Welcome to OCIA! Glad you're here, whether you're Catholic-curious or simply inquiring about the faith. You've come to the right place.
Let's start with the most common question asked: what is a Catholic?
“Catholic” comes from the Koine Greek word καθολικός (pronounced katholikos), which translates to “universal.”
That means by joining the Catholic Church, you're joining the one true and apostolic Church. Started by Jesus Christ himself and passed down to Peter.
The Church continues in the line of Peter through the Pope to this day.
How does one inquire about becoming Catholic? Find a parishioner, and ask them something similar to this, or exactly this: “Hi, my name is ________ and I'm curious about becoming Catholic. Who do I need to talk to get started?” The parishioner will point you to the priest, deacon, or the parish's OCIA coordinator. From there, you can ask as many questions as you want, and they'll be more than glad to answer them. OCIA classes typically consist of small group sessions, the parish decides the schedule and dates. Your parish may suggest some reading or activities between sessions, but don't fret. You don't need to walk in already knowing the answers.
Hesitation comes from uncertainty, and you'll never know the answer to a question if you don't ask it. No one is checking your credentials here, and you don't have to have everything figured out. You don't even have to be “religious enough,” if that's a thing you're worried about. Perhaps your family and friends won't understand why you want to become Catholic. Don't fret, because you are welcome here. All you have to do is show up, and by doing that, you are already doing what is right.
Once you've had a few conversations and you're ready to move forward, your parish will help you take the next step. If you've never been baptized, you enter Catechumenate through the Rite for Entrance into the Catechumenate, from that point on, you're a catechumen. If you've already been validly baptized in another Christian tradition, you're a candidate preparing for full communion. You may share some sessions with catechumens, but your preparation builds on the baptism you've already received. Baptized Catholics preparing for Confirmation or First Communion have their own needs too. Ask your parish's OCIA coordinator what comes next for you. Learn about Catechumenate →
Unsure of where to begin your journey? Contact your local Catholic parish's office. Call, email, or stop by. Either ask for the OCIA coordinator first; if the parish doesn't have one, ask for the priest or deacon instead. Not sure where your local parish is located? Your diocese's website will have a parish finder. Another way to find a parish is the link provided here, which will show all the parishes in your area along with their Mass times.
Never be afraid to ask a question about the faith. Inquiry doesn't require a commitment.