People begin exploring the Catholic faith in many different ways.
You may have been coming to Mass with a Catholic husband, wife, friend or family member. You may have started praying after many years. You may be drawn by the beauty of the Mass, by the sacraments, by Catholic teaching, or by a quiet sense that God is asking something of you.
At St John Payne, you are very welcome to begin gently.
You do not need to be certain before you speak to someone. You do not need to know all the prayers. You do not need to understand everything that happens at Mass.
You can begin with curiosity, a question, or a desire to come closer to God.
A first step
If you are thinking about becoming Catholic, a good first step is to come to Mass, contact the parish, or speak to Fr Alex after Mass.
He will help you understand what the next step might be in your own circumstances.
Some people are not baptised. Some have been baptised in another Christian church. Some were baptised Catholic as children but never received First Holy Communion or Confirmation. Some are not sure what happened when they were young.
Please do not worry if your situation feels unclear. We can help you work through it calmly.
You are welcome to come to Mass
You do not have to be Catholic to come to Mass.
You can sit wherever you feel comfortable. You can join in as much or as little as you are able. If you are not sure when to sit, stand or kneel, follow the congregation, or simply stay seated and pray quietly.
If you are not Catholic, you should not receive Holy Communion yet. You are very welcome to remain in your place during Communion. Many people do this for many different reasons.
Coming to Mass is often the best way to begin learning the Catholic faith, because Catholic life is centred on worship, prayer, Scripture and the sacraments.
What is RCIA?
The process of becoming Catholic as an adult is often known as RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
RCIA is a time of enquiry, prayer, learning and discernment. It helps people understand what Catholics believe, how Catholics worship, and what it means to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ in the Catholic Church.
It is not an exam. It is not about having perfect answers. It is a gradual journey into the life of the Church.
At St John Payne, adult preparation normally includes time to speak with Fr Alex, opportunities to learn about the Catholic faith, support in prayer, and help becoming familiar with Mass and parish life.
If you have never been baptised
If you have not been baptised, becoming Catholic normally means preparing to receive the three sacraments of Christian initiation:
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- The Eucharist
Through Baptism, a person is freed from sin, reborn as a child of God, and becomes a member of Christ and His Church.
This preparation takes time. You would not be expected to understand everything at the beginning. The parish will help you learn, pray, ask questions and prepare properly.
If you have already been baptised
If you have already been baptised in another Christian church, you would not normally be baptised again, provided your Baptism was valid.
Instead, you may be prepared to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church. This usually includes making a profession of faith, receiving Confirmation if needed, and receiving Holy Communion in the Catholic Church.
If you are not sure whether you were baptised, or whether any record exists, please speak to Fr Alex. Many people are unsure about these things.
If you were baptised Catholic as a child
Some people were baptised Catholic as babies or young children, but were not brought up practising the faith.
If you were baptised Catholic but never made your First Holy Communion or were never confirmed, you do not need to become Catholic because you already are Catholic. However, you may need preparation to receive the sacraments you missed.
Please speak to Fr Alex. He will help you understand the right way forward.
Will I be pressured?
No.
Some people contact the parish already knowing that they want to become Catholic. Others are simply curious. Some need time to ask questions. Some come to Mass quietly for a while before speaking to anyone.
That is all right.
A first conversation does not commit you to anything. It simply helps you understand what the Church teaches, what the journey may involve, and what your next step could be.
What support does the parish offer?
Becoming Catholic is not something you are expected to do alone.
At St John Payne, support may include:
- time to speak with Fr Alex
- help understanding your own situation
- prayer and preparation
- opportunities to learn about the Catholic faith
- help getting used to Mass and parish life
- preparation for the sacraments
- encouragement from Catholics in the parish
The parish community is here to help you take the next step, not to rush you.
I have questions or doubts
That is completely normal.
People often begin exploring the Catholic faith with questions about God, prayer, suffering, the Bible, Catholic teaching, the sacraments, or the Church itself.
Questions are not a problem. They are often part of the way faith begins to grow.
You are welcome to ask honest questions and take time. The Catholic faith is not something to be reduced to a quick decision. It is a way of life, worship and communion with Christ and His Church.
What should I do first?
You could begin very simply.
Come to Mass at St John Payne. Listen, pray and see how it feels.
Or contact the parish and say:
“I’m interested in becoming Catholic, but I’m not sure where to begin.”
That is enough.
Fr Alex is available to speak after Mass, or by appointment through the parish office.
Already Catholic, but thinking of coming back?
If you were baptised Catholic but have been away from Mass for some time, you may find our guide to coming home more helpful.
It explains how to return to Mass, what to do about Confession and Holy Communion, and how to take the first step back without fear.