The journey of faith often leads people to seek the fullness of truth that can only be found in the Catholic Church. Those seeking acceptance into the Church are gradually introduced to its teachings and practices before becoming Catholic.
Unbaptized catechumens and non-Catholic Christian candidates enter the Church by a process called the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA). Baptized Catholics may also complete their Sacraments of Initiation through the OCIA.
Restoring the order that allowed people to enter the early Church, OCIA includes catechesis, rites, and prayers which accompany each step along the way to full initiation into the Church founded by Jesus.
At the beginning of the OCIA process, basic questions are answered and spirituality is nurtured during an inquiry stage. This allows the person to ask questions and gather information without commitment.
Following a Rite of Acceptance, participants in the OCIA enter into a formal stage of thorough instruction called the Catechumenate. A Catholic sponsor is chosen to accompany them during their journey.
After a Rite of Election with the bishop at the cathedral of their diocese at the beginning of Lent, future Catholics are now known as the elect and enter into the prayerful stage of Purification and Enlightenment.
At the Easter Vigil, these new Catholics are fully initiated into the Church by receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.
During the final stage of Mystagogy, neophyte Catholics focus on exploring and reflecting on the personal experience of living the sacramental life of the Church.
The process of initiation into the Catholic Church was previously known as the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).
Welcoming and guiding people through conversion:
A faith journey into full communion with the Church:
The Catholic Church is Christ’s living Body:
The Spirit said to Philip, “Go and join up with that chariot.” Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” He replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” So he invited Philip to get in and sit with him. This was the scripture passage he was reading: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opened not his mouth. In (his) humiliation justice was denied him. Who will tell of his posterity? For his life is taken from the Earth.” Then the eunuch said to Philip in reply, “I beg you, about whom is the prophet saying this? About himself, or about someone else?” Then Philip opened his mouth and, beginning with this scripture passage, he proclaimed Jesus to him. As they traveled along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look, there is water. What is to prevent my being baptized?” Then he ordered the chariot to stop, and Philip and the eunuch both went down into the water, and he baptized him. When they came out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, but continued on his way rejoicing.
Acts 8: 29-39
Helping those who want to become Catholic:
The beginning of a lifelong process:
Joining the true Church founded by Christ:
One becomes a member of the people of the redeemed through Baptism. As the Apostle Paul has reminded us in Epistle to the Romans: ” We are buried therefore with Him by Baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life”. This exhortation is especially for you, dearest catechumens, to whom, in just a few moments, Mother Church will administer the great gift of divine life. From different countries divine providence has led you here, to the tomb of Saint Peter, to receive the Sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. Entering in this way into the house of the Lord, you will be consecrated with the oil of happiness and can feed yourselves with the Bread of Heaven. Sustained by the power of the Holy Spirit, you will persevere in your faith in Christ, and courageously proclaim his Gospel.
Pope John Paul II, Homily, 19 April 2003
You can’t just sign up to be Catholic:
Becoming Catholic through stages:
From the time of the Apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages. This journey can be covered rapidly or slowly, but certain essential elements will always have to be present: proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel entailing conversion, profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and admission to Eucharistic communion.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1229
Plumbing the depths of the Catholic faith:
Learning what the Church teaches:
The Truth, Goodness, and Beauty of the Catholic Church
This is an age for saints:
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