The process for joining the Church is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). This process provides time either to begin one's faith journey or to reflect on one's continuing faith life. During the RCIA process, one seeks to develop a deeper relationship with God through Christ Jesus, within the Catholic faith tradition. The RCIA process does not ask those who have been baptized in another faith tradition to give up their previous faith experience.
To learn more about RCIA, check out this page from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Anyone who is interested in joining the Catholic Church can inquire at any time throughout the year. Special inquiry sessions are held in September/October. People discerning becoming Catholic and who are doing formation to become Catholic meet regularly throughout the year. When the RCIA coordinator and the candidate decide they're ready, they can be welcomed into the Church at a Sunday Mass. Rites of Initiation for unbaptized persons into the Catholic Church are celebrated at the Easter Vigil.
If you've been considering joining the Catholic Church, continue to pray for God's guidance and support, and consider RCIA as a way to discern God's call in your life. A community of learners and seekers is a great way to complement your prayer life in discerning God's path for you. Not everyone who enters into the RCIA process ultimately decides to join the Catholic Church, but everyone who participates in the process agrees that it is immensely helpful in discerning God's will for them and in learning more about the Catholic faith.
Are you a Catholic that just wants to know more about our faith. Here at Nativity, our RCIA group is open to all. We'd love to have you join us to deepen and enrich your own faith!