Information about becoming a Catholic...

We are glad that you are interested in the Catholic faith and we encourage you to read on and to contact us if we may help you. There is no commitment expected of you when you seek to find out more about Catholicism.

How do I get started?

Call the Our Lady of Victory Office of Christian Initiation (814-237-7832, Ext. 239) or e-mail the parish office, churchoffice @ olv.us. Our director of Christian initiation, Mary Ann, will be happy to speak with you or will contact you soon.

What is involved in being initiated into the Catholic Church?

The process invites you to join with others like yourself and Catholic people who will share with you what “being Catholic” is about: what we believe (Church teaching), how we live our lives (putting belief into practice), and how we pray (worshipping God). This process is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (sometimes shortened to RCIA).

Who is included in this process?

If you have not been baptized, the Christian initiation process prepares you to become a Catholic Christian through the celebration of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist (Holy Communion) at the Easter Vigil.

If you have been baptized in another Christian tradition, the initiation process prepares you to enter into the full communion of the Catholic Church by celebrating the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist (Holy Communion). This celebration might be at the Easter Vigil or at another time of the year.