Adults enter the Catholic Church through a process called “Order of Christian Initiation of Adults” (OCIA). OCIA consists of classes that guide individuals to learn more about the Catholic faith and to eventually enter the Catholic Church.
If you would like to begin the process of becoming a Catholic, contact a Catholic Parish near you. Then, speak to the parish secretary or ask to speak to a priest about becoming Catholic.
If you have not been baptized and will be receiving the sacraments for the first time (Baptism, Confession, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist) you are referred to as a Catechumen.
If you are already a Christian with a valid baptism you are referred to as a Candidate. You will then receive the remaining sacraments (Confession, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist).
Both cases still require formation through OCIA and eventual Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confession, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist).
During OCIA, you will be able to choose (or can be assigned) a sponsor, who is already Catholic and will walk with you on your journey to holiness.
If you are a non-practicing Catholic wanting to return to the Church, we welcome you back with open arms!
If you have received all the sacraments (Baptism, Confession, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist) you are not required to complete OCIA.
The best way to return to the Catholic Church is to begin attending Sunday Mass and Mass on Holy Days of Obligation. Afterwards, you may want or need to attend Confession, especially if it has been many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do OCIA?
OCIA includes:
– Those who are completely new to the Catholic Church
– Baptized Catholics who fell away from the Faith and never received Confirmation or First Communion
– Baptized Christians who do not profess the Catholic Faith
When am I officially Catholic?
After you are Baptized, complete your first Confession, are Confirmed in the Catholic Church, and receive the Holy Eucharist. Most Catechumens and Candidates are welcomed into the Church during the Easter Vigil, but some parishes may have other timelines as well.
I’m a Catholic who has received all of the Sacraments, but fell away from the Faith. What do I do?
We welcome you back with open arms! The best way to return is to begin attending Sunday Mass and Mass on Holy Days of Obligation. Afterwards, you may want or need to attend Confession, especially if it has been many years.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17