To be Catholic means to be pursuing a life fully alive in Christ. This means pursuing Jesus in personal prayer and especially in the sacraments,  building community in the Church, placing your whole life at the disposal of Jesus, and striving to live a life of holiness, as laid out for us by Jesus in the Scriptures and Holy Tradition. The life of a Catholic Christian is a radical life, make no mistake. But it is also the most joy-filled, amazing life you could possibly live!

Becoming Catholic is a process that involves building your own personal relationship with Jesus, investing in the Church community, receiving knowledge of Christ and His Church, and going through several different ‘rites’ to become ‘fully initiated’. For those who have already been baptized in another Christian denomination, at the end of your journey (really, just the beginning of a new journey!) you will receive your first Holy Communion and Confirmation. If you have never been baptized, you will go through the same process, but you will also be received into the Church first through baptism. Being Catholic, however, is a lifelong pursuit! 

The Becoming Catholic journey is called OCIA or Order of Christian Initiation for Adults. This is the official name for the process of becoming Catholic. This involves teachings, classes, meetings with a sponsor, rites within Mass, and finally, receiving your sacraments in the Church! 

This journey begins in September and goes through the following Easter.