Every year, people of all backgrounds and ages discover the joy of becoming Catholic. It’s a journey of grace, prayer, and learning, but above all, it’s about encountering Jesus Christ and joining His Church. This page explains how to take your next step, wherever you are starting from, and how we will walk with you along the way.
Pilgrims of all ages are welcome, whether travelling independently or with a group. The pilgrimage includes daily Mass, processions, opportunities for confession, and time for prayer at the Grotto. Assisted pilgrims receive dedicated care from medical and volunteer teams. Travel and accommodation options vary, with packages available for families, youth, and those needing support. Preparation meetings ensure you’re ready for this deeply enriching spiritual journey.
Becoming Catholic is a journey best walked in community. Your local parish is where that journey begins—through worship, learning, and meeting others who are growing in faith. Use our tool to find a nearby Catholic church, where you can speak to a priest, ask questions, and begin exploring the path ahead. Whether you’re ready to start or simply curious, your parish is ready to welcome you.
Begin by contacting your local Catholic parish and expressing your interest in learning about the faith. The parish will guide you through the RCIA process, providing information on sessions, schedules, and requirements. Engaging with the parish community and participating in inquiry sessions are the first steps toward your journey into the Catholic Church.
Not necessarily. The Catholic Church recognises baptisms from other Christian denominations if performed with water and the Trinitarian formula ('in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit'). If your baptism meets these criteria, you won't be re-baptised. Instead, you'll make a profession of faith and receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
While not obligatory initially, attending Mass is highly encouraged during the RCIA process. It helps candidates become familiar with the liturgy, experience the community, and deepen their understanding of Catholic worship. As the journey progresses, regular Mass attendance becomes an integral part of spiritual preparation.
The Easter Vigil is the most significant liturgy of the Catholic year, held on Holy Saturday night. During this celebration, catechumens receive the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Candidates (already baptized individuals) are received into full communion with the Church through Confirmation and Eucharist.
Yes, children of catechetical age (typically seven and older) who are unbaptised or seeking full communion with the Church participate in a process adapted for their age. This journey involves age-appropriate catechesis and culminates in receiving the sacraments of initiation.
A sponsor serves as a spiritual companion and mentor throughout the RCIA process. They support the candidate through prayer, guidance, and participation in sessions and rites. Sponsors are typically practicing Catholics who can provide insight and encouragement as candidates journey toward full communion with the Church.
The RCIA process comprises four stages: Inquiry (exploring the faith), Catechumenate (deepening understanding), Purification and Enlightenment (spiritual preparation, especially during Lent), and Mystagogy (post-initiation reflection). Each stage includes rites and milestones, guiding individuals toward full communion with the Church.
Yes, being divorced doesn't prevent you from becoming Catholic. However, if you're divorced and remarried without an annulment, or planning to remarry, you'll need to discuss your situation with a priest. The Church may require an annulment process to address the validity of your previous marriage before proceeding.
The duration varies based on individual circumstances. For unbaptised individuals, the RCIA process typically spans about a year, aligning with the liturgical calendar and culminating at Easter. Those already baptized in another Christian tradition may have a shorter preparation period, focusing on understanding Catholic teachings and practices. Ultimately, the timeline depends on one's readiness and the guidance of the local parish.
If you've been baptised but haven't received Confirmation, the RCIA process can help you prepare for this sacrament. Through study and participation in the parish community, you'll deepen your understanding of the faith and readiness to receive Confirmation, completing your initiation into the Catholic Church.
That's perfectly acceptable. The initial stage of RCIA, known as the inquiry phase, is designed for individuals exploring the faith without any commitment. It's an opportunity to ask questions, attend sessions, and discern your path. You're free to take your time and decide when—or if—you're ready to proceed.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), now often referred to as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), is the process through which adults enter the Catholic Church. It involves several stages: inquiry, catechumenate, purification and enlightenment, and mystagogy. Participants engage in study, prayer, and community involvement, culminating in receiving the sacraments of initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist—typically at the Easter Vigil. This journey allows individuals to deepen their understanding of the faith and integrate into the Catholic community.
