How do I become a Catholic?

A commonly asked question is, “What do I need to do to become Catholic?” The truth is the process for becoming Catholic is different for everyone. Let’s start here: The Church uses the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) to prepare, accept and welcome individuals desiring to become full members of the Roman Catholic faith community.

Christian initiation is the process which an unbaptized adult, a baptized but uncatechized adult, or any adult baptized in another Christian tradition is received into the Catholic Church.

The initial phase of Inquiry is similar to the dating stage in a marriage relationship, a time of getting to know about the Church in a social and questioning way. It is marked by complete freedom -– a "just looking” approach. During this phase, the inquirer is able to take a good look at how the parish community lives and shares its faith with one another.

Following Inquiry, the process toward initiation is modeled as a journey. This journey is divided into four continuous phases that parallel a participant’s progress in the development of his/her faith. Certain important points on the journey are milestones celebrated publicly by the whole parish community.

OCIA For Children & Youth: The OCIA process is adapted for children and youth wanting to become Catholic or complete their initiation into the Catholic faith. It follows the form of the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults but adapts it to the age and needs of the young people in the process.

For more information about becoming Catholic, call the parish most convenient for you or click the button for more program details.

 Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ

so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.        Acts 2:38