Becoming Catholic

In our great faith, Jesus Christ left His church with three Sacraments that help invite or initiate us into full membership. 

Baptism comes first as it washes away original sin and welcomes us into the Church as an adopted son or daughter of God. With the next two, the order can flip, but most people who grow up in the faith prepare for their First Eucharist around the age of reason (in our diocese, second grade is standard). 

Holy Communion -- the true body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ -- nourishes our spiritual life. Jesus Christ, true God and true man, models for us the total gift of himself as the highest expression of live. Jesus holds nothing back in the giving of himself to us. This love we receive we are invited to share with others in the same manner.

The last Sacrament of Initiation is Confirmation. Frequently celebrated towards the end of the high school years in our diocese, Confirmation seals the gift of the Holy Spirit on and in us and strengthens us for life and the mission of bringing Christ to our hurting world. It is amazing that God invites us to partner with him in doing His work in the world today and that he gives us everything we might need to be able to do His work!

Our Church has what is called The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults for any adult who is interested in becoming Catholic. Typical people who join in these classes are:

• someone who simply "missed" Confirmation while growing up who has been regularly worshipping on Sundays
• someone who was raised in another Christian faith tradition who is curious about the fullness of the Catholic faith
• someone with little or no history of belief who is open to exploring a relationship with Jesus Christ
• a faith-filled, already initiated adult who simply wants to learn more about our faith in an organic and systemic way

This journey is highly individualized while ideally the learning happens within a group or small community. There are special prayers and liturgical rites that happen through the process but ultimately the hope is to discern God's will for you and how the parish can walk with and alongside you in that journey.

If this piques your interest or if you know someone who would want to know more, the best first step is to connect with Kevin Sullivan in the Central Office so he can learn about you and share basic information about this process. Classes are set to begin later in September, so schedule with Kevin soon. You can do that using this link: https://usemotion.com/meet/kevin-sullivan/letschat?d=45