If you’ve never been baptized and are interested in becoming Catholic, the usual starting point is the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).

OCIA is not a class you sign up for and finish. It’s a guided process that helps you explore faith, ask honest questions, and decide – at your own pace – whether becoming Catholic is right for you.

You’ll meet regularly with others who are also exploring faith and with parish leaders who listen, support you, and help discern next steps. For those who continue, this process may lead to Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion.

Your local parish is the best place to begin.

Find your local parish here or contact our team to talk through next steps.

If you were baptized using water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, your baptism is recognized by the Catholic Church.

Your path forward usually is the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), which includes a profession of faith, Confirmation, and receiving the Eucharist.

What this looks like depends on your background and experience. When you contact a parish or our team, you’ll be invited to share your story: where you’ve been, what you’ve believed, and what’s bringing you here now. That helps determine the best next steps.

Find your local parish here or contact our team to talk through next steps.

If you were baptized Catholic, you are Catholic, even if you didn’t grow up practicing the faith. Many people are in this situation. You may not have received First Communion or Confirmation. You may not have attended Mass regularly or had formal faith formation. That’s more common than you might think.

The Church’s goal is not to “catch you up” quickly or make assumptions about your past. Instead, a parish will start by listening to your experience and helping you prepare for the sacraments in a way that fits your life now.

Find your local parish here or contact our team to talk through next steps.

You don’t need to decide that first. Reach out anyway. A real person will help you sort out what applies to you and what the next step might be.

Find your local parish here or contact our team to talk through next steps.