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Becoming a Catholic

The Catholic Church warmly welcomes new members, and the Our Lady of the Lake Parish community is eager to answer your questions and help you learn about the process for entering the Catholic Church.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the church’s way of bringing new members into our faith community.  At Our Lady of the Lake Parish, it is a process of discernment and formation which is facilitated through:

• believing and praying with the church community,
• living with the community and witnessing how we live out our beliefs, and
• serving with the community in our outreach to the world.

Who may participate?

• Those who have never been baptized as Christians participate in a process that introduces them to the Gospel, Catholic teaching and practice.  These catechumens are given the opportunity to be part of the church community and witness the way in which our beliefs form our lives.  After an extended time of formation and discernment, they celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist—at the church’s annual celebration at the Easter Vigil.
  

• Those baptized in other Christian faith traditions are welcomed through a process, which is more individually designed according to their needs.  Those candidates already very familiar with Catholic teaching and practice are, after a time of prayerful discernment, invited to make a profession of faith, receive the sacrament of Confirmation and share full communion in the Eucharist.

Those who are less familiar with the Catholic Church would be given the opportunity to learn about our beliefs, community and mission.  The specific aspects would depend upon the individual’s interests and needs.

• Those baptized Catholic as infants but not raised as Catholics are also given the opportunity to learn about Catholic teaching, community and mission, and are then confirmed and welcomed to the Eucharist.

How long does it take to become a Catholic?
The RCIA is a process of discernment and preparation for living out the life-long commitment made in the sacraments of initiation.  Some people need more time than others.  The length of preparation for an unbaptized inquirer (catechumen) typically takes a year or longer.  The timing is also determined by the fact that adult baptism is celebrated only once a year at the Easter Vigil.  For those who have already been baptized in another Christian denomination (candidates), the period of instruction and the time for reflection and discernment depends upon how familiar they already are with Catholic teaching and life.

What does the process involve?
At Our Lady of the Lake Parish, catechumenate sessions are held on Wednesday evenings.  During these sessions the catechumens, candidates and team gather for instruction, sharing, discussion and prayer. Each session begins at 7:00 pm and ends at approximately 9:00 pm.

At the 9:30 am Sunday Mass, catechumens are sent forth with the prayers of the assembly to reflect on the Sunday readings (candidates may also choose to participate in these sessions).  At specific times throughout the year, liturgical rites are celebrated at Sunday Masses marking the catechumens and candidates progress toward the sacraments of initiation.

What topics are discussed?
The weekly sessions usually flow from the Sunday Scripture readings.  They cover a broad range of topics as our Catholic beliefs encompass the whole fabric of our lives.  These topics are explored in ways which help us live out our faith in our daily lives.  Some of the topics explored are:

• What does it mean to be saved?
• What do we believe about Jesus?
• How can I understand the Bible?
• What are the sacraments and what do they do for us?
• How can I learn to pray?
• What do Catholics believe about Mary and the saints?
• What does the Catholic Church teach about morality?

If I begin, am I obligated to become Catholic?
There is no obligation to make any kind of commitment, nor is there pressure exerted on anyone to become Catholic.  We respect the conscience and decision of every person.  Through your association with us, we would hope that you would gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of Catholic beliefs and practices, regardless of your decision.  We respect the timing and action of the Holy Spirit in each person’s life.

What’s the next step?
Please call Esther Lucero-Miner, Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation, at the Parish Faith Formation Office at 206.522.2840.  She will be happy to answer your questions and discuss your personal situation.