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 and sacraments take place 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'll receive a tentative schedule, formation resources, and more details at this time.

Next Steps: Formation

Next we'll 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:

• 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're 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.
 

---

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's likely that the length and pace of your faith journey may differ from others. Rites and sacraments take place 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's  likely that the length and pace of your faith journey may differ from others. The sacrament is celebrated when both the individual and the parish are ready and with the permission of the Bishop. Prayerful discernment is always a part of each person’s journey.

What about children and families?

Children ages 4 or younger are usually baptized without formal preparation. Parents are expected to attend a preparation class before an infant or 
young child is baptized. Children ages 5-6 may be baptized following a short period of informal catechesis.

Children ages 7 or older are expected to participate in a period of formal catechesis before being baptized or making a profession of faith. This preparation includes regular participation in the parish religious formation program or Catholic school for at least one school year. 

Click here to view and print our Becoming Catholic brochure. 
 

---

Catholic Basics

Our Catholic Basics series includes a variety of topics that we are developing and continually refining. Sessions are intended to be an introduction to and  starting point for those who participate...not a masters or doctoratal degree in Catholicism! Below are some suggested links and Q&A resources.

How do Catholics read the BIble?

• Read Ch 3, Proclaim the Gospel to Every Creature, at this link.  
• Listen to an episode of The Bible in a Year podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz at this link. 
• Click here to view and print questions and answers from our Jan 12, 2023, session.

Catholic Social Teaching...How do We Live It?

• Watch Catholic Social Teaching in 2 Minutes at this link.
• Watch Catholic Social Teaching 101 (3-minute videos) on FORMED.org at this link. If you don't have a FORMED account, you can sign up free at https://formed.org/signup 
• Read Ch 31, The Seventh Commandment/Catholic Social Teaching, at this link.  
• Coming soon! Click here to view and print questions and answers from our Jan 19, 2023, session.

What's in the Catechism of the Catholic Church?

• Read the Introduction to the Catechism of the Catholic Church at this link.
• Listen to an episode of The Catechism in a Year podcast, with Fr. Mike Schmitz at this link.
• Coming soon! Click here to view and print questions and answers from our Jan 26, 2023, session.

How do we Pray the Mass?

• Watch Elements of the Catholic Mass (3-minute videos) at this link.
• Read Ch 17, The Eucharist: Source and Summit of the Christian Life, at this link. 
• Coming soon! Click here to view and print questions and answers from our Feb 2, 2023, session.

What is Grace & Who is the Holy Spirit?
Watch The Gift of Grace (8 min) at this link. 
Watch What does the Holy Spirit actually do? (9 min) with Fr. Mike Schmitz at this link.
Read Ch 24, Life in Christ, at this link. 
Coming soon! Click here to view and print questions and answers from our Feb 9, 2023, session.

 

---

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 [email protected] or call 515-987-4597.
 

---

Internal Forms

Inquirer Information Sheet [click here]
Sponsor Information Sheet [click here]
Parish Ministry Application [click here]
Becoming Catholic Team Ministry Roles & Descriptions [click here]