Becoming Catholic
Learning About the Catholic Faith
Welcome! We are glad that you are interested in finding out more about the Catholic Faith and we hope that this introduction will lead you to discover more.
How do I find out about Catholicism?
What if I think that I want to become Catholic?
What does initiation into the Catholic Church entail?
How long does it take to become a Catholic?
What if I change my mind?
How do I find a Catholic parish near me?
What else can I do?
How do I find out about Catholicism?
One of the best ways is to contact a Catholic parish near you to let them know that you are interested in finding out more about the Catholic Faith. (See How do I find a Catholic parish near me? below) You will be invited to join with others like yourself as you inquire into what "being Catholic" is all about: who we are, what we believe, how we live our lives, how we pray, and more.
If you are interested in reading about Catholicism, there are a number of excellent resources available. One extensive compendium of Catholic beliefs is the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which you can explore online or order from your favorite bookstore.
What if I think that I want to become Catholic?
We believe that God calls individuals to live the Good News Jesus proclaimed and to become his disciples as members of the Catholic Church. If you want to become Catholic, you will participate in a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (sometimes called RCIA or simply Christian initiation.) Adults or children who have reached the age of reason (about 7 years old) learn about the teachings of Jesus as the Catholic Church has handed them on and put these teachings into practice by living as part of the Catholic community, serving others and praying.
What does initiation into the Catholic Church entail?
If you have not been baptized, the Christian initiation process prepares you to become a Catholic Christian by celebrating what we call the sacraments of Christian initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist or Holy Communion.
If you have been baptized in another Christian tradition, the initiation process prepares you to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church by celebrating the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist or Holy Communion.
How long does it take to become a Catholic?
Becoming Catholic is a life-long commitment. However, the Christian initiation process typically lasts for several months or longer in order to prepare to take this step. Participants in the initiation process generally meet once or twice each week, including part of the Mass on Sunday, but each parish initiation schedule varies. The initiation of individuals who are ready to become new members of the Catholic Church may take place at Easter (in March or April) or at other times throughout the year.
What if I change my mind?
You do not make any commitment or obligation by inquiring about Catholicism or beginning the Christian initiation process. We want you to take the time you need as you think about becoming Catholic and we respect your decision to stop or to say, "not right now" at any time. While we love being Catholic and hope that others will want to become Catholic also, we do not exert pressure on anyone to do so. Our hope would be that at the very least, you would come to a greater appreciation of Catholic beliefs and practices.
How do I find a Catholic parish near my home or work?
Use our online parish directory and search by county, town, zip code or parish name. The Archdiocese of Washington includes Washington, DC and five Maryland counties: Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George's and St. Mary's.
Baltimore/Western Maryland: Archdiocese of Baltimore
Eastern Shore of Maryland: Diocese of Wilmington
Northern Virginia: Diocese of Arlington
If you live in another part of the United States, visit Masstimes.org to find parishes and contact information or find the diocese near you on this map.
What else can I do?
We are glad that you have visited this site and we hope that we have given you information to help you find out more about the Catholic faith. If you wish, you could say the following prayer:
God, help me to be see your presence and hear your voice in the world around me. Guide me on my journey and lead me to you. Amen.
For more information about Christian initiation, contact us.
