How to Become Catholic: A Step-by-Step Guide for Seekers, Skeptics, and Christians
Maybe you’ve been sitting in the back row of a Catholic Mass, unsure of when to stand, kneel, or cross yourself. Or maybe you’ve never set foot in a church but find yourself curious about something deeper—something ancient, rooted, and quietly alive. Whether you’re a lifelong Protestant who’s wrestled with Catholic claims, or an atheist drawn by the mystery and tradition, this guide is for you.
Becoming Catholic isn’t just about joining a religion. It’s a journey—a homecoming. And like any good journey, there are signposts along the way. Here’s what you can expect.
Step 1: Follow the Tug
Before any formal steps, most journeys toward Catholicism begin with a feeling: a tug on the soul.
Maybe you’ve started asking questions that your current worldview can’t answer. Maybe you’ve been moved by beauty—an old cathedral, a sacred song, a painting of Mary holding her Son—and it stirred something deep. Or perhaps you’ve hit rock bottom and are looking for grace. That tug might feel like discomfort, longing, or curiosity. Pay attention to it.
“Even in the wilderness, He speaks.”
(For more on this kind of spiritual restlessness, read The Wandering)
Step 2: Talk to a Catholic
This may sound obvious, but it’s important. Talk to someone who practices the faith—not just someone who was raised Catholic, but someone who lives it. Ask questions. Be honest about your skepticism or confusion.
If you’re Protestant, ask how Catholics view Scripture, grace, and salvation. If you’re an atheist, ask why they believe in God at all. You don’t need to pretend you’re further along than you are. The Church welcomes questions—so long as they’re sincere.
“Where does the doctor go when he’s sick?” Read more
Step 3: Visit a Catholic Mass
You don’t need to sign anything. You don’t need to dress a certain way (though modesty is respected). Just come.
Mass can be confusing at first—there’s standing, kneeling, crossing, and prayers you may not know. That’s okay. Just observe. Let it wash over you.
If you’re from a Protestant background, you’ll notice familiar elements—Scripture readings, a homily, music—but also differences: the Eucharist at the center, the reverence, the sense that something is really happening.
If you’re an atheist, don’t worry about “fitting in.” Instead, ask: Why does this ancient rhythm endure? Why do people keep showing up week after week?
“If it’s just a symbol, to hell with it.”
(Check out our merch inspired by Flannery O’Connor’s famous quote about the Eucharist)
Step 4: Start RCIA (Or OCIA)
To officially become Catholic, you’ll need to go through a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)—now often referred to as OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults). It’s a series of weekly classes, typically lasting 6 to 9 months, that walk you through what the Church believes and why.
This is where you’ll learn about:
The Trinity
Scripture and Tradition
The Sacraments
Mary and the Saints
Salvation and grace
The structure of the Church
You’re not committing yet. This is a period of discernment—a safe place to ask hard questions.
If you’re Protestant, this is where you’ll confront differences around authority, justification, and sacraments head-on. We recommend you read Why Do Catholics Pray to Saints? to get a preview of some of those conversations.
If you’re an atheist, you’ll explore the foundations of belief in God, the historicity of Jesus, and why the Church believes it’s been entrusted with truth.
Step 5: Get a Sponsor
At some point in RCIA/OCIA, you’ll need a sponsor—a practicing Catholic who can walk with you through the process. This person is like a spiritual mentor: someone to ask questions, pray with, and guide you.
Don’t have one? Don’t worry. The parish can assign someone who’s been trained for this. You won’t do this alone.
Step 6: Confession and the Sacraments
Before you’re fully received into the Church, you’ll go to Confession—a sacrament that can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before.
It’s not about shame. It’s about grace. You’re not informing God of your sins; you’re allowing Him to heal them.
Then, usually at the Easter Vigil (the night before Easter Sunday), you’ll receive the sacraments of Baptism (if you’re not already baptized), Confirmation, and your First Holy Communion.
It’s a powerful moment—full of candles, incense, Scripture, and song. You’re not just joining a community. You’re entering into communion with Christ Himself.
Step 7: Keep Walking
Becoming Catholic isn’t the end. It’s the beginning of a lifelong process of conversion.
There will be seasons of doubt. There will be times when the Church frustrates or confuses you. Stay. Ask. Pray. Read.
You’ll discover a whole world of Catholic beauty—saints like Augustine, Teresa of Ávila, and Chesterton; devotions like the Rosary or Liturgy of the Hours; and the deep peace of knowing you’re home.
If you want to dive deeper into this part of the journey, read The Idol of Ministry or Embrace the Suck—both wrestle with grace in the messiness of real life.
What If I’ve Failed?
Let me be direct: I have. That’s how I ended up here.
I was a Protestant pastor. I failed morally and walked away from ministry. I doubted. I deconstructed. But in the rubble, I found grace—not cheap grace, but Catholic grace: ancient, sacramental, rooted in both truth and mercy.
Catholicism isn’t a club for the worthy. It’s a hospital for the broken. If you’ve failed, fallen, or walked away—this Church is still for you.
“Kicked While Down” tells the story of what that looked like for me. Read it here
FAQs
Q: Do I have to believe everything the Catholic Church teaches to become Catholic?
Yes—and no. The Church invites you to assent to her teachings because they’re not just opinions; they’re truths preserved and handed down through the ages. But you don’t need perfect understanding. Faith seeks understanding, and the journey of wrestling and growing continues after you enter the Church.
Q: What if I’m divorced?
You can still become Catholic. But if you’re remarried or planning to remarry, you may need to pursue an annulment first. It’s not as scary as it sounds—and it’s not “Catholic divorce.” It’s a recognition that a valid sacramental marriage never took place. If you’re in that boat, read The Fall for a personal story about grace after failure.
Q: What does it cost to go through RCIA?
Nothing. The classes are free. The grace is free. The Church is free. All you need is a willingness to keep showing up.
You Are Invited
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need to believe yet. You just need to take the next step.
If you’re curious, come to Mass this Sunday. If you’re ready, call your local parish and ask about RCIA. If you have questions, send me a message. I’ve been where you are.
The Catholic Church is not perfect. But she is ancient, alive, and filled with grace. If you’ve wandered long enough, maybe it’s time to come home.
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