Whether you are exploring the Catholic faith for the first time, seeking to deepen your understanding, or accompanying someone on their journey, these resources are here to guide you.
Baptism
If you are interested in baptizing your child who is six years old or younger, please visit Baptize Your Child to learn more.
For children seven years of age or older as well as adults who are not baptized, the process of becoming Catholic is called the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), and has sometimes been known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD), or “Sunday School.”
The OCIA program is administered through parishes, usually culminating in the celebration of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil Mass along with thousands of others in the United States.
Period of the Catechumenate
Participants in OCIA are called “Catechumens.” Along with an assigned parish Sponsor, Catechumens work with the priest and parish team through the Period of the Catechumenate, which usually takes one or more years. As they study, grow in faith, and encounter questions in their journey, Catechumens consider what God is calling them to become and what Baptism in the Catholic Church means. During this time, there are several Rites celebrated along the Catechumen’s path to Baptism and full communion with the Catholic Church.
Rite of Election
When the Catechumen, the priest, and parish team believes that the Catechumen is ready to make a faith commitment to Jesus in the Catholic Church, the next step is the request for Baptism and the celebration of the Rite of Election. Usually on the first Sunday of Lent the Catechumen, along with their sponsor and family, will gather with other Catechumens at the Cathedral to publicly express their desire for Baptism to the Bishop. At this point, the Catechumen is considered one of the “Elect” and their name is enrolled in the book along with all of those seeking Baptism at the upcoming Easter Vigil.
Period of Purification and Enlightenment
Lent is a time of deeper reflection and surrender to God. For the Elect, Lent is an especially important Period of Purification and Enlightenment before Baptism. With the support and guidance of the parish, the Elect pray, study, and prepare. On Holy Saturday, the Elect receives the Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist - during the Easter Vigil Mass and are Catholic.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming Catholic and don’t know where to start, visit our Parish Finder to select a parish near you. You can reach out to their office if you’re ready to begin a conversation, but you can also join them for Mass to see what it’s like. All are welcome!
EUCHARIST / FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
When a baptized child reaches the age of seven or eight, they may receive the Eucharist after taking at least two years of sacramental preparation classes administered through the parish. Reach out to your parish to learn more.
If you do not currently attend a parish, visit our Parish Finder to find one near you!
CONFIRMATION
When a baptized child has reached at minimum the age of eleven, the child may receive the sacrament of Confirmation from a bishop after taking at least two years of sacramental preparation classes. Reach out to your parish to learn more.
Teenagers and adults who have already received the Eucharist and who are seeking preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation will generally need to enroll in a Confirmation program through their parish. This preparation may range from months to years, involving weekly classes, retreats, and apostolic services. At the conclusion of this period, the sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated with the Bishop. Reach out to your parish to learn more.
If you do not currently attend a parish, visit our Parish Finder to find one near you!