The Roman Catholic Church welcomes new Catholics with a spiritual journey, including the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and the sacrament of baptism on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter.
Steps to Become a Roman Catholic
After an individual has attended a Catholic Church or harbored an interest in the faith for a while, she/he may decide to join the church for various reasons. The steps for joining the Roman Catholic Church are as follows:
- Share the desire to become a Roman Catholic with the parish office, the priest, or another leader in the Church.
- Participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), a Christian formation experience where the individual studies the Catechism and explores what it means to be Catholic. The seeker, known now as a catechumen, has a mentor and attends classes at this stage in the process
- When the mentor and the catechumen believe that he or she is ready to join the church, the catechumen is added to a list for baptism. Baptism is a Christian ritual symbolizing new life in Jesus Christ. Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday, is the date that the Catholic Church baptizes new Catholics. If a seeker is Christian or not Catholic, he or she will be confirmed into the Catholic Church, but not baptized again. This ritual also occurs on Holy Saturday.
How Long Does It Take to Join the Roman Catholic Church
The time between talking to the priest about joining and actually being baptized or received can be less than a year or up to two years, depending upon the individual. RCIA courses explore fully one’s relationship with the Church and share the Church's rich traditions and beliefs. Participants are encouraged to take their time as they discern if conversion is best for them even after RCIA.
In addition, the ritual of baptism and reception into the Church only happens on Holy Saturday of Holy Week. This means that, no matter what time of the year a person may decide to join the Church, he or she will have to wait until the day before Easter to actually do so.
Holy Saturday Baptism Ritual of the Roman Catholic Church
The ritual of baptism in the Catholic Church, known as the Holy Saturday ritual, is a memorable worship experience steeped in Christian symbolism and tradition. Not only is the ritual during Holy Week, the holiest week in the Christian year, but it also features the sacraments of Holy Baptism, Confirmation, and the Mass, three other ancient Christian traditions.
The service begins with light in darkness. A large candle known as the Pascal Candle processes into the Church, symbolizing Jesus as the Light of the World. Holy scripture is read, and the catechumens (those seeking to join the Church) are presented. The priest blesses the waters of baptism, and each catechumen renounces sin and professes his or her faith. The catechumen is then immersed three times in the holy water, or in some cases the water is sprinkled on the head.
Now that the catechumens are baptized, they are dressed in white robes. These robes symbolize the purity of their new lives in Christ and the Church. The bishop lays hands on each of them during the ritual of confirmation, or reception into the Church. During the following Mass, the newest Catholics participate in the Holy Eucharist for the first time, a privilege reserved only for those confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church.
Joining the Catholic Church is a decision that takes time and thought, both before and during the RCIA process. For those who feel called to be baptized and confirmed into the Church, however, the deeply traditional and beautiful Holy Saturday ritual is only the first of many benefits the Church offers.
Sources:
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. “Question and Answer: RCIA and Holy Saturday,” Office of Media Relations, USCCB website. Retrieved August 7, 2010.
Melissa Roberts - A trained hospital chaplain, Melissa is a freelance writer, teacher, retreat leader, and spiritual director.
