The Catholic Church welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life – anyone who has a desire to learn about and enter into a life of faith in Jesus Christ can become a Catholic. The process of becoming a Catholic is a journey of faith and conversion. It is a time to learn about the teachings of the Church, to grow in one’s relationship with God, and to make a commitment to live a Christian life.
Adults who are interested in becoming Catholic can enroll in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program. The RCIA program provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the Catholic faith, including its teachings, history, and traditions and culminates in the individual receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
Children who are raised in Catholic families typically receive the Sacrament of Baptism as infants. However, children who are not baptised as infants can also become Catholic through a Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program that has been tailored to their age and level of understanding.
Christians who have been baptised in other Christian denominations can also become Catholic. The process for these individuals typically involves a profession of faith and reception of the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
Here are some of the basic steps involved in becoming a Catholic:
- Contact our parish: Express your interest in becoming a Catholic. We will then connect you with the RCIA coordinator who can guide you through the process.
- Attend RCIA classes: RCIA classes are typically held once a week and cover a wide range of topics about the Catholic faith, including the Bible, Church history, liturgy, and sacraments.
- Participate in retreats and activities: In addition to classes, RCIA participants are also encouraged to participate in retreats, prayer services, and other activities that help them to deepen their faith and experience the Catholic community.
- Receive the sacraments: After completing the RCIA program, participants are ready to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. These sacraments are typically celebrated at an Easter Vigil or Pentecost Sunday Mass.
- Continue to grow in faith: Becoming a Catholic is not an endpoint but a beginning. It is a lifelong journey of faith and growth. Catholics are encouraged to continue to learn about their faith, to participate in the sacraments, and to live a life that is consistent with their Catholic beliefs.
About Adult Baptism (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the official process by which the Catholic Church welcomes and forms adults seeking to be baptised, received into full communion, or completing their initiation through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Rooted in the earliest practices of the Church and restored by the Second Vatican Council (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 64–66), RCIA is much more than a course—it is a journey of conversion, discipleship, and deep encounter with the living Christ.
The Church teaches that, “The initiation of adults is the responsibility of all the baptized.” (RCIA Introduction, 9)
At St Patrick’s Cathedral, our RCIA journey reflects the rhythm and richness of the Church’s life. Through prayer, catechesis, liturgical rites, and communal support, candidates and catechumens are gradually led to enter more fully into the mystery of God’s love and the life of the Church.
Who is RCIA for?
- Adults who have never been baptised and wish to become Catholic
- Baptised Christians from other denominations who seek full communion with the Catholic Church
- Baptised Catholics who have not yet completed the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist
The RCIA journey includes several key stages:
- Period of Evangelisation and Precatechumenate: A time of initial inquiry and discovery of faith
- Period of the Catechumenate: Deeper formation in the teachings, sacramental life, and practices of the Catholic faith
- Period of Purification and Enlightenment: A Lenten season of prayer and interior preparation, culminating at the Easter Vigil
- Period of Mystagogy: Post-baptismal catechesis, deepening the understanding of the sacraments and mission within the Church
This gradual process of faith formation respects each person’s journey and fosters a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.
As the Catechism reminds us:
“The Christian initiation of adults is the most significant manifestation of the baptismal catechumenate, restored in the Roman Catholic Church by the Second Vatican Council.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1232)
At St Patrick’s Cathedral, RCIA is not just a program; it is a welcoming community of faith where candidates are accompanied pastorally and prayerfully by catechists, sponsors, and the wider parish.
If you are feeling called to explore the Catholic faith, or if you know someone who is, we warmly invite you to begin this journey with us. The invitation of Christ is for all:
“Come and see.” (John 1:39)
For more information or to begin your journey, please contact: