Have you been thinking about becoming Catholic? 

Do you have questions about God and faith?

We are so glad you're here!

We look forward to answering your questions, hearing about what led you here, and accompanying you on your faith journey. 

Everyone’s journey to faith is unique — some come as children, attending church and learning about God along with their parents, others come from different faiths or with no faith background at all. Each one is welcome and valued here. 

Becoming a Catholic Christian

In the Catholic Church, a person celebrates three sacraments, or encounters, which initiate them into the fullness of the Catholic faith: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. These are called the Sacraments of Initiation. 

Traditionally, Catholic parents bring their infant or young child to the Church for baptism, initiating the child into the Catholic Christian faith. The child’s journey in faith grows and deepens as they prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of First Communion or Eucharist and then as teens, the Sacrament of Confirmation. For some people, this journey to full initiation gets interrupted and they pursue the remaining sacraments as an adult.

Already baptized

Some people come to the Catholic Church having been baptized in a different Christian denomination. Often their baptism is recognized by the Catholic Church. After a process of preparation, they can be received into the Catholic Church by making a profession of faith at Mass, followed by the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

Adults and children (7+) not already baptized

In the case of adults, or children (age 7+) who are not baptized, the process is called the Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA – formerly known as RCIA). The OCIA forms people in the Catholic faith through liturgy (attending Mass), Scripture, prayer, and catechesis. You'll be learning about the teachings of the Church and coming to understand more deeply the life of discipleship.

OCIA is where you'll find answers to the questions you have, and even to those you haven't thought of asking! There is no set timeline for this process, rather, it's a journey of learning and growing in faith. Through it, we accompany you and help you discern your readiness for celebrating the sacraments.

Whenever a person makes the decision to learn more about the Catholic faith, our community rejoices! Again, we're glad you're here.

Fall in Love

by Joseph Whelen

Nothing is more practical than 
finding God, than
falling in Love
in a quite absolute, final way.

What you are in love with,
What seizes your imagination, will affect everything.

It will decide 
what will get you out of bed in the morning,
what you do with your evenings,
how you spend your weekends,
what you read, whom you know,
what breaks your heart,
and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.

Fall in Love, stay in love,
And it will decide everything.

Want to know more? 

See our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) here!

Want to learn more or ask questions?

Join us at our upcoming "Come and See" events. Learn more here!

If you are interested in becoming Catholic and you are willing to give us some more information about you and your background so that we can best guide you on your journey, please complete this online form. Alternatively, you may email or call Patti Kamper, our Minister of Christian Formation at pattikamper@stannscc.org or call (804) 798-5039 ext. 304.