Joshua Bennett
Roman Catholicism is one of the three major branches of Christianity, with over 1.3 billion followers worldwide. Led by the Pope, the Catholic Church is an ancient institution with a complex theology and organisational structure. Becoming Catholic is a profound and joyous experience, and those interested in joining the Catholic Church must undergo a systematic process of conversion. This process involves receiving instruction in the faith, learning about the teachings, beliefs, and practices of the Catholic Church, and participating in the local Catholic community by attending Mass and becoming involved in parish life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reading the Bible and Catechism | Read the Bible and Catechism to learn about Catholicism |
| Speaking to a priest or deacon | Talk to a priest or deacon about beginning Catholic education classes |
| RCIA classes | Attend Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) classes |
| First communion | First communion makes you a "full" member of the Catholic Church |
| First confession | First confession makes you a "full" member of the Catholic Church |
| Confirmation | Confirmation makes you a "full" member of the Catholic Church |
| Mystagogy | Mystagogy is the period after baptism where you reflect on your faith journey, learn more about your faith, and grow closer to God |
| Attending Mass | Attend Mass and become involved in parish life |
| Receiving instruction in the faith | Learn about the teachings, beliefs, and practices of the Catholic Church |
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What You'll Learn
Reading the Bible and Catechism
Familiarize Yourself with the Bible and Catechism:
Start by reading the Bible and the Catechism, which form the foundation of Catholic beliefs. The Bible is God's word, as Catholics believe, and it is essential to have a deep understanding of its contents. The Catechism, on the other hand, outlines the doctrine and beliefs of the Catholic Church. Reading these texts will provide a comprehensive overview of Catholic teachings and interpretations.
Interpretive Process and Criteria:
When reading the Bible, it is important to interpret it through a Catholic lens. The Catechism offers principles of discernment, including being attentive to the content and unity of Scripture as a whole (Catechism 112), reading it within the living Tradition of the Church (Catechism 113), and considering the analogy of faith (Catechism 114). Additionally, pay attention to the historical, cultural, and literary context of the biblical texts, including the literary genres, structure, and literary devices used.
Connect the Old and New Testaments:
As you read the Bible, strive to recognize the unity between the Old and New Testaments. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes this connection: "the New Testament lies hidden in the Old, and the Old Testament is unveiled in the New" (CCC, 129). Understanding this interplay between the two testaments will deepen your interpretation.
Incorporate Daily Reading and Meditation:
Make daily reading and meditation on Scripture a part of your routine. Integrate Scripture into your prayer life, using the Gospels to meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary or engaging in lectio divina. Regular engagement with the Bible will enhance your understanding and interpretation of its teachings.
Utilize Catholic Resources and Commentaries:
Take advantage of Catholic resources and commentaries to aid your interpretation of Scripture. These resources often highlight how Saints, Fathers, and Doctors of the Church have interpreted specific passages, providing valuable insights into the Catholic tradition. Additionally, consider enrolling in Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) classes to further your Catholic education and connect with your local parish.
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Attend Mass
Attending Mass is an important part of the Catholic faith. It is a solemn and sacred event for Catholics, who believe they encounter the Real Presence of Jesus Christ and grow as a communion with the universal Church.
If you are interested in joining the Catholic Church, it is a good idea to attend Mass and speak to a local priest about the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) classes. You can simply show up to Mass, and you are welcome to participate in the worship or just observe. It is considered disrespectful to arrive after Mass has begun, so be sure to check the Mass times, which are usually listed on the parish website or outside the church building.
During Mass, there are a few guidelines to follow to respect the sacredness of the Catholic Mass and the beliefs of others. Firstly, it is customary to make a genuflection as you enter the row—bend your right knee to touch the ground, acknowledging the Divinity of Jesus. Once you are seated, it is customary to kneel briefly in prayer. This is a chance to give thanks or make petitions. During Mass, Catholics believe that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ in a literal way, and only those who are not in a state of mortal sin may receive Communion. Communion is therefore not offered to non-Catholics, and Catholics who have not been to confession may not take part either.
