Catechumenate — becoming Catholic

By now you know that Inquiry is the first of the four-stage process

for becoming Catholic.

During this stage, the emphasis is reflecting about faith. Many wonder how their lives could be more meaningful if they turn their faith to the Catholic Church. Our church teaches that the journey is less about an inquirer seeking a faith they choose than it is about an inquirer answering God’s call.

“The Lord is gently knocking at the window of your soul," Pope Leo XIV said during the Jubilee of Young People. These words are relevant to any age.

Then, the question is this: Is God calling you to the Catholic Church?

Some inquirers can’t answer that question before the second stage begins on Nov. 1. It’s advisable to ask a priest for a confidential session to talk about hesitancy or concerns.

In fact, the Rite of Initiation recommends individual meetings between priest and inquirer, although some discussion already might have taken place. There’s no reason to be shy about asking because a priest will gladly make time to meet.

If an inquirer needs more time to discern, they continue to attend sessions. There is no need to worry. Decision-making takes time. And faith lives in God’s time.

— Paulette Peynet