How do I become Catholic?

Depending on your faith background, the length and pace of your journey to become Catholic may differ from others. Rites take place and sacraments are conferred when both the individual and the parish are ready. Prayerful discernment is always a part of each person’s journey.

First Step: Inquiry Conversation

The first step is to schedule an inquiry conversation with a Becoming Catholic team member. During that conversation, we listen to your faith story and discover how we can best help you on your spiritual journey in the areas of word, worship, witness and community (see Acts 2:42-43). You will receive a tentative schedule, formation resources, and more details at this time.

Next Steps: Formation

Next we will develop an individualized faith formation map to guide you on your journey, as well as match you with a faith journey companion or sponsor from our parish. In addition to attending Mass each week, any or all of the following steps may also be part of your journey:

• continue to meet one-on-one with a team member, faith companion or sponsor
• attend inquiry or formation sessions 
• attend Scripture reflection sessions based on the Mass readings (usually meet on Sundays as part of Mass)
• participate in study or faith sharing groups
• participate in parish events, parish service, or community outreach opportunities

Additional Steps: Rites, Retreats, and Sacramental Celebrations

Whether you are already baptized in another Christian tradition or not, your faith journey will follow the path laid out in your faith formation map and will likely include: discernment conversations with team members and your faith companion, certain rites at Mass, special liturgies, occasional blessings, and one- or two-day retreats.
 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the RCIA?

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the journey unbaptized adults travel to become Catholic and fully initiated into the Church. It is more than just learning the history, rules and regulations. It is building a relationship with God and the worshiping community. To learn more about the RCIA, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website at  https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/who-we-teach/christian-initiation-of-adults

What if I’m already baptized? 

Adults who have already been validly baptized in another Christian faith tradition follow a path customized as much as possible to their unique needs and previous faith journey. It is likely that the length and pace of your faith journey may differ from others. Rites take place and sacraments are conferred when both the individual and the parish are ready. Prayerful discernment is always a part of each person’s journey.

What if I’m a Catholic seeking to be confirmed?

Baptized Catholic adults seeking to be confirmed follow a path customized as much as possible to their unique needs and previous faith journey. It is  likely that the length and pace of your faith journey may differ from others. The sacrament is conferred when both the individual and the parish are ready. Prayerful discernment is always a part of each person’s journey.
 

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Already Catholic? Share your gifts with others!

If you’re already Catholic, we’re happy to talk with those who may be called to share their gifts as:
 

• prayer partners
• faith companions or sponsors
• hospitality or session hosts
• faith story tellers
• catechists
• small group facilitators

Serving on the Becoming Catholic team is an opportunity to learn more about the Catholic faith and grow in your relationship with Jesus, too! For more information, please contact Faye Akers in the Faith Formation Office at fayeakers@stbonifacechurch.org or call 515-987-4597.
 

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Internal Forms
Inquirer Information Sheet [PDF link]
Sponsor Information Sheet [PDF link]
Becoming Catholic Team Roles & Descriptions [PDF link]
Parish Ministry Application [PDF link]