BECOMING CATHOLIC

BECOMING A CATHOLIC IS A JOYOUS EXPERIENCE! SOME RECEIVE THIS GIFT WHILE THEY ARE INFANTS, WHILE OTHERS COME INTO THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY LATER IN LIFE. 

If you are an individual who has not yet been baptized, or if you have been baptized but have not received Eucharist or Confirmation, and you are looking to deepen your faith, we're so glad you're here!

We invite you to learn more about the process through which we welcome or reconnect you with the Catholic Church. The journey is guided by members of our parish community, but is ultimately a personal journey in which you will grow in your identity as a Catholic. 

To learn more about how St. Monica & St. Eugene can be part of your faith journey, please contact Deacon Michael Courchaine at mcourchaine@stme.church.

WHERE TO START

  • One of the best ways is to speak to one of our parish priests or staff who are happy to listen and help you determine your next step. Please remember that Sunday is a very busy time.  Make an appointment with a priest so that he can focus on you!

  • Attend Mass.  Our family of faith is warm and welcoming – and the Mass is the source & summit of our faith!

  • Pray. Ask God to guide you in your journey.

  • Read Scripture. Consider signing up for a daily reflection.

  • Explore the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the official summary of our faith.  

  • Explore a variety of resources available to answer questions or that share the stories of other’s faith experiences. 

The journey to becoming Catholic is one of invitation and initiation. Throughout the journey, you are encouraged to prayerfully discern if God is calling you to continue. The process is called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). In RCIA, you will learn about the teachings of Jesus as the Catholic Church has handed them on and also have the opportunity to participate in the life of the parish through service and prayer.

What is Initiation?

If you have not been baptized, Christian initiation prepares you to become a Catholic Christian through the sacraments of baptism, Holy Communion and confirmation.

If you have been baptized in another Christian church, initiation prepares you to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church be celebrating the sacraments of Holy Communion and confirmation

If you have not been baptized, Christian initiation prepares you to become a Catholic Christian through the sacraments of baptism, Holy Communion and confirmation.

How long is the process?

RCIA preparation usually lasts for several months up to a year, depending on the readiness of those entering the Church. RCIA candidates for all three sacraments of initiation will typically celebrate the sacraments during the Easter Vigil liturgy on Holy Saturday.

What if it is not for me?

Seeking information about the Catholic faith will not commit or oblige you to become Catholic. It is not a process of indoctrination. We encourage you to learn about the faith and about Jesus Christ at your own pace, so that you can freely make your own choice. While we love the Catholic faith and hope that you will also come to love it our desire is for you to experience the love of Christ. We are here to serve you and look forward to getting to know you and to discover what God has planned for you!

Catholics Returning Home

If you are an inactive Catholic, one that has celebrated all the sacraments of initiation, and would like to return to active participation in a parish, or have questions about the Catholic faith that are keeping you from active participation, please speak with one of our priests or pastoral team members. You can also find wonderful information at Catholics Come Home.

WHAT DO OTHER RCIA PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE?

“I’m excited to be officially joining the church, committing to the Catholic faith, and joining my wife and children in receiving the sacraments. While I’ve been a part of Catholic parishes and school communities for several years, this process has given me a deeper understanding and appreciation for the history, the doctrines, and what it means to be Catholic, and challenged me to look for deeper purpose in all that I do. I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time, and appreciate the support of all those around me.

— James M.

“After attending Mass with my fiance for a few years, I started to really appreciate everything about the Church (i.e. the history, the Eucharist, the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, etc). I’ve really enjoyed listening to the homilies and later discussing the meanings behind them with my fiance. We discussed that we wanted to raise our future family Catholic as well, which motivated and inspired me as well to enter the Church.

— Andy K.

“The draw of Church traditions, Holy Communion and infallible teachings were the things that first caught my attention. By the grace of God I was able to really connect with those things and continue with this journey. I’m most excited
to participate in communion and confession.

— Alaina M.

“My reconciliation with God began when my wife and I decided to get married in the Catholic Church. As I child, I had been raised in the United Methodist Church, but like many others, as I entered high school and then college, I grew apart from God and stayed there for many years. It wasn’t until I began to meet with Father Andrew in preparation for marriage, that I really began to reconsider my relationship with God. Having now almost completed the RCIA program,
I feel that I have revitalized my relationship with God, and am excited to learn more about the teachings of Christ. I am looking forward to continue my journey with God, through the Catholic Church, where I can grow with my family in our love of God.

— Jamie N.