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Becoming Catholic isn’t about switching labels or having everything figured out. It’s about responding to an invitation, one step at a time, to know Christ more deeply and to belong to something older, bigger, and more enduring than ourselves.
The Church understands that people come from different places. Some were never baptized. Some were baptized in another Christian tradition. Some grew up Catholic but drifted away. Wherever you’re starting, the journey is shaped around listening, learning, and discernment—not pressure or perfection.
This path is called OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults). It’s less like a class and more like a guided walk: learning the story of Scripture, the meaning of the sacraments, and what it looks like to live the faith in real life. The goal isn’t just information, but transformation—being formed into a life rooted in Christ, the Church, and the community that walks with you.
If you’re curious, questioning, or quietly drawn toward the Catholic faith, you’re already closer than you think. The door is open. The next step is simply to begin walking.
Getting Started
This episode guides people who are thinking about becoming Catholic through the very first steps of the journey. It explains that the Church’s process for initiation is called OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, formerly known as RCIA), and that it’s designed to help seekers explore the Catholic faith in a supportive and structured way.
Becoming Catholic for older children
This video explains how older children (typically age 7 and up) can become Catholic, walking through what the Church expects and how the OCIA process (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) also applies to children who missed earlier sacramental training.
Unbaptized
This episode focuses on what it means to be unbaptized and how someone who has not yet been baptized can become Catholic. It explains the first steps in the journey and what formation looks like for someone preparing for Baptism.
Already Baptized
This episode answers the question “What if I’m already baptized — how do I become Catholic?” It explains what steps a person with a valid baptism (whether Catholic or in another Christian tradition) takes to enter full communion with the Catholic Church.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What does “OCIA/RCIA” stand for and what is it?
Answer: OCIA stands for Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (formerly called Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). It’s the Church’s official process for welcoming adults and older children into the Catholic faith through formation, prayer, community, and sacramental preparation.
2) Who can become Catholic?
Answer: Anyone is welcome to begin the journey—people of other Christian traditions, people with no Christian background, or even baptized Catholics who never completed sacraments like Confirmation. The Church invites all who seek truth and a deeper relationship with Christ.
3) Do I need to be baptized to become Catholic?
Answer:
If you’ve never been baptized, you’ll become Catholic through baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist at the end of the OCIA process.
If you’ve already been validly baptized (in the Trinitarian formula), you don’t get re-baptized—you make a profession of faith and then receive confirmation and Eucharist.
4) How long does it take to become Catholic?
Answer: OCIA typically takes about a year, often starting in the fall and concluding at the Easter Vigil, but the duration can vary depending on personal readiness and local parish schedule.
5) What happens during the OCIA process?
Answer: Check out our OCIA Page!
6) What is a “Catechumen” vs. a “Candidate”?
Answer:
A catechumen is someone not yet baptized preparing for all sacraments.
A candidate is someone already baptized who still needs full reception into the Catholic Church (profession of faith + remaining sacraments).
7) Do I have to believe everything the Church teaches before joining?
Answer: Yes, you must be willing to accept the teachings of the Catholic Church as part of your faith commitment. Understanding deep theological nuances can grow over time, but sincere assent to core doctrines is required.
8) What are the Sacraments of Initiation?
Answer:
Baptism (new life in Christ)
Confirmation (sealed with the Holy Spirit)
Holy Eucharist (receiving Christ Himself)
These are the sacraments that fully bring you into the Catholic Church.
9) Do I need a sponsor or godparent?
Answer: Yes. Sponsors or godparents walk with you during formation, supporting you spiritually and helping integrate you into parish life. They must be active, confirmed Catholics in good standing.
10) Do children go through the same process?
Answer: Children (typically age 7+) can go through OCIA adapted to their age. They may receive Baptism at the Easter Vigil and then later have separate First Communion/Confirmation if required by diocesan norms.
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