Becoming Catholic

Joining the Catholic Faith

Interested persons are always welcome!

BECOMING A CATHOLIC – Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

Are You Interested in Becoming a Catholic?

Are You an Adult Catholic Seeking Confirmation?

Even though the RCIA program is on hold at this timebecause of the Covid-19 pandemic, we will be glad to hear from you by email:

becomingcatholic@ourladyofvictory.com

We will reply to your email and try to answer any questions you may have.

Please call the OLV Director of Christian Initiation of Adults, Mary Ann Spychalski at 814-237-7832,ext.417 or email becomingcatholic@ourladyofvictory.com for more information and to schedule an appointment.

Thank you for your interest in the Catholic faith. 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. The process of becoming a Catholic involves formation in the life of a Catholic Christian and information about what the Catholic Church believes and teaches to have been revealed by Jesus Christ who said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

In the faith journey of becoming a Catholic, we celebrate rituals marking the steps on our path. Because of these celebrations, the process is often referred to as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). This is the official Rite of the Church for the full initiation of adults and children beyond second grade who desire to become Catholic. The 2nd Vatican Council restored this Rite to the Church emphasizing the importance that the whole parish has to invite, prepare, and pray for candidates seeking the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. On this journey, you and other inquirers like yourself will join Catholics 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 (worshiping God).

  • If you have never 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).

  • If you are already a baptized Catholic, but have not completed your Christian Initiation by receiving the sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation, we can also help you become fully initiated.

Please call Our Lady of Victory Office of Christian Initiation (814-237-7832, Ext. 417) or e-mail becomingcatholic@ourladyofvictory.com. Mary Ann, our Director of Christian Initiation who will be happy to speak with you or will contact you soon.