Q&A for How to Become Catholic

It is possible for a person who is a non-Catholic Christian to marry in the Catholic Church but you will need to seek a dispensation or permission (to enter a mixed marriage) from the local bishop or other appropriate religious figure within the Church. You may also need to attend a marriage preparation course and other requirements, depending on the Church you’re getting married at. This is known as an interfaith marriage when it’s with another Christian. Things get more complicated with non-Christian religions and atheists though, in which case it is best to talk to your priest about getting a "dispensation from disparity of cult."

The RCIA refers to the Right of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is the process for adults who wish to convert to Catholicism and involves being introduced to Catholic beliefs and practices. It is a gradual "journey of faith," which varies in length depending on each individual’s progress in Catholic beliefs and practices. If you are interested in becoming a Catholic Christian, contact your local Catholic Parish and speak to the Parish Priest or Pastoral Associate to find out more.

Catholic Church beliefs include: Jesus Christ is the Son of God; baptism is essential for salvation (it removes the original sin of Adam and Eve); the Ten Commandments are a moral compass that must be followed; the Bible is God’s word; and there is a Holy Trinity consisting of one God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. There are many beliefs specific to the Catholic Church but these are the main ones. Contact your local Parish Priest for more help in understanding Catholic beliefs.

A Catholic catechumen is a person who not baptized but is learning Catholic beliefs and practices to become Catholic and who will become a full member of the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation, namely baptism, confirmation and eucharist.

You will absolutely be accepted, there are Catholics all over the world, from South America to the Philippines! Anyone who is a Catholic should have no problem, rather they would welcome you.

Yes, you most certainly can. Just make sure that you voice your wishes to your parents.

Just follow the steps above! You can become a Catholic at any age. Just make sure your parents are informed, and have them go with you.

You're still a Catholic. You may start going to Mass right away, but it's best to have a priest hear your confession to make sure there's no obstacles to receiving the Sacraments- especially Holy Eucharist.

Your parents' Protestant faith is no hindrance to you joining the Church. God Bless!

Yes, you can -- and you can also bring your children up Catholic. You need to speak to your local parish priest. He will show you the process of initiation into the Catholic Church.

By following the steps above. It makes no difference what your current religion is.

No, you will be accepted regardless of age as long as you have a true desire to join the Church.

Yes, anyone who has neglected the practice of the faith is warmly invited to return to the Church by making a sacramental confession.

You can discuss the religion and talk about how meaningful it is for you, but you cannot get someone to convert unless they want to.

You could ask a friend if you can tag along with his/her family when they go to church. You can also go to YouTube and watch different services online. If you live close to a church, you can always walk. There's no actual "process".

Yes, of course! Your haircut doesn't matter to God.

Probably because 'Protestant' is a very broad term that covers a lot of different denominations, and they all have their own rules and norms. Figure out what denomination you're interested in and look for information on that. For example, there are articles here on how to become a Baptist , Lutheran , or Pentecostal Christian .

Yes. Mormons do not believe in the Trinity - the Father, Son and Holy Ghost being One. They believe them to be three separate entities. You would have to be baptized in the Trinity.

Yes, you can do RCIA. You will probably be brought into the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil Mass.

The annulment is a healing process and must start with the diocese you received your marriage documents from. That diocese office will usually have a website that you can research to make a call and start filling out paperwork. They may want you to talk to a priest first but will be a comprehensive process. It could take a year or two, depending on the backlog and management of the diocese. The defender of the bond of marriage will review your submitted documents, along with input or lack thereof from your spouse and make a careful judgment if grounds for annulment are granted. If not, you can reapply later too.

Typically, it takes about 6-9 months, although it can vary depending on age, location in the world, etc.

Yes, but you will have to get the two previous marriages annulled by the church. Talk to the priest of the church you are interested in; he will guide you through the process, which includes RCIA classes.

As long as you were baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, it doesn't matter whether you were immersed or sprinkled. You do, however, need to have have proof that you were baptized. You will have to go through the RCIA if you want to convert to Catholicism.

Not at all. The Church accepts all people. You would have to do RCIA though.

Absolutely yes. You don't need to have the same religion as your husband. There are many couples who practice different religions.

Since you are baptized, you are considered a Catholic/Christian. However, since you didn't complete the process of confirmation and receiving of the Eucharist, go to your local Catholic church and ask the priest if they are currently offering "Catechumen" classes for adults/soon to be married couples. Then you will want to make sure to let the priest know that you are planning on getting married in the church. The priest then most likely have you and your fiancé complete marriage counseling, and other studies.

You would need to first go the Eucharistic classes before you can receive. Talk to your priest, and he can help you get started.

Yes, but you will need to take RCIA classes for longer. Also, instead of just receiving the Eucharist and Confirmation on the day you join, you will receive all three sacraments of initiation on the same date.

Of course you can! The Church is accepting of all people, regardless of race, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or prior religious history.

Definitely, you can go to your local catholic priest and ask about it and he can help you.