Joining the Catholic Church
Welcome to a journey of faith, joining the church that Christ Himself started over two millennia ago. The Catholic Church offers a rich spiritual heritage and a profound community of faith that extends worldwide. Here, you’ll find guidance, fellowship, and a pathway to deeper relationship with God.
Why Join the Catholic Church?
Becoming a part of the Catholic Church means joining a community that values tradition, unity, and sacramental grace. Here, you can find moral and spiritual support, participate in centuries-old traditions, and engage in a lifestyle that fosters spiritual growth and development, leading towards eternal life and salvation.
Your First Steps
Interested in exploring what it means to be Catholic? The first step is simple: come to Mass. Experience the beauty of the liturgy, meet our priest and parish community, and see firsthand the love and welcome we share. It’s a perfect opportunity to ask questions and feel the presence of the community.
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)
For those who decide to take the next step, OCIA is your pathway. Every Sunday, this program will educate you in the Catholic Faith until the Easter Vigil, where Baptism and Confirmation occurs. OCIA is designed to educate and form individuals who are considering entering the Church. Through OCIA, participants explore the teachings of the Church, experience the Christian way of life, and prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation.
For those considering conversion to the faith, the initial step is attending class after Mass. Throughout the OCIA process, you'll be guided through specific requirements and steps, all thoroughly explained during the classes. Here's what you can anticipate:
- Mass Attendance: It's encouraged to attend Mass regularly, especially for specific masses where your presence is necessary for certain rites. If scheduling conflicts arise, please promptly notify your OCIA leaders.
- Information and Documentation: To officially join the Church, you'll need to provide documentation to confirm your identity. This includes registering with the parish and submitting documents such as your driver's license, birth certificate, and, if applicable, a civil marriage certificate. Additionally, any existing church documentation, like a baptismal certificate (if previously baptized but not confirmed), will also be required.
- If you have a sponsor or godparent, we will also need documentation from them to confirm their membership in the church.
- Trip to the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City: Towards the conclusion of the OCIA process, participants take part in the "Rite of Election." This ceremony, presided over by the Bishop at the Cathedral, officially accepts individuals as candidates for baptism at the Easter Vigil.
Sacraments of Initiation
During the Easter Vigil, participants in the OCIA receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism (if they have not already been baptized), Confirmation, and First Communion. These sacraments are foundational to becoming a full member of the Catholic Church, each imparting special graces to deepen your faith and commitment.
Special Considerations for Married Individuals
Joining the Catholic Church offers married couples a unique and profound privilege: the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony. This sacred union is not just a ceremonial commitment but a covenant blessed by God, gracing your marriage with divine love and guidance. To prepare for this blessed sacrament, couples not yet married in the Church will participate in a marriage preparation class. This essential step not only enriches your relationship but aligns your union with the rich teachings and traditions of the Church, ensuring a harmonious and spiritually fulfilling life together.
Strengthening Your Faith and Preparing for the Sacraments
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
As you journey towards becoming a full member of the Catholic Church, personal education plays a critical role in deepening your understanding and commitment to your faith. This process involves several key activities that enrich your spiritual life and prepare you for the sacraments:
- Learning the Prayers: Familiarize yourself with the essential prayers of the Catholic faith, such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Creed. These prayers form the foundation of Catholic worship and personal devotion.
- Understanding Church History: Gain insights into the rich history of the Catholic Church, from its foundation by Christ and the apostles, through the ages of development and reform, to its role in the world today. This knowledge will help you appreciate the depth and breadth of the Church’s mission and its enduring presence.
- Reading the Bible: The Bible is central to Catholic life and teaching. Regular reading and reflection on the Scriptures not only provide spiritual nourishment but also enhance your understanding of how God’s word applies to everyday life.
- Preparing for Baptism: For those not yet baptized, preparation for this first Sacrament of Initiation is crucial. Baptism cleanses you of sin and begins your new life in Christ. Understanding its significance is essential for a meaningful experience of the sacrament.
Through these educational commitments, you will grow in knowledge and faith, preparing you not just for initiation into the Church, but for a lifelong journey of spiritual growth and discipleship.