How do I become a Catholic?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and Children of Catechetical Age is a process through which people proceed towards faith in Jesus Christ, as expressed by full membership in the Catholic Church, and is intended for those who are unbaptised and preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation – Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
The four major periods in the initiation process:
- Period of Evangelisation and Pre-Catechumenate – Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens
- Period of Catechumenate – Rite of Election
- Period of Purification and Enlightenment – Celebration of the Sacraments
- Period of Mystagogy – Celebration with the Bishop.
Catholic Australia provides more details on the process of becoming Catholic
Interesting in becoming a Catholic?
Choosing the Catholic faith is a a very important life decision. The process usually takes about a year and the choice to follow the process is up to you.
For those interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, the Rite of Christian Initiation Programs for Adults and Children are organised through your local parish. Contact your parish priest and make an appointment to help you understand the process and to ask questions.
To find your local parish and parish priest contact details, click below. Select a parish or a town or a priest for more details.
Diocesan Resources
The Parish Handbooks for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults with Children of a Catechetical Age are available here under Resources, “Christian Initiation”
The following resources are available from the members section of the website, for those involved in delivering the parish Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults with Children of a Catechetical Age programs:
- Confidential Information for the Parish Priest;
- The Sponsor and Godparents in the RCIA Process;
- Discernment;
- The Dismissals;
- The Rites.
Rite of Christian Initiation Resources
Christian Initiation Australia Network (CIAN)
The website for the national RCIA organisation.
Team Initiation
This is another website providing resources for new and experienced RCIA teams.
“Enjoy the Good News: A New Testament Guide”
Written by Alan Hogan, this book hopes to give people an introduction to the New Testament and may be helpful for those engaged in the RCIA process.
The Melbourne Archdiocesan Office “Proclaim”
“Called Gifted Sent” is a resource that can be purchased, for any adult looking to begin their journey into the life of the Catholic Church.
Initiation of Secondary Students
“Walk With Me” is a resource designed by the Diocese of Sale specifically for secondary students in their journey towards Initiation in the Catholic Church. Walk With Me is based on the Church’s Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and assists those who accompany young people on their faith journey. It provides parishes and schools with theological background, detailed outlines and notes for weekly gatherings, references to the Church’s rites, links to online resources, explanations of the Rites, links to the rituals of the RCIA, blessing prayers, glossary and much more.
2020 Ballarat Diocesan and Victorian State RCIA Conferences
The 2020 RCIA conferences for the Ballarat Diocese and the four Victorian dioceses were held on the weekend of November 16 & 17 in Ballarat.
- Click here for a copy of the program.
- Click here for a report on the Conferences.