Want to be Catholic?

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a restoration of an ancient process for incorporating unbaptized persons into Jesus Christ through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. It was restored to highlight the fact that the newly baptized are received into a community of faith, which is challenged to realize that they too have become different because of this new life in the community. This process is for those who are looking into becoming Catholic or for those who are interested in learning more about what the Church teaches. Candidates are gradually introduced to aspects of Catholic beliefs and practices. There are also many opportunities to ask all of the lingering questions that you may have along the way. Listed below are the steps in the process: 
 

STEP 1: Rite of Entrance into the Catechumenate: Inquirers are publicly welcomed into our Catholic faith community as “catechumens” ; they “declare their intention to the Church and the Church, in turn, accepts them as persons who intend to become its members.”
 

STEP 2: Rite of Election: Catechumens are accepted as willing and prepared for imminent initiation into full membership in our Catholic faith community, and are known as “Elect.”
 

STEP 3: The Sacraments of Initiation: the Elect receive the three sacraments of initiation, namely: Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. These three sacraments of initiation are most appropriately received as part of the Easter Vigil services. Those who have already been validly baptized in another Christian ecclesial community do not re-receive baptism. Such candidates undergo a rite of full communion into the Catholic Church community.
 

Associated with these three steps are the following four periods:

1. More in-depth instruction about: the sacred Scriptures; the Catholic Church, its beliefs, its prayer, liturgical and other practices; and its implications for their lives. This occurs in weekly sessions and when dismissed after the homily at Sunday Masses
2. Developing relationships with the Catholic Christian community; this takes place in a number of ways, through a variety of interactions
3. Minor exorcisms
4. Blessing & anointing of the catechumens

1. Rite of Election by the bishop for admission to the final period of preparation (candidates are now called “Elect”)
2. Three “scrutinies” by which they undergo a process of self-searching and repentance in preparation for their imminent initiation
3. Presentation of the Creed
4. Presentation of the Lord's Prayer

If you have questions or are interested in beginning the initiation process, please fill out the form below and we will reach out to you soon.