How to Convert From Protestantism to Catholicism

Converting to Catholicism takes about a year.

Changing religions is a serious decision that requires a lot of thought. There is a class that must be undertaken in order to convert from a Protestant religion to Catholicism. It takes a year to learn all of the catechism that comes along with the new religion and to prepare yourself for the initiation rites.

Instructions

1. Check the phone book for a Catholic Church near you. Get in touch with the pastor who will put you in touch with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) Committee of the church. This committee will lead you through the initiation rites. Phase one of this program includes getting to know people who are Catholic and expressing your interest in conversion.

2. Attend the first liturgical rite called "Rite of Acceptance into the Catechumenate." This is an indication that you are serious in your willingness to pursue the Catholic faith. This begins the weekly study of the Catholic teachings. It takes about one year, starting in May and ending at the Easter Vigil.

3. Attend the second liturgical rite called "Rite of Sending." The candidates will be sent to the Bishop for the "Rite of Election" that takes place on the first day of the Lenten season in February. Candidates are now referred to as "The Elect."

4. Attend the "Purification and Enlightenment" during the Lenten season. This is primarily to confess your sins and purify yourself for the coming initiation. If you have already been baptized in your former religion, you can take the Sacrament of Confession. During Liturgy on the Sundays during Lent, those not baptized say prayers of exorcism with the congregation to prepare for the coming initiation rites.

5. Attend the preparation for the Easter Vigil known as the "ephphatha." These rites include blessing of the ears and mouths, proclaiming the baptismal names and practice for the Easter Vigil ceremony.

6. Attend the Easter Vigil. At the Vigil, you will be baptized if you have not been baptized before and confirmed in the Catholic Church. You will also receive the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. After these rites have been performed, you will be known as a "neophyte" until Pentecost or seven weeks after Easter Sunday.

References

• Catholic Doors Ministry; The R.C.I.A. (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults); 2007