How to Become Catholic

In the Catholic Church, babies are baptized shortly after birth. The only requirement is that their parents belong to the church. Adults choose to become Catholic because they feel a calling to the religion or they are marrying a Catholic and they convert to get married by a Catholic priest. Perhaps they want to raise a family in the Catholic faith or just want to be unified as a couple

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Prepare to become a Catholic by studying the Church's doctrines. The study should be in a formal church setting following a set catechism. The length of study depends on the knowledge that the initiate already possesses, but the typical length of study is about a year. Christians who have been baptized in another domination can convert to Catholicism faster than those who have had no formal religious training.

2. Spend time reflecting about your decision during the time of study. After an in-depth period of training in Catholic doctrine, you should be able to profess a deep belief in the teachings you've learned and express a willingness to continue.

3. Receive the sacrament of initiation after you have expressed your desire and commitment. Your name will be written in a book and you will be asked to express your desire to become a Catholic once again. Another period of reflection follows this rite of passage.

4. Candidates who are ready to convert take part in a special mass, often on Easter Sunday. There they will be baptized, make a confirmation and receive the Eucharist. Often a bishop will say this mass, but it can be done by a parish priest a well. You are then accepted as a Catholic at that service.