Thousands of people convert to Catholicism. They convert for various reasons, but they all usually go through the same procedure.

To become Catholic, you don’t have to be any certain age. People can convert at any age and time during their life. Before converting, you should immerse yourself in knowledge. Entering a new religion isn’t anything to be taken lightly.

Most Catholic parishes have classes to prepare people to convert to Catholicism. These classes are called Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA. The conversion of Catholicism is a gradual one.

Students are asked to pray and study scriptures. Also, they learn the catechism.

The RCIA classes are usually held every week. At these classes, you will learn the fundamentals of Catholicism. As you learn, you will see there is much to learn about being a Catholic. RCIA contains five phases.

The Period of Inquiry – This is when people can ask questions to get an idea about Catholicism. They learn about scriptures and Jesus Christ. This period takes as long as it needs to. When the person is ready to go to the next phase, sometimes they need to write a letter saying why they feel they want to convert.

Period of the Catechumenate – For this phase to begin, people need to accept Jesus Christ is their savior. They begin going to Mass on Sunday and further their commitment to the faith. They reflect more deeply, about how Catholicism will affect your life. This phase also lasts as long as it needs to for individuals.

Period of Purification or Illumination – This period corresponds with the time of Lent. It is the six-week preparation time for Easter. It becomes the praying time for those who are to become Catholic known as the Elect. The period is begun by the Rite of election, usually celebrated at the Cathedral Church with the Diocesan Bishop. This rite accepts them accepted as candidates for the Sacraments by the Bishop, representing the fact that this decision is not theirs alone. Normally this rite takes place on the first Sunday of Lent. Special prayers are offered to support the Elect.

Celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation – The Sacraments of Initiation is celebrated at the Easter Vigil. The Easter Vigil is an extended night watch of prayer, singing, and hearing the Word of God. By the waters of baptism, a person passes into the new life of grace and becomes a member of the Body of Christ. Those who are all ready baptized, have the Sacrament of the Reconciliation prior, are given Holy Communion, and are confirmed. Anointing with Holy oil called chrism seals the initiation by the power of the Holy Spirit and participation at the Table of the Lord in the Eucharist marks full membership in the church.

The Period of Mystagogy – This period lasts from Easter Sunday until the completion of the Easter season. That is fifty days later on Pentecost Sunday and completes the initiation process. Those who have just shared in the sacraments of initiation are now called Neophytes and during this period of Easter joy they reflect on what they have just gone through and look to the future as to how they can now share in the mission of Christ who came to bring salvation and life to the whole world. This period reminds the whole church that life in Christ constantly calls us to grow and to look for new ways to live the life of grace, personally and together.

If you were already baptized, you probably won’t need to be baptized again. You will need to the Sacraments Reconciliation, Holy Communion, and Confirmation. Most RCIA programs last about a year. This varies where you are from and whatever that particular parish chooses to do. In most cases, people who all ready had their Holy Communion are confirmed in June with others from the diocese.