How do I become Catholic?

Contact the Parish Office and inform them of your desire to convert. There are group classes, called RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults), for all people wishing to convert within a period, giving you a spiritual, religious, and social framework for discerning where God is leading you, and in the experience of a welcoming community of believers.

You will be asked to talk to a priest or deacon, or perhaps to a layperson who is experienced in the conversion process, class times, sponsorship, and expectations. You will be asked why you wish to become Catholic and in general, talk to you to be sure you are sincere in your desire and are aware of the time commitment of becoming Catholic. 7

We hope you will continue with our program and in the fall of the year start taking Catholic education classes, also known as RCIA or Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. You will learn the history of the Church, the beliefs and values of the Catholic Church, and the proper order of celebration of Mass. During this stage, you will be attending Mass for only part of the time, leaving before communion, as you may not receive Eucharist until you have entered the Church. There are also individual meetings with the priest over the 8 months preparation to see if there are questions. Consideration is given to those who may have difficulties with the days/times of the classes for serious reasons, and other forms of education and faith formation may be offered.

During the class times and discernment process we will journey with you to help answer questions, provide spiritual direction, and help bring you into the Roman Catholic Church through the gift of the Sacraments. For those who have not yet been baptized before or not in the same formula recognized-“In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit..”, you will receive all three Sacraments at the Easter Vigil: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion. For those previously baptized you will receive Confirmation and First Communion (unless already having received First Communion). All these “Sacraments of Initiation” will take place in the joy of the Easter Vigil, the special Mass held the evening before Easter Sunday (your first reconciliation will be held sometime before).

RCIA classes are available in both English and Spanish. Any questions or comments or special considerations, please call our Parish Office at 707-226-9379 extension 10 and ask to speak with a priest or Religious Education Formation coordinator.

Blessings on your journey in Christ,

Fr Ismael Mora, Pastor/Señor Cura