Making the decision to become a Catholic

How to become a Catholic
As you might expect, there is a process to becoming a Catholic. Although it may look like a simple process, in reality it may take someone a number of years between the initial thought of becoming a Catholic to the point of reception into the Church. This is because at every moment, we have to remember that this is part of our journey of faith, and what God wants to do for us in our lives. At every stage of the process you go at your pace.

INQUIRY  The first part of the process is learning, in a gentle way, about what the Catholic Church believes and teaches.  At this stage it would be good to come to church to Mass to see how we celebrate our faith.

DECIDING  This is a formal stage where someone decides to become a Catholic.  They become Catechumens and begin a more formal period of learning about the faith of the Church.

PREPARATION  It is not all about learning and remembering everything that has ever been taught by the Catholic Church. Becoming a Catholic is also about building a deeper relationship with God.  As part of the process there is a period of time to learn about prayer and getting ready to become a Catholic.

INITIATION  Only when someone is ready, and after they have spent some time reflecting on what Catholics believe, does the ceremony of Baptism or Reception into the Catholic Church take place.  This is a day of great joy for those who become Catholic but also for the community as we welcome another member.

Jesus, send your Holy Spirit into my heart
​in this moment.
I need to experience your healing and forgiveness.
Enter my heart now.
Many different memories, emotions 
and experiences lie hidden there.
Please come with your light.
Thank you that you are near.
Give me courage to respond to the invitation 
​which is being given to me.

Amen.

What Do I Do Next?
If you are thinking about becoming Catholic you might be thinking what shall I do next?  Below are a few suggestions that you might like to think about.

PRAY  If you are thinking of becoming Catholic it is possibly because the Holy Spirit is trying to say something to your heart.   Talk to God, ask Him to help you in your life, ask Him to help your faith to grow.

COME TO MASS  Mass is celebrated on Sundays at 10.00 a.m. There is also a Vigil Mass on a Saturday evening at 6.00 p.m. See how we celebrate our faith and pray together. Sunday Mass is especially important for Catholics because we gather as a community of faith to worship God together. Non-Catholics are not able to receive Holy Communion but you are welcome to come forward for a blessing, indicating this by placing your arm across your chest.

TALK TO A  PRIEST  Have a chat with our Parish Priest - tell him about why you are thinking of becoming a Catholic and that you are interested in beginning your journey of faith.  

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) COURSE  You will see this advertised on our newsletters and is the formal process of becoming a Catholic.   This course enables you to learn more about your faith, and help you to prepare for becoming a Catholic.  For more information, please contact the parish office.