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A Journey of Faith: Becoming Catholic
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Have you been to Masses at our parishes but never officially took the step to become Catholic?
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Have you been away from the church…and have now returned, but want to know more?
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Have you been Catholic all your life, but never celebrated all of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist)?
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Have you joined us from a different background and would now like to find out more about the Catholic Church?
- Have you thought God is leading you in this direction and want to find out more?
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Quick Questions
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To be Catholic means to be pursuing a life fully alive in Christ. This means pursuing Jesus in personal prayer and especially in the sacraments, building community in the Church, placing your whole life at the disposal of Jesus, and striving to live a life of holiness, as laid out for us by Jesus in the Scriptures and Holy Tradition.
The life of a Catholic Christian is a radical life, but it is also the most joy-filled, amazing life you could possibly live!
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Becoming Catholic is a process that involves building your own personal relationship with Jesus, investing in the Church community, receiving the knowledge of Christ and His Church, and going through several different 'rites' to become 'fully initiated'.
RCIA (stands for Rite of Christian Initiation) is the official name for the process of becoming Catholic. This involves teachings, classes, meetings with a sponsor, rites within Mass, and finally, receiving your sacraments in the Church. For those who have already been baptized in another Christian denomination, at the end of your journey (really, just the beginning of a new journey!) you will receive your first Holy Communion and Confirmation. If you have never been baptized, you will go through the same process, but you will also be received into the Church first through baptism.
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A sponsor is a fully initiated Catholic who will walk with someone who is becoming Catholic. They will guide you, be your sounding board, and help you find answers to your questions. Ideally, your sponsor is someone you admire for their faith, hope, and love - and someone who challenges you to grow in faith, hope, and love too.
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RCIA is also for you! Please email Deacon Phil Dinovo to discuss your specific next steps for becoming fully initiated as a Catholic.
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The ProcessRCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the official process for adults who wish to explore joining the Catholic Church. Below is a brief overview of the general process:
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Period of InquiryAt this stage of the process, you will be able to ask questions, seek clarification, and learn more about our faith. There is no obligation to proceed beyond this point, and everyone is free to choose whether or not they want to continue. This is when the Church is able to gather more information about your particular situation. For example, they will determine if you have already been Baptized and if there are any obstacles that will need to be overcome before you are able to enter the Church. Once the information is gathered and a plan is set for any obstacles, if you desire, then you will move on to the period of the catechumenate.
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CatechumenateAt this stage, you will be known as a "Catechumen" - an unbaptized person preparing to enter the Church - or a "Candidate" - someone who is already Baptized, but will be entering into the fullness of the Church. At this point, the process becomes more structured as you will enter into a deeper reflection of the Catholic faith through attending classes that will guide you through the teachings of the Church. Typically this will begin in the Fall and end with Easter.
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Full CommunionAt the Easter Vigil Mass, you will enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. This Mass is the epitome of the entire liturgical year and it is the most beautiful Mass of the year! It is centered around the most fundamental aspects of our Faith - the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. At this Mass, if you have not been Baptized, you will be baptized, washing away the stain of Original Sin and conforming you to Christ. All Catechumens and Candidates will be Confirmed, sealed with the Holy Spirit. Finally, you will receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Now we rejoice together! As you will be a full member of the Catholic Church, one of our newest parishioners, and able to fully participate in the life of our Church.
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FORMED is a free resource to learn more on your own!
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What is FORMED?FORMED provides the very best Catholic content from more than 60 organizations to help parishes, families and individuals explore their faith anywhere. Supporting thousands of movies, children’s programs, ebooks, audio, parish programs and studies direct to your browser, mobile or connected device.
Thanks to our parishes and the Diocese of Toledo, FORMED is a FREE resource available to you. Here's how to sign-up:
1. Go to www.formed.org and click on Sign Up
2. Search for The Catholic Parishes of Sandusky
3. Enter your email - no passwords are required! Simply confirm your email next time you sign in and you will have access to thousands of movies, talks, and more.
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