Becoming Catholic
Introduction:
Becoming Catholic is one of life’s most profound and joyous experiences. Some are blessed to receive this great gift while they are infants. Others enter the Catholic fold when they are older children or adults. For those validly Baptized, they may become Catholic by making a profession of the Catholic faith and being formally received into the Church. Confirmation and Eucharist usually follow immediately.
Preparation:
Preparation for reception into the Church begins with inquiry stage where learning about the Catholic Church begins. This process lasts several months usually. Next is the stage called Catechumenate in which the learner is exposed to theology of the Catholic Church as well as prayer and retreat experience.
A parish sponsor joins the candidate usually during this time. A sponsor accompanies the candidate and assists in answering questions and helping to explore this new faith. A sponsor for the parish RCIA process must be of the same gender as the candidate, must be a member of St. Stephen, Martyr parish, must be fully initiated (Baptized, Eucharist, and Confirmed) must be a Catholic in good standing and may not be the candidate's parent or spouse.
The period of Enlightenment is the third stage the candidate enters. During this time they are asked to look inward to discern God’s will for them. Over the last several months to a year, the candidate has also been learning about ministry in the parish, getting acquainted with the parishioners and beginning to feel more a part of the life of the parish.
Initiation:
Initiation for the unbaptized usually is during the Easter Vigil Mass the Saturday before Easter Sunday. During this celebration, the candidate will be Baptized, receive Confirmation and Eucharist. Those that have already been Baptized, may be received at this time or another time during the liturgical year.
For complete information or questions regarding becoming Catholic, contact Deacon Keith Forunier, Director of Adult Faith Formation at 757.421.7416.