Interested in Becoming a Catholic?

What does it require to become Catholic?

Do I have to be Catholic to attend the Mass?

Do I have to become Catholic to marry a Catholic?

    These are common questions many people have. So here are the short answers....

    To become a Catholic involves a process of conversion, which we call the RCIA (Rite of Catholic Initiation for Adults). The process begins with the "Inquiry", which just means you come and ask any question you have of the Catholic Church, e.g. why do we make the sign of the cross? What does the Pope mean? What do we actually believe? This process goes on as long as you want.

    If you wish to proceed further, then you enter the next phase, the "Catechumenate". This part of the process is more formal, when the Catholic Experience is shared with you by members of the community. It will have information as well as experiential material. You are joined with a "sponsor" who will also help you. This process can last around 2 years.

    Once you feel prepared and ready, and the Pastor agrees, you are formally received into the Church usually at Easter.

    The process varies depending upon whether you are baptized and have attended church in another faith, or you are non-baptized and have had little or no church affiliation.

    Non-Catholics are certainly invited and welcome to attend the Sunday Worship Services, which we call "Mass" or "Eucharist." We just ask that you not accept Holy Communion, as it is a Sacrament of unity, which unfortunately does not exist between Christian denominations.

    Non-Catholics do NOT have to become Catholics if they wish to marry a Catholic. To become Catholic must be under one’s own free will.

    If there are any other questions, please feel free to send Fr. Bob an email at frbob@strobertbellarmine.org.