Becoming Catholic is an important decision. Catholicism involves living a life rooted in Jesus Christ in communion with the Church. People discerning becoming Catholic ought to consider that it is a serious life-changing choice which affects the life of you and your family.
Choosing to be Catholic includes adoption of the teachings and practices of faith of the Catholic Church including the belief in: Jesus as the Son of God, the Holy Trinity (The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit), the Eucharistic bread and Eucharistic wine is the Body and Blood of Christ, the Virgin Mary is the mother of God and all other Catholic beliefs.
Where can I find a Catechetical formation program to become Catholic?
If you were not baptized Catholic and are choosing to become Catholic, you can enroll in an RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) or RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children) program at St. Benedict Catholic Parish. It includes several stages with study, prayer and attending mass leading up to Baptism, Reconciliation, Communion and Confirmation.
RCIA & RCIA Programs at St. Benedict Parish for adults and children
The RCIA Formation Program is for participants ages 16 and up. It typically takes from 1 to 2 years for full Catholic formation. The RCIA Program sessions run annually from September to Easter and take place weekly at the parish on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm with additional commitments for liturgies and special rites. Participants are expected to fully participate in all aspects of the Catholic formation program as well as develop the practice of gathering with the Catholic community and attending regular mass.
The RCIC Program runs out of the parish at 4:00 pm once a week for about 6-10 weeks at the parish. It is for children 8 – 15 years of age.
Children under the age-of-reason (7 years of age and younger) may be registered for infant & young-child group baptism according to the parish requirements here: ST.BENEDICT PARISH -SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM.
Once You are Catholic
Once you are baptized into the Catholic Church, some of the joys you can participate in, include:
- Fully participating in the Mass.
- Joining and participating in Catholic ministries and social groups.
- Continuing to grow in understanding Scripture and Tradition.
- Enrolling your children in elementary Catholic school.
Enrolling your child in a Halton Catholic elementary school involves providing:
- A valid birth certificate.
- A valid Roman Catholic or Eastern Rite baptismal certificate (of the student or one parent) and,
- Proof of address.
Parents/Guardians must ensure their children meet Catholic school board requirements for enrollment.
Letters of reference from the parish will not be issued for non-Catholic parents who have not completed RCIA.
If it is a parent’s true intention that they, or their child become Catholic because they choose to be devoted to the Catholic Faith then, they can complete the discernment and RCIA or RCIC formation towards becoming Catholic. After baptism is completed, a baptismal certificate is issued. The baptismal certificate is what is required to enroll a child into Catholic school.
PLEASE NOTE: St. Benedict Parish does not issue letters of reference for use to enroll non-Catholics into Catholic schools.
