Become Catholic

We're glad you're asking the questions, and we have answers for you!

If you are:

• an adult who has never been part of a formal religion
• an adult who was baptized in a faith tradition other than Catholicism
• an adult who received some but not all of the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, Reconciliation or Confirmation
• an adult who was raised in another faith and now wishes to become Catholic

and you want to learn more about becoming Catholic, we welcome you to St. Joseph. 

Becoming Catholic begins with Inquiry.  We invite you to take the first step in the process of becoming Catholic -- having a simple conversation with one of our team members.  It's never too early to reach out or to begin asking questions.  We know that becoming Catholic isn't a decision to take lightly or one to be made in a day, but rather a discernment that begins with conversation, reflection and prayer. 

The process the Church uses for the wonderful journey is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). It's a year-long personal faith journey that usually begins in the fall with a period of inquiry.  During this time, people are given the opportunity to learn more about Catholicism, ask questions and get to know what makes a Catholic a Catholic.  During the Period of Inquiry, you would join a small group to discuss the Church’s teachings on Jesus Christ, learn about the Mass and the Sacraments of the Church, talk about the importance of Sacred Scripture and Tradition and the importance of prayer in your daily life.
 
After these Inquiry sessions, people who feel they have an interest in becoming Catholic can continue in the RCIA process beyond the Period of Inquiry, receiving instruction in the basics of our faith.  There's no pressure to continue.  As the RCIA journey continues, participants have the opportunity to choose whether or not they want to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).  Those who wish to receive the Sacraments of Initiation receive further formation in preparation for the sacraments at Easter.

For more information or to inquire about becoming Catholic, please email Father Emanuel at etorresfuentes@stjoseph-libertyville.org