Q’s from the Pews: How does one become Catholic?

Full communion in the Catholic Church requires the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion. Someone who has received these three sacraments is Catholic. Most commonly, someone is baptized in the Catholic Rite at birth or soon after, and progresses through Confirmation and Holy Communion under the routine guidance of the Church (Catholic Religious Education – School or CYE).

Vatican II teaches that any baptized person is a part of the Mystical Body of Christ and in some manner, though separated, a member of the Catholic Church. These “separated brethren” are Christians of other faith traditions who have not accepted the fullness of the Church of Christ – the Catholic faith. When one does accept the Catholic faith, he/she comes into full communion with the Church.

Non- Catholic baptized Christians go through a variable period of instruction – a journey of heart and mind. They receive Confirmation and First Holy Communion when they are ready. Those over the age of seven who are not baptized are catechumens, and in need of full instruction. They undergo a period of catechesis lasting no less than one year, coming into the Church at the Easter Vigil. Please pray for those individuals journeying to Full Communion.