Interested in Becoming Catholic?
This Q&A answers commonly asked questions from adults seeking to join the Catholic Church
Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Arkansas Catholic
Got Questions About Catholicism?
Guide to Joining Catholic Church
Interested in joining the Catholic Church? Wonderful! Your local Catholic church is ready to welcome you with open arms. But first, right where you are, in the quiet of your heart, recognize that God is near you. He created you out of love. He knocks on the door of your heart. Acknowledge his presence and ask him to guide you. For details about how to become Catholic, click on the red button above. To get started, visit a parish near you.
Welcome! We are happy you are interested in learning about the Catholic faith. We hope the following answers your initial questions. To hear from others who have been through the initiation process, go to New Catholic Testimonials. To inquire further, visit a Catholic parish near you.
Where Can I Learn About the Catholic Faith?
You are always welcome to attend a Sunday Mass (worship service) at a Catholic church in your area. Go to the Arkansas Parish Directory to find a Catholic church in your area. Click on a parish to find directions, contact information and Mass schedule. This website also offers the following resources that explain the Catholic faith.
- Catholicism 101 — Provides answers to the most common questions about Catholic teaching
- Understanding Our Church — A series of articles that explain the faith on a variety of topics
- Bishop Taylor Homily Library — Sermons given by the leader of the Catholic faith in Arkansas that explain the Scriptures, Catholic doctrine and what the Church teaches on social and moral issues
- What We Believe — Resource page that offers links to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the governing body of the Catholic Church in America, on what the Church teaches on the Bible, social teachings, love and sexuality, morality and much more
What If I Think I Want to Become Catholic?
God calls and we respond. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process by which men and women become members of the Catholic Church. Adults at any stage of the faith journey come together in a non-threatening and non-pressured atmosphere to learn about the Catholic Church. This takes place within the context of the church community, and after a suitable period of formation, culminates in the reception of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist.
The Catholic Church honors the baptism of those who have already been baptized with the Trinitarian formula and it is not necessary for them to be baptized again. For more information, see "Interested in Joining the Catholic Church? What's Next?"
The parish provides opportunities for shared spiritual growth and ways to explore the Catholic Christian tradition through Scripture, sacraments, Church teaching and social outreach, all in the midst of the Catholic faith community. Formation includes several areas:
- Scripture — The stories of God’s people
- Teaching — What Catholics believe
- Prayer — How we communicate with God
- Liturgy — How the community worships
- Mission — How we live out what we believe
Where Do I Fit in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults?
Any person who is over the age of reason (about seven years old) may respond to God’s call to a deeper relationship with him through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults:
- If you have never been baptized and you want to become a Catholic Christian;
- If you were baptized Christian in another faith tradition and you want full sacramental membership in the Catholic Church through confirmation and the Eucharist;
- If you are an adult who was baptized Catholic as a child and never received the Eucharist or confirmation;
- If you attend a Catholic Church because of a loved one or spouse and are not sure if the Catholic Church is for you, but you are willing to ask questions.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Catholic?
It takes “as long as it takes.” Becoming a Catholic is ongoing and is lifelong commitment. The process usually takes at least a year but may take less or more time depending on the individual. Those who opt to begin the process meet often and begin to attend Sunday Mass. Those who are ready to make the commitment to become members of the Catholic Church usually do so at the Easter Vigil or at other times throughout the year. For more information, see "Interested in Joining the Catholic Church? What's Next?"
What If I Change My Mind?
You are welcome to join us any time for Scripture, prayer and friendly conversation without making a commitment. We know you may simply be inquiring into the Catholic faith. There is no pressure, and you are free to decide when you are ready to make a commitment to proceed with the sacraments of initiation
How Do I Begin the Initiation Process?
To learn more about becoming Catholic, contact a Catholic friend and let them know you are interested in the Church. Your Catholic friend will introduce you to others and invite you to parish gatherings to learn more about the Church. Your friend will introduce you to the parish priest. In many parishes, the priest has assigned an initiation coordinator who, with your friend, will help you on your spiritual journey in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. To contact your local Catholic parish, go to the Arkansas Parish Directory.
Where Can I Learn More about Catholicism?
Helpful Links
Under the Faith Formation tab on the Catholic Resources' page is a list of helpful websites, YouTube videos and other materials that explain the teachings of the Catholic faith. To find these resources, go to "Catholic Resources," scroll down to "Faith Formation" and it click it. The window will open and then scroll down the list and click on a link to learn more.
Helpful Articles
The Faith Formation Office also recommends the following articles:
- "Interested in Joining the Catholic Church? What Next?" by Jeff Hines
- “What Catholics Believe: A Popular Overview of Catholic Teaching,” Leonard Foley, OFM
- “Nine Things That Make Us Catholic,” Thomas H. Groome
- “A Tour of a Catholic Church,” Thomas Richstatter, OFM, STD
- “A Walk Through the Mass: A Step-by-Step Explanation,” Thomas Richstatter, OFM
- “Baptism: Our Lifelong Call,” Nicholas Lohkamp, OFM
- “Who Will Be Saved? What Catholics Believe About Salvation,” Thomas Richstatter, OFM
- “Do Catholics Worship Images?” Teresita Scully
- “Choosing and Using a Bible: What Catholics Should Know,” Ronald D. Witherup
- “Raptured or Not? A Catholic Understanding,” Michael D. Guinan, OFM, PhD
- “Ten Questions About Annulment,” Joseph M. Champlin
- “The Creed: Faith Essentials for Catholics,” Thomas Bokenkotter
- “How to Understand the Bible: Examining the Tools of Today's Scripture Scholars,” Norman Langenbrunner
- “Pathways of Prayer,” Jack Wintz, OFM
Helpful Newsletter
Catholic Update is a monthly faith formation newsletter published by St. Anthony Messenger Press. Each four-page issue addresses a single topic and explains it thoroughly. Many articles are available online.
Helpful Books
The Faith Formation Office recommends the following books for further study of the Catholic faith:
- “Believing in Jesus: A Popular Overview of the Catholic Faith,” Leonard Foley, OFM, St. Anthony Messenger Press
- “Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church,” U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Publishers
- “Catholic and Christian: An Explanation of Commonly Misunderstood Catholic Beliefs,” Alan Schreck, Servant Books, Ann Arbor, Mich.
- “Why do Catholics ... ? A Guide to Catholic Belief and Practice,” Sister Charlene Altemose, MSC, Harcourt Religion Publishers
