Becoming Catholic

Are you interested in becoming Catholic or learning more about the Catholic Faith? 

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming Catholic, there will be an informational meeting between the Masses on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at 9:30 am in the Church Lounge. Please contact the Religious Education Office at dschoof@hsparish.org to let us know if you are planning to attend!

If you are unable to make this meeting, contact Diane Schoof at the email listed in the previous paragraph to arrange another time to meet.

This process is a series of phases and rites designed to assist individuals on their journey of conversion to God through the Catholic faith. These phases of formation serve distinct purposes and have rites that are celebrated as individuals make a personal choice to continue to the next phase. Continuing to the next stage of the process is always a personal choice made by the individual. Contact the Religious Education Office to enroll in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) process.

Period of Evangelization and Pre-catechumenate – This period begins during the summer with a parish sponsor being assigned to help you start living a Christian life of worship, prayer, scripture, and service. Also known as “Inquiry,” this is the initial phase when an individual has a desire to explore the Catholic Church as a means toward continued conversion.  When the person is ready to move on to the formal classes to learn more about the Catholic Church, they will partake in the Rite of Acceptance in the fall.

Period of the Catechumenate – This is the period that nurtures the continued conversion through the exploration of scripture and Catholic beliefs. If the individual chooses to continue, the Rite of Election or Enrollment is celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent. Here the Church ratifies the catechumens’ readiness for the Sacraments of Initiation and the catechumens express their desire for them.

Period of Purification and Enlightenment – This is the period right before their initiation. It is a time of reflection focused on conversion and marked by the celebration of the Scrutinies and the presentation of the Lord’s Prayer and the Creed. The reception of the Sacraments of Initiation on the Easter Vigil marks the end of this period.

Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy– This is a time for the neophytes to delve into the life of the parish and continue their formation as fully initiated members of the Church.


Interested in becoming part of the RCIA Ministry either as a member of the team or a sponsor?

The members of the team break open the scriptures and teach the weekly lessons while facilitating discussions each week. The sponsors attend the weekly sessions with the catechumen and support them through the rites. They are available to answer questions and involve the catechumen in service activities. For more information contact the Religious Education Office by email or phone at (616) 453-1591.