After Mass, there is often an opportunity to speak to the priest or deacon about any questions you may have. This is a great way to learn more about the Catholic faith and to begin your journey towards becoming Catholic.
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Begin Catholic education classes (RCIA)
To begin the process of becoming Catholic, one must first believe that Jesus is the Son of God and the true Messiah. The next step is to start reading the Bible and the Catechism to familiarize oneself with the holy texts. After this, one can reach out to their local priest or deacon to begin Catholic education classes (RCIA).
RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is the process by which non-Catholics enter the Catholic faith. The classes are typically held at parishes and begin in the autumn, concluding before Easter. Baptisms then take place at the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday. However, not everyone can commit to studying the faith through a formal RCIA class, so online courses are also available.
RCIA classes are divided into four separate "periods" and three rites for those discerning confirmation. The first period is the "inquirer", where participants learn about the Catholic Church and decide whether they want to join. During this period, the inquirer can meet with a priest or the RCIA director to ask any preliminary questions.
The second period is the "period of catechumenate", where participants learn about the teachings of the Catholic Church and decide whether they can commit to them. This is followed by the period of "purification and enlightenment", where participants prepare for their first confession and first communion. The final period is "mystagogy", which begins after baptism and involves reflecting on one's faith journey and learning more about the Catholic faith. This period formally ends around Pentecost but is considered a lifelong process.
RCIA classes prepare individuals for their first communion, first confession, and confirmation, making them full members of the Catholic Church.
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First communion, confession, and confirmation
First Communion is also known as the Holy Communion or the Eucharist. It is the reception of Christ's Body and Blood. It is the one sacrament that Catholics receive most often throughout their lives. It is a source of great graces that sanctify Catholics and help them grow in the likeness of Jesus Christ.
The Sacrament of Confession, also known as the Sacrament of Penance and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, is one of the least understood and least utilized sacraments in the Catholic Church. Confession reconcilies one to God, and Catholics are encouraged to take advantage of it often, even if they are unaware of committing a mortal sin.
Confirmation is a coming-of-age ceremony, which involves being responsible for one's faith and actions, usually around the age of 12 or 13. Confirmation rituals involve the laying on of hands by the priest, as well as anointing with holy oils. Prior to being confirmed, one would normally attend a series of special classes to learn about the sacrament, their faith, and their Catholic responsibilities.
In the Catholic Church, the typical order of receiving these sacraments is first baptism, then first communion, and finally confirmation. However, in some cases, they may be received all at once, especially for adult converts or in Eastern Catholic Churches for infants.
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Mystagogy
The ancient Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, revived by the Catholic Church in the 1960s, aimed to recapture the initiatory power of the sacraments as experienced by early Christians. This revival highlights the importance of ongoing mystagogy in the modern Church.
One of the greatest masters of mystagogy is Dionysius the Areopagite, also known as St. Denys. Writing around 500 years after Christ, Dionysius divided the Christian Way into three phases: purification, illumination, and union. These phases correspond to the three hierarchies of angels believed to assist in each stage. The first phase, purification, or the Purgative Way, is based on the observance of commandments, helping us discover and live our fundamental values. As explained by John Paul II in his book, "Memory and Identity", these values illuminate our existence and lead us to the second phase, the Illuminative Way.
The practice of mystagogy is intended to guide individuals in their spiritual journey, deepening their understanding of Christian mysteries and enriching their spiritual lives. However, a shortage of priests or qualified spiritual directors can sometimes leave individuals without adequate guidance to explore the full depth and richness of mystical theology. This underscores the importance of providing sufficient resources and support for those seeking to delve deeper into their faith.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by reading the Bible and the Catechism. Once you have familiarized yourself with those holy texts, talk to your priest or deacon about beginning your Catholic education classes (RCIA).
RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. It is a systematic process that is based on one’s study and commitment to entering the Church, living a life of harmony with Church teachings, and receiving the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion.
After completing RCIA, you will be baptised, confirmed, and receive the Eucharist. The bishop or priest then normally administers the sacrament of confirmation and celebrates the Holy Eucharist, giving the new Catholic the Eucharist for the first time.
