Becoming Catholic
“Catholic” sometimes means a check mark in a box on a form or maybe even one’s name on a Catholic parish’s register, something done once and for all, with proper ceremony. But “becoming a Catholic” is much more what Catholicism is about.
What does it mean to both “be” and “become” a Catholic Christian?
It means to be baptized – redeemed and given new life at a very fundamental level through God’s creative love, Christ’s death and resurrection, and the Spirit’s power and guidance. It means to be able to say that we believe in what we say in the Creed. “Catholic” is more than a tick in a box on a hospital admittance form, more than what we are. It is what we are becoming through God’s grace.
You will have a lot of companions on the journey. We all are God’s People. We are, all of us who call ourselves “Catholic” extremely varied. And God loves every one of us. And every day we are changing, growing in our understanding, wisdom, compassion, service. God isn’t finished with us yet.
More information:
- Whether not yet baptized, or baptized in another Christian denomination, the program to enable those who feel called to become a Catholic to explore and understand the Catholic faith with others is called the RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).
- For more information, contact the pastor of your nearest Catholic parish or mission.
(John 15:12)
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.
Amen
(Apostles Creed: early statement affirmed by Baptismal Candidates)