We’re so happy you’re considering becoming a Catholic Christian!

The reasons for beginning this journey are as diverse as the individuals who undertake it, but we are ready to walk with you as you discern if God is indeed calling you to full, active Christian life in the Catholic Church.

At St. John Neumann, we have two distinct ministries that assist a person undertaking the journey toward becoming a Catholic Christian: the RCIA and the Short Course. 

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (or RCIA) Process is the normative process by which non-Catholic individuals enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ and are welcomed into the life of the Catholic Church. The Process consists of a series of stages of preparation, discernment, and accompanying steps (called “Rites”) that take place over a period ranging from a few months to a few years, depending on the individual’s spiritual journey toward Jesus Christ. Properly engaged, this process leads individuals toward a profound personal relationship with Jesus Christ through spiritual, intellectual, moral, and community formation. The RCIA Process is ideal for anyone who has never been baptized, as well as for those baptized Christians (of other Christian denominations) who seek to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church, but who may need a bit of a practical review on what it means to be a Christian. At St. John Neumann, the RCIA Process begins in early September and runs through early May, and the process culminates in the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist) after a public Profession of Faith, all of which takes place in St. John Neumann Church during the Easter season.

For those individuals who desire to enter the Catholic Christian Church and have been well-rooted in the Christian faith within another Christian denomination, we offer the Short Course Process. The Short Course serves as a condensed process (one semester in length) of Sacramental Preparation for those baptized individuals with a good amount of previous experience studying and living the Christian faith. It focuses on what it means to believe, live, celebrate and pray specifically as a Catholic Christian. The Short Course process culminates in the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Confirmation and Holy Eucharist) after a public Profession of Faith, which takes place in St. John Neumann Church.

If you would like more information on how to become a Catholic Christian, please email Clare Fissora at clare.frissora@sjnparish.org or call (610) 525-3100.