Begin with a conversation
Contact a Catholic parish and ask about exploring the faith. You might say, “I would like to learn about becoming Catholic. Who could I talk with?” You do not need to settle every question before asking.
Write down what has drawn you toward the Church and what you find difficult. Bring those questions to the conversation. It is reasonable to ask how meetings work, who leads them and how you can participate around family or work commitments.
Understand the name OCIA
In the United States, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, often called OCIA, accompanies people preparing for Christian initiation. You may still encounter the older abbreviation RCIA. Ask the parish which group or process fits your circumstances.
Preparation includes learning, prayer and participation in the life of the Church. It is a journey of faith with a community, rather than simply a course to finish by a fixed deadline.
Share your sacramental history
Tell the parish whether you have been baptized and in which Christian community. Already-baptized Christians and those preparing for Baptism have different circumstances; Catholics who have not completed initiation also need appropriate guidance.
If you have records, ask whether they would be helpful. Be open about questions concerning marriage or previous religious practice so the parish can guide you personally rather than assuming a single path fits everyone.
Take a patient next step
Attend Mass, begin reading a Gospel and make room for a short daily prayer. You may remain in your place during Communion while learning about Catholic faith and sacramental preparation.
Ask how to keep learning between meetings and whom to contact with questions. A good next step is concrete and manageable: one conversation, one visit, one thoughtful question.
One small step
Write three questions, then ask a local parish about its adult initiation process.
Our family of sites
Continue with Life of the Saints
More ways to pray, learn and share the faith on our companion site.
- Find a Confirmation saint — Explore saints whose lives can inspire a new chapter of faith.
- Meet today’s saint — Spend a few minutes with a saint’s life and an invitation to prayer.
Sources & further reading
Church sources for the teaching summarized in this guide.
USCCB: Christian Initiation of Adults ↗ (opens in a new tab)