How to Become Catholic: A Simple Guide for Those Seeking Faith

The verbiage, acronyms, and language of the Catholic Church - especially when it pertains to becoming a Catholic - can seem daunting and confusing. It is actually a simple and beautiful process of conversion that aides you in seeking Jesus and serving Him through His Church.

Conversion begins with a simple and open-ended conversation and introduction to the faith. After all, why would you want to join a Church when you do not know the teaching? 

If you are considering becoming Catholic, you should find someone within your parish that you would like to have that conversation with and inform them of your consideration. Let them know you are wanting to learn more and to explore the faith. They will direct you in how to register for OICA.

The Catechumenate is the longest phase of the conversion process. It may sound like a strange or confusion word. It is not complicated. It is usually a formal teaching program of the faith. It is a time of prayer and study.

You may have heard someone refer to OICA. It stands for Order of Christian Initiation for Adults. It was once referred to as RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). The concept is the same. It is becoming a member of Christ's Church. It is loving the Christ that is at the heart of Catholic worship. 

OCIA gives you an opportunity to sit, listen, ask questions, explore the faith, and to determine if being a Catholic is for you and is something you believe. This will likely be in the form of a weekly class taught by either a deacon or some other leader in the parish. It will also give you a chance to socialize with others that are on the same road with you.

We do not simply want numbers. We want converts. We do not simply want to add another name to the membership roll. We want a brother or sister that walks with us in the faith. 

Once you have gone through this initial exploration phase, then you will reach The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens (for the unbaptized) or the Rite of Welcoming (for those already baptized), where you publicly express your intent to continue the journey. It is your public declaration that you want to become a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

During OCIA you will learn the Catholic doctrine, explore the parts and meaning of the Mass, and enter into deep prayer during this journey. It's a lovely time to have your eyes light up with the beautiful faith that we have in the Church.

NEXT: The Rite of Election (usually on the first Sunday of Lent), where the bishop formally recognizes you as ready for the sacraments. Unbaptized individuals are now called "the Elect."

This is usually held at a Cathedral or Basilica in the Diocese, but can be any location of the bishop's choosing. This is an encouraging and uplifting time for you to see you are not alone and there are so many others that are entering the Church through the same path you are on and at the same time.

ALMOST THERE: Following the Rite of Election, you will be on the downhill toward Confirmation. You will enter into a period of Enlightenment that consists of prayer, practicing repentance, and preparing for Confirmation. It is during this time that many will experience their first Sacrament of Reconciliation - often called "Confession". The idea of "Confession" may seem intimidating and scary, even to Catholics that have been Catholic for most of their lives, but it is a lovely process that will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed.

EASTER VIGIL: The time has come. You have chosen the Church and now, the Church will choose you, and you will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. This typically happens at Easter Vigil for adults and at a differeent time during the Easter season for the youth. However, Confirmation can happen at any time during the Easter season at the direction of the Bishop. Yours will typically be held during one of the most beautiful Masses of the Church - Easter Vigil.

NOT FINISHED YET: Your Confirmation is not the end. It is only the beginning of your faith life. Following Confirmation, you will have a few sessions that are referred to as Mystagogy. It is a deeper exploration of the meaning behind the Sacraments you just received. It is also a discussion of your place within the parish community and the worldwide Church. 

But, faith life continues for the rest of your life. 

You have chosen the Church. The Church has accepted you.

Now - go live the faith.