The Catholic parishes in Waterloo welcome individuals and families who are interested in joining the Catholