA classes, OCIA classes |
| Requirements | Water, consent, the correct form |
| Timing | Classes start around September and end at the Easter Vigil |
| Confirmation | Confirmation and Eucharist follow baptism |
| Sacraments | Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist |
| Commitment | Serious commitment |
| Inquiry | Inquirer decides whether to undertake the journey towards baptism |
| Duration | Ideally a year, preferably longer |
| Recognition | The Catholic Church recognizes baptisms from other Christian denominations |
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What You'll Learn
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The RCIA is also known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) in some countries. The OCIA is a period of no fixed duration or structure, during which individuals can inquire and be introduced to Gospel values and the Catholic Church. This period is an invitation to initial conversion and there is no obligation involved. Those who wish to continue can celebrate the rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens.
During the RCIA, candidates are gradually introduced to aspects of Catholic beliefs and practices. The process begins with the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate, where individuals come to some knowledge of Jesus Christ and consider their relationship with him. This period can vary in length, with some engaging in a long period of searching while for others, it is shorter. Contact with people of faith and personal faith experiences often lead people to inquire about the Catholic Church. After a conversation with a priest or a parish director of Christian Initiation, the person, known as an "inquirer", may seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens through the Rite for Entrance. During this rite, the inquirer stands among the parish community and expresses their desire to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church.
The RCIA concludes with 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 usually takes place on the first Sunday of Lent, where all Catechumens, their godparents, and Sponsors gather at the local diocesan cathedral, led by the local bishop. The Catechumens publicly acknowledge their desire to receive the Sacraments of Initiation, which are then celebrated at the Easter Vigil. These sacraments include Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion.
Following initiation, newly baptized members enter the Period of Mystagogy, where they reflect on their experiences and continue to learn about the Scriptures, Sacraments, and teachings of the Catholic Church.
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Classes and preparation
To get baptised as an adult in the Catholic Church, you will need to take part in a process known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) or Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). This is a period of preparation and discernment, during which you will learn about the Catholic faith and decide whether to commit to it. The length of this process depends on your individual circumstances and readiness for baptism. It is ideally a year, but can be longer or shorter.
The RCIA/OCIA classes typically begin in the fall (around September) and end at the Easter Vigil, when adults are baptised and receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion. These classes are usually held weekly and involve studying Catholic teachings, theology, liturgy, and history, as well as prayer and scripture. During this time, you will also be expected to attend Sunday liturgies and take part in regular meetings with a sponsor, who is a practising Catholic that will guide and encourage you.
The RCIA/OCIA is divided into several stages. The first stage is the Inquiry or Pre-Catechumenate phase, during which you are free to ask questions and discuss freely without any formal commitment. This is followed by the Catechumenate phase, where you will get to know the people, teachings, and practices of the Catholic Church in more depth. This is the longest period of the process and involves weekly reflections. When you are ready, you will enter the Period of Enlightenment or Illumination, which is an intense period of preparation leading up to the Easter Vigil.
After baptism, the newly baptised will continue to meet for a few weeks to reflect upon and process their initiation experience. This stage is called Mystagogy, and it focuses on the call to mission.
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Choosing a sponsor
When choosing a sponsor for your baptism, it is important to note that the Catholic Church requires the sponsor to be a practising Catholic. The role of the sponsor is to assist the person being baptised in their Christian initiation and to help them lead a Christian life in harmony with their baptism. The sponsor, therefore, must be someone who lives a life of faith and sincerely believes and strives to put into practice the Word of God as taught by the Catholic Church. They should also regularly take part in Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
You can have one or two sponsors for your baptism, but if you choose to have two, they must be of different sexes. The Code of Canon Law for the Latin Rite Catholic Church states that there may be one or two sponsors for the sacrament of baptism, but if there are two, one must be male and the other female.
The sponsor must be at least 14 years old, although some sources state that they must be at least 16 years old. It is also desirable that the sponsor at your baptism also be your sponsor at your confirmation.
If you do not know anyone who can be your sponsor, the priest at your church may be able to help you find someone. During your catechism classes, you can also get to know the people at your church, who may be potential sponsors.
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The baptism ceremony
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), also known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), is the process by which adults are welcomed into the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
The RCIA is a journey of faith that begins with the recognition of one's need for salvation and culminates in a personal encounter with Christ. During this process, adults preparing for baptism attend classes to learn about the Catholic faith and are assigned a sponsor, i.e., a practising Catholic parishioner who walks with them on their journey. The length of the process depends on the individual's readiness for the reception of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Ideally, it should be a year, and preferably longer.
The RCIA classes typically begin around September and end at the Easter Vigil, which is when the adult is baptised and receives the Sacrament of Confirmation and Holy Communion. The Easter Vigil is a significant time for baptism as it symbolises new life in Christ.
The actual baptism ceremony involves administering the sacrament by immersing the recipient in water or pouring water on their head while saying "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." This ritual signifies freedom from original sin and initiation into the Catholic Church as a member of Christ and His Church.
Even after the baptism, the newly baptised continue to meet for a few weeks to reflect on their initiation experience and the journey of conversion. This period is called Mystagogy, which means 'reflection on the mysteries' in Greek, and it focuses on the call to mission.
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Post-baptism reflection
Baptism is the first sacrament of Christian initiation and is a significant step in the life of a Catholic. It is a commitment to follow Christ and spread his message in the world. The Catholic Church believes that baptism frees a person from original sin and makes them a member of Christ and his Church, marking the beginning of a new spiritual life.
Baptism is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of initiation into the Catholic faith and way of life. After baptism, adults receive the sacrament of Confirmation and Eucharist for the first time. This is a time to reflect on the meaning of these sacraments and their role in the Catholic Church. It is also an opportunity to explore the rich symbolism and rituals of the Catholic tradition, such as the significance of water in baptism, which represents a new beginning and a stronger connection with God.
The period after baptism is a time for growth and transformation, where individuals are encouraged to deepen their relationship with God and live out their faith in their daily lives. This includes upholding the dignity of all people, as reflected in Christ's ministry, and committing to a life of service and justice. It is a reminder that Christians must constantly fight against evil and temptation, and that through baptism, they have been equipped with the strength and grace to do so.
Additionally, the post-baptism period is a time for new Catholics to integrate into the Church community and continue their faith journey alongside fellow believers. This includes participating in the liturgy, mass, and other traditions of the Church, as well as finding ways to serve and contribute to the community. It is a time for ongoing learning, reflection, and personal growth within the Catholic faith.
The Catholic Church also recognises the importance of prayer in the post-baptism journey. Prayer is an essential part of the Catholic tradition and a way to stay connected to God and the Church community. Through prayer, individuals can seek guidance, strength, and forgiveness, as well as pray for the needs of others.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to attend church and speak to a priest. Tell them that you want to join the church and ask about catechism classes for adults.
The classes are known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) or the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). They are a period of discernment where you learn about the Catholic Church's beliefs and practices. The length of the process depends on your readiness for baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist.
RCIA classes typically start in the fall and end at the Easter Vigil when the adult is baptised.
You will continue to meet for 2-3 weeks to reflect upon and 'unpack' the experience of your initiation. This period is called Mystagogy and has a particular focus on the call to mission.
The Catholic Church recognises baptisms from other Christian denominations that baptise in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Thus, a person can only be baptised once. However, you can become Catholic by making a profession of the Catholic faith and being formally received into the Church.
