Interested in becoming Catholic?
“Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.”
Matthew 7:7
The Christian Initiation of Adults is the process through which adults become members of the Catholic Church. It involves stages of study, prayer, discussion, and reflection. This process helps participants understand Catholic beliefs, liturgy, prayer, and practices. Through Christian Initiation of Adults, individuals undergo a process of conversion, are guided to profess faith in Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of Baptism (if unbaptized), Confirmation, and the Eucharist. Everyone is welcome to explore this journey.
What is Christian Initiation of Adults?
What is the Christian Initiation Process?
Inquiry
If you have questions about Catholicism and are curious about becoming Catholic, you can start in the "Inquiry" phase. This is a time to ask questions, learn more about the Church, and explore what it means to live the Christian life in the Catholic tradition. We welcome your questions and encourage open conversation. The length of time in each phase varies, depending on when you feel ready to move forward.
Ritual: Rite of Acceptance (for unbaptized) or the Rite of Welcoming (for baptized)
Catechumenate
After the Inquiry phase, you move into the “Catechumenate” phase and are called a "catechumen" if you are unbaptized and a "candidate" if you are baptized, either in the Catholic faith or another Christian faith. During this phase, you'll focus on deeper spiritual growth and faith formation through prayer, reflection, and active participation in the parish community. You will also be assigned a sponsor—a member of the parish who will support and guide you on your journey. The Catechumenate culminates in your full reception into the Church if you are a catechumen, where you will receive the Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist—during the Easter Vigil, the night before Easter Sunday. If you are a candidate, you will come into "full communion" in the Catholic Church, usually during the Easter season, but at some other point in the year.
Ritual: Rite of Election (for unbaptized), Call to Continuing Conversion (for baptized) & the Sacraments of Initiation (for unbaptized), Profession of Faith, Confirmation, Holy Communion (for baptized)
Mystagogy
After receiving the sacraments, you move into the “Mystagogy” phase, where you continue to grow in your understanding of the faith and experience the ongoing grace of the sacraments. During this phase, you join more fully in the life of the parish community and continue to be supported by your sponsor. Mystagogy is a time of deeper reflection, celebration, and active participation in the Church, helping you strengthen your relationship with Christ and deepen your connection to the Church.
If you are baptized, you are considered a “candidate” and reception into the Catholic Church will depend on your individual readiness. Unlike the rites of initiation for the unbaptized, the Rite of Reception of Baptized Candidates is not tied to a particular liturgical season or feast, so it may be celebrated any time of the year, preferably in the context of Sunday Eucharist.
FAQs
Is the Initiation Process like taking a course?
The Christian Initiation Process is a process of faith formation, catechesis (teaching of the faith), and spiritual growth. While reading/resources may be suggested and recommended, there are no requirements like one might have when taking a formal course.
Do I need to find my own sponsor?
Catechumens and candidates in the initiation process are assigned a sponsor to guide, pray for, and support them throughout this transformative journey. At St. Francis Xavier, our evangelization team is ready to connect you with a faithful member of our parish who can serve as your sponsor. If you already know a Catholic whom you’d like to ask to be your sponsor, you're welcome to invite that person to join you in the initiation process.
How do I begin CIA?
Contact Becca Dickerson, Director of Evangelization, to begin the journey.
What if I start the Christian Initiation process but feel unsure?
It’s natural to feel unsure at times, especially when considering such a significant step as joining a faith community. If you have doubts, it’s a good idea to speak with one of our priests to explore the source of your uncertainty. If, after reflection, you feel that now isn’t the right time to continue exploring Catholicism, you’re free to step away from the process. And if you later decide you want to return, you will always be welcomed back.
What’s the history of this process?
The Christian Initiation Process, also called the Catechumenal Process has been around since the early Church and was the method to prepare unbaptized adults to be received into the Church. The Second Vatican Council brought back this process upon seeing a strong need for it in the world during the mid-20th century.
Registration for Sacraments
If you are a catechumen or candidate, please click the button below to register for Baptism/Confirmation/ Holy Communion.
Have you been asked to sponsor a catechumen or candidate in the Initiation Process?
Fill out the Sponsor Eligibility Form below
Mass Times
Mass is celebrated both at the Historic Church (25 W. High Street)
and at the Xavier Center (465 Table Rock Road).
SUNDAY | DOMINGO
7:30 am (English) Historic Church
9:00 am (Bilingual) Xavier Center | Centro Xavier**
10:30 am (English) Historic Church
12:00 pm (Español) Centro Xavier
**Hybrid & Live Stream
MONDAY - THURSDAY | DE LUNES A JUEVES
7:00 am (English) Historic Church
WEDNESDAY | MIÉRCOLES
7:00 am (English) Historic Church
6:30 pm (Español) Iglesia Histórica
FRIDAY | VIERNES
12:00 pm (English) Historic Church
Adoration following Mass until 5:00 pm
SATURDAY | SÁBADO
4:00 pm (English) Historic Church