Why become Catholic?
Everyone has a different story on how they became a Catholic. Some were born into a Catholic family. Others may have talked to a friend who was Catholic. They may have visited a Catholic Church or a Cathedral, contacted a Catholic charity, attended a Catholic school, or came across Catholic resources at a library, or online, which inspired them to learn more about the Catholic faith. Whichever path they started on, there was a point at which they experienced a strong call to persevere in this direction, possibly leading to an intense desire for conversion.
What is Conversion?
Conversion is a lifelong process of turning away from evil with the intention to follow goodness and virtue. In the Catholic Church, conversion entails a transformative experience, a change of heart because of God’s grace. It includes encountering Jesus and responding to His invitation to develop a relationship with Him for the purpose of being united with Him in service and mission. Ongoing formation, learning, and understanding about the Catholic faith and being in contact with Catholic communities to apprehend how to live this faith is an integral part of this process.
Exploring the Faith
Everyone is welcome to attend a Catholic Mass and to contact a Catholic community. If they are interested in exploring further how to become a Catholic, they can start by visiting a parish community and listening to the Word of God. The Parish members can provide information on what steps need to be followed until one can fully participate by receiving the Sacraments in the life of the Catholic community. From the Sacraments of Baptism to Confirmation and beyond, the intensification of one’s spiritual desire may be answered through a conscientious seeking of truth, beauty and goodness. In response, the Catholic Church is ready to share its resources and treasures.
Structure of the Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, with the Bishop of Rome, called the Pope, as its head, is organized in different dioceses around the world. Each diocese is overseen by a Bishop. Each diocese is divided into parishes, within which one can encounter Catholic communities. Each Catholic Church belongs to a Parish. A Parish is under the direction of a Parish Priest, in community with the Bishop and the Pope. Members of a parish are called the parishioners. Parishioners gather for Sunday Mass and other events. This is the center of Catholic life and worship. Parish groups are formed according to need and desire to be of service either to the Parish and its activities as well as the wider community.
What are Religious Orders?
In the Catholic tradition, there are also religious orders and organizations that can have global, or local presence. The orders have their unique spirituality, culture, and mission within the Catholic faith. A few examples of religious orders are: Franciscans, Benedictines, Carmelites, Jesuits, Dominicans, Augustinians, and many others. These orders may have different sections for women and for men. When considering becoming a Catholic, one can approach any of the locally operating orders and associations for assistance. An important consideration is to ensure that the religious community is in communion with the Bishop of Rome, the Pope.
Catholic Initiation
While contemplating becoming a Catholic, it is useful to become familiar with some of the prayers and rituals of the Catholic Church. Not only can prayer help to discern entering the Catholic community but can also give the necessary confidence in taking the next step of approaching a Catholic community and having an in-person encounter. The formal process to become a member of the Catholic Church is called the Ritual of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). An example of what this program entails is offered by the Archdiocese of Toronto. Any Catholic Diocese, such as the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall, can offer information and guidance for those seeking to become a Catholic, either through a parish of the same diocese, or through any Catholic parish and diocese around the globe.