Are you thinking about becoming Catholic? Whether you have you have never heard of Jesus, or are coming back to a life of faith, we want to welcome you home.
The sacraments of Christian initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist - lay the foundations of every Christian life. "The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. the faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church no. 1212
Not Sure of Where to Start?
We invite you to begin your journey of faith here at St. Catherine’s. A number of our parish’s ministries have introductory seminars to Christianity. Take the first step in a new relationship with Jesus Christ. Check out our Events page to find these introductory courses.
If you’d like to speak to someone about what is the best way for you, feel free to call or visit the parish office.
I want to Become Catholic
A person comes into full communion through the reception of the three Sacraments of Initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The process and preparation by which one becomes a Catholic can different forms, depending upon the age of the individual and the prior faith background of the person before entering the Church.
When a person is baptized, they become part of the Catholic Church. They put away one’s old self and take on a new identity in Jesus Christ. That relationship is deepened further through the reception of Confirmation and the Eucharist. This is true for children who are baptized then receive first holy communion and confirmation at later dates or adults who receive the sacraments at the same time.
Those who have been validly baptized outside the Catholic Church come into full communion by making a profession of faith and received formally into the Church. They will usually receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist immediately after their profession of faith.
For all persons who wish to become Catholic or wish to complete their Sacraments of Initiation, a period of prayer and preparation is necessary. This time of preparation depends on the individual’s age, previous faith background, and other circumstances.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) provides us an entry point for adults ages 18 and older who want to learn more about our faith and traditions in a open and inclusive environment. After a period prayer and learning about the Catholic faith, we will prepare you to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
RCIA Adapted for Children
The RCIA adapted for Children is the entry point for teens ages 7 - 17 wanting to learn more about the Catholic faith in an environment that suits them. Like with RCIA, we will prepare you to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist after a period of pray and study of our faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where are the classes?
The process begins in early September until the Easter Vigil of the following calendar year.
Each class runs from 9:00 to 11:30 am at the Parish Life Center. The class will attend the 10:00 am mass at will be dismissed after the homily to resume class.
What do I need to bring?
There is no need to bring anything! We will provide a notebook, pen, and other materials for you. Just come with an open mind and heart.
What do the classes cover and what are the attendance expectations?
The classes cover the basics of the Catholic Faith. These classes will be broken down into three stages.
The period of inquiry, we will introduce you to Jesus Christ, basic Gospel values and rudimentary prayer. You can ask questions, share stories, build community, and discern where God is leading them in their journey of faith. During this period, there is absolutely no commitment to attend.
If you are seriously considering or have already made the decision to become Catholic, or are seeking the sacrament of Confirmation and First Holy Communion, we invite you to continue through a period of catechesis during which we give you formal instruction in the Christian way of life and the doctrines of the Catholic Church. We also begin to learn about Catholic worship. At this point of the program, we expect you to attend every session in order to prepare you to be received fully into the Church at Easter.
Who teaches the classes?
The classes are taught by the parish’s deacons and volunteers.
Join us
Please fill out the form and send it to the parish office. We will contact you about joining our RCIA/RCIA adapted for Children sessions.
