Becoming Catholic

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Welcome and thanks for exploring the Catholic faith!

 At its heart, Christianity, and Catholicism in particular, is not a set of rules and doctrines, or even a moral system – it is an encounter. A relationship with a person – the person of Jesus. We'd love to help you grow in that relationship!

 Teenagers and adults who are exploring their relationship with Jesus and are considering becoming part of the Catholic Church are invited to be part of our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) process.

 The RCIA process begins with a period of Inquiry, when participants are simply exploring Catholicism, the basics of the Christian faith and their relationship with Jesus.  This is a time for people to ask important questions and to discover what the Church teaches in a comfortable, non-judgmental setting. 

After the time of Inquiry, those who wish to continue their walk with the Lord as a Catholic enter a period of special instruction.  They are joined by a sponsor, another adult who is an active Catholic who acts as a mentor, sounding board, and guide. This part of the process includes attending Mass and weekly classes with others who have elected to continue.

 For many people, especially those grew up Catholic and drifted away, or who have been active in another Christian faith tradition, the entire RCIA process may take a few months.  For some people, especially those for whom Christianity is a brand new adventure, the entire process may take a year or more.  It really depends on the person and their individual circumstance.  Don’t worry – we understand that this is an important decision, and we’ll be with you to help you discern what works best for you.

 Normally, adults are fully initiated into the Church at Easter Vigil (the evening before Easter).  Those who have never been Baptized receive the Sacrament of Baptism as well as Holy Communion and Confirmation.  Those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition receive the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation. 

 

If you’re ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime, please contact Joe Ollier at jollier@ascensionkettering.org or 253-5171 x112.  He’ll be more than happy to answer your questions and help you every step of the way.  You can also check out our RCIA page here: RCIA

 

“Are we not perhaps all afraid in some way? If we let Christ enter fully into our lives, if we open ourselves totally to him, are we not afraid that He might take something away from us? Are we not perhaps afraid to give up something significant, something unique, something that makes life so beautiful? Do we not then risk ending up diminished and deprived of our freedom? . . . No! If we let Christ into our lives, we lose nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful and great. No! Only in this friendship are the doors of life opened wide. Only in this friendship is the great potential of human existence truly revealed. Only in this friendship do we experience beauty and liberation. And so, today, with great strength and great conviction, on the basis of long personal experience of life, I say to you, dear young people: Do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing away, and he gives you everything. When we give ourselves to him, we receive a hundredfold in return. Yes, open, open wide the doors to Christ – and you will find true life. Amen.” – Pope Benedict XVI

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