Becoming Catholic
Becoming Catholic may not look the same for everyone. While many people are welcomed into the Catholic Church with their baptism as a newborn baby, every year, hundreds of Australian young people and adults choose to become a part of the Catholic Church. Perhaps you have learned about the Catholic faith through a friend or family member, or have been drawn to become part of a parish community in another way. Wherever you are in your journey, we welcome you to speak to our parish priests about opportunities to explore your interest in Catholicism.
Catholics undergo three rites of initiation as they become a part of the Church. These rites are the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. After these rites, a person is in full communion with God.
The Catholic Church recognises one baptism. If you have been baptised in any Christian denomination, you do not need to be re-baptised to become a Catholic, as you have already taken the first step towards God. Although many baptisms happen when a person is an infant, there is no age restriction on who can be baptised and any person is welcomed to seek relationship with God. Building a relationship with God is similar to that of building a loving and respectful relationship with another person. It takes time to know God, to see yourself within that relationship and to strengthen and build your connection. It is a commitment to faith in Jesus Christ, which can always be improved upon and is progressive and cumulative.
Steps to becoming Catholic
The process of Christian Initiation is intended to bring a deeper understanding of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. There are several ways to enter into the Catholic Church depending on age:
Rite of Christian Initiation for Children – RCIC
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Children is the process for children, 7 to 8 years, and wish to enter the Catholic Church. This process allows children to better understand what it means to know and love God. Through a series of parish-based activities, they will also learn about what it means to be Catholic, how to develop their relationship with God, and to identify themselves as children of God.
Crossroads
Crossroads adapts the principles of RCIA in a way that is age-appropriate for young people across two age groups: 9 to 12 years and 13 to 16 years.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults – RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a journey of faith which passes through a number of different phases and focuses on conversion of heart and mind to Christ. It is a gradual and personal journey tailored to the needs of the individual seeking full Communion with God.
Overview
The Church strives to make the journey to becoming a Catholic as straightforward and informative as possible. If you are interested or curious, please contact the Parish office so that the community can share their faith with you and pray for you. You are also welcome to begin attending Mass and getting to know your parish community.
Sacramental Enquiry Form
Please feel free to complete the following to contact the St Benedict's Parish for further information in regard to any of our Sacramental Programs. We will be only to happy to send you some information about upcoming Sacramental dates and schedules, to assist with your enquiry.