Becoming a Catholic - Frequently asked questions
Am I allowed to go to a mass or service in a Catholic Church even though I am not a Catholic?
You would be most welcome in any Catholic Church. In many churches you will find a simple Mass book. Feel free to use one of these. This will help you to follow the order of the Mass. Join in the hymns and the prayers you are familiar with, and if you would like to receive a blessing then go to the front when the congregation goes to Communion. Place your right arm across your chest and the priest will know that you have come for a blessing.
How long does it take to become a Catholic?
This will very much depend on the individual. You will not be rushed to make this important decision .
Most parishes run an RCIA course ( Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).
Before becoming a Catholic you will be expected to follow this course and it usually runs over several month.
I'm frightened of going to mass as I don’t know when to kneel or to stand and I don’t know any of the prayers; will people stare at me?
If you are a visitor or somebody who has not been to Mass for a long time it can be quite hard to come and join in the Mass. Feel assured however, that you are very welcome.
Join in the hymns and any prayer you know.
If at first you sit towards the back of the church you will easily be able to see when the congregation sits, stands or kneels. Stand or sit when everybody stands or sits. Sit or kneel when the congregation kneels.
If you know anybody in the parish, tell them , that you would like to go to Mass and they will most likely ask you to sit next to them.
What do I have to undertake to become a Catholic? Will I have to make any commitment?
Once you have embarked on the RCIA course there will come a point when, if you want to take your journey into the Catholic Church a step further, you will be asked to make a commitment. It will be entirely up to you to decide to move forward, you will not be rushed to make the commitment and you will be given every opportunity to ask questions and receive answers before you take the step.
When and if you become a full member of the Catholic Church (ie you are baptised or received in) you undertake to make a commitment to accept the beliefs, teachings and authority of the Catholic Church, and to try to live your life in accordance with them, for example to go to mass each Sunday and live according to the commandments.
My local Catholic Church does not have an RCIA (journey in faith) course. How can I become a Catholic?
Look at the diocesan website, where you will find an overview of where RCIA course are due to run. It is more and more common for groups of parishes to pool their resources and run the course jointly, so you may find an RCIA course at a neighbouring Catholic church.
Alternatively just contact a priest at your local Parish Church. (Locate your nearest church on Map)He will gladly help you.
I would like to find out more about the Catholic Church before I decide whether to become a Catholic, or go on an RCIA course; what do I do?
Lot of books have been written about the Catholic Faith. The written material ranges from simple outlines to very complex theological information. The Catholic Truth Society has a number of publications which you might find useful. The web will also have a wealth of information which you can look through. If you have any Catholic friends then try to talk to them and try to find out what being a Catholic means to them. You can also contact your local Catholic church , attend Mass and perhaps make an appointment to talk to the priest.
Lots of people attend an RCIA course just to find out more about the Catholic Church - it does not mean they have to become Catholics.
I would like to talk to somebody about becoming a Catholic; where can I do this?
Why not attend Mass at your local Catholic Church – this will give you an impression about what the Catholic Church has to offer you. Next contact a Catholic priest in your area. You will be most welcome. The priest will be more than happy to answer any question you might have. He can also give you advice about RCIA courses ( Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
I'm looking for some form of spirituality and contact with God- but am not sure whether the Catholic Church is for me - how can I 'test the water' before any commitment?
To find out what will fulfil your spiritual needs can take quite some time. Start off by praying about this. Attend different Catholic churches, read Catholic literature from a variety of sources.
If you have any Catholic friends try to talk to them and find out how they feel about their faith.
Should you want to, you can discuss your feelings with a priest, and remember that this is done in strictest confidence and you will be under no obligation to take the matter further should you not wish to do so.
The RCIA or Journey in Faith course at my church does not start for months yet, what can I do NOW?
Once you have decided to attend the RCIA course you will be keen to get started on your journey in faith. To have to wait for a little while, before you start the course, will give you time to read up on what the course will be about. So attend Mass and find out as much you can about the Roman Catholic Faith. Write down all the questions you have about becoming a Catholic. You will not be wasting your time because you have to wait – you will be all the more ready to start the course.
I have had an experience in my life, that I believe is from God, calling me to be a Catholic.
What should I do?
Pray about this. Read scripture and if you still feel strongly about your experience contact a Catholic priest. Discussing your experience with somebody in the church will not put you under any obligation whatsoever. You will find that there will be many people who will be more than happy to help you discern how you can develop your spirituality.
I'm scared of being the centre of attention at services like the Easter Vigil and other rites - What can I do?
It can be daunting to be the centre of attention but feel assured that the community , who has helped to prepare you to be baptised or received into full Communion with the Catholic Church, will be there to help and support you.
Pray about your fears and talk to members of the RCIA group about your feelings. Do not forget that it is natural to feel quite anxious. You are taking a very big step.
How can I find out more online about the Catholic Church?
The internet has a lot of excellent sites where you can find out about the Catholic Church, for instance:
www.life4seekers.co.uk presents Catholic life and beliefs in a way that connects with modern culture.
Bread on the Waters A Catholic site with questions and answers about the Catholic Church, including the chance to have your own questions answered
More can be found in our links section
The Diocese in your area will most likely also have a Website with a section on “Finding Out about the Roman Catholic Faith!”
These sites have a wealth of very good information and will direst you to literature, podcasts and much more.
I am a Catholic. I know someone who I think might like to become a Catholic - what shall I do?
Make a point of talking to your friend. Tell him/her about your local church and how you feel about going to church and belonging to a Catholic congregation. Be prepared to answer any questions he/she might have. If you can’t answer a certain question – tell your friend that you will find the answer from somebody else.
Invite your friend to join you at mass and talk to him/her afterwards in case he/she has any questions.
Supporting somebody who is seeking information about our faith is of immense value.