Question 1

Can I learn more without a commitment?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, yes.  If you'd like to learn more about the Catholic faith, we will be with you every step of the way.  God created us from the beginning with free will.  The Catholic Church does not believe in pushing anyone to make a decision through pressure or coercion.  We would love to share with you the joy of the Catholic Church - and the decision and timing is up to you.

Question 2

How does someone become Catholic?

Accepted Answer

Every person's situation is different.  But for the overwhelming number of people who become Catholic each year, it follows this general format:Begin attending Mass each Sunday and Holy Day, if you are not already.Begin the Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA) classes with the parish in the fall to learn more.By mid-January, state your intention to enter the Church (this is not a binding commitment, just an intention).Make your first Confession (if already Baptized in another Christian Church) or participate in the three Scrutinies (if not Baptized) in the Lenten season.Be Baptized or received into the Church, be Confirmed, and receive Our Lord in Holy Communion on Holy Saturday at the Great Easter Vigil (the night before Easter Sunday).

Question 3

I'm already a Christian, but feel drawn to the Catholic Church.

Accepted Answer

That's wonderful!  More and more, those raised with faith in Jesus Christ are coming to see the rich theological and hisorical depth of the Catholic Church.  Our Church was founded not by a theologian or preacher, but by Jesus Christ Himself.  We would love to share more about the Church founded by Christ and help receive you into the fullness of the Christian faith.For Baptized Christians, so long as their baptism was in a Trinitarian, Christian community, we do not "re-baptize".  Instead, you will be formally received into the Church and complete your initiation through Confirmation and reception of Holy Communion.

Question 4

I'm coming with no Church background and no religion.

Accepted Answer

The majority of the people who find themselves considering the Catholic Church come from no formal religious background.  Don't worry!  While learning about the world's largest faith tradition can be intimidating, remember that you do not do this alone.  We are excited to welcome you and teach you everything you might want to know, at your pace.  Our formation program called OCIA is a chance to introduce you to who God is, the history of how He has come to create, love, and save us, and how we are called to have a relationship with Him.  It would be our joy to walk with you as you learn and grow.

Question 5

I have studied the Catholic Church and I'm ready to join.  When can I be received?

Accepted Answer

We can't wait to have you join us at the altar.  The answer to this question depends on several factors: how long you have been attending Mass, your background knowledge of the Christian Catholic faith, your readiness, and the Church's discernment.  We receive people into the Church a few different times each year depending on your background and formation.  Be in touch with us and let's discuss the right time for you.

Question 6

I've been married before my current relationship/marriage.  How will the Church view my situation?

Accepted Answer

That's a great question - and one that can sometimes take time.  The Catholic Church believes we have a duty to protect marriage as a lifelong covenant between husband and wife.  But we are also aware of the reality of divorce.  Because of that, those who have had previous marriages may need to have their current marriage reconciled in the Church.  We'll need to talk through the details to understand your situation a little more - and to share with you the joy of Catholic marriage.  For some desiring to enter the Church, it may be as simple as having your current marriage "blessed" or validated in the Church.  For others, we may need to talk about the Church's process of declaring your first marriage invalid.  Don't worry, we will be with you every step of the way and be sensitive to what can often be a difficult conversation.

Question 7

I'm interested in the Catholic Church but have never gone to Mass.  What do I do first?

Accepted Answer

Please, come pray with us!  Coming to Catholic Mass can be beautiful for someone who has never seen the rich, historical way we pray.  When you come, please feel free to introduce yourself to an usher, the priest, or even someone in the pew.  In the front cover of the hymnal, you'll find the order of the prayers we say at each Mass.  Or you can simply sit and observe, praying as we do.The reception of Holy Communion (often called the Lord's Supper) is reserved in the Catholic Church only for those who are already Catholic and who are prepared to receive spiritually.  So we ask you not to receive Holy Communion yet.  But don't worry, you'll be joined by many in the pew who are not receiving Holy Communion - both Catholics and non-Catholics - and can join in all the other prayers of the Church with us.

Question 8

I was baptized a Catholic but never raised in the Church, or I've fallen away.

Accepted Answer

We are so happy when someone who already shares the Catholic faith is ready to engage with the faith of your Baptism.  We are happy to prepare you to make a good Confession, and receive the Holy Eucharist (and maybe Confirmation).  The preparation for this can vary in length depending on your level of formation and understanding.  For many, it may just be a few short weeks before you are joining us at the altar again.  Please be in touch.

Question 9

I want to become Catholic and have even tried at another parish.  I just can't commit to the OCIA sessions each week.

Accepted Answer

Choosing to enter the Catholic Church is a huge decision and we want to help.  Because entering the Church is a life-long commitment for you (and possibly your children) we want to take it very seriously and be sure you are prepared.  But we also understand that certain situations may prevent you from the weekly formation classes to enter the Church.  Let us know your situation and we'll do our best to work with you to be prepared.  It will take some flexibility from you and from us - but if we can work together, we are surely willing to help.

Come on in...
stay for eternity.

Longing for something more, a personal invitation, theological study, family unity, a restless heart, or something you can't explain: whatever brought you here, the Catholic Church is ready to welcome you home.

Come and See Series

Hear from parishioners who said yes.

Three parishioners share, in just a few seconds, what brought them to the love of the Catholic Church.

Nick

Growing up with no faith, Baptism unites him with his family.

Melanie

Baptism brings peace and comfort.

Matthew

Study of Scripture and history brings Matthew to believe in the Real Presence of the Eucharist in the Catholic Church.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I learn more without a commitment?

How does someone become Catholic?

I'm already a Christian, but feel drawn to the Catholic Church.

I'm coming with no Church background and no religion.

I have studied the Catholic Church and I'm ready to join. When can I be received?

I've been married before my current relationship/marriage. How will the Church view my situation?

I'm interested in the Catholic Church but have never gone to Mass. What do I do first?

I was baptized a Catholic but never raised in the Church, or I've fallen away.

I want to become Catholic and have even tried at another parish. I just can't commit to the OCIA sessions each week.

I want to know more about becoming Catholic...

Come on in... stay for eternity.

Longing for something more, a personal invitation, theological study, family unity, a restless heart, or something you can't explain: whatever brought you here, the Catholic Church is ready to welcome you home.

Come and See Series

Hear from parishioners who said yes.

Three parishioners share, in just a few seconds, what brought them to the love of the Catholic Church.

Nick

Growing up with no faith, Baptism unites him with his family.

Melanie

Baptism brings peace and comfort.

Matthew

Study of Scripture and history brings Matthew to believe in the Real Presence of the Eucharist in the Catholic Church.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I learn more without a commitment?

How does someone become Catholic?

I'm already a Christian, but feel drawn to the Catholic Church.

I'm coming with no Church background and no religion.

I have studied the Catholic Church and I'm ready to join. When can I be received?

I've been married before my current relationship/marriage. How will the Church view my situation?

I'm interested in the Catholic Church but have never gone to Mass. What do I do first?

I was baptized a Catholic but never raised in the Church, or I've fallen away.

I want to become Catholic and have even tried at another parish. I just can't commit to the OCIA sessions each week.

I want to know more about becoming Catholic...

Come on in...
stay for eternity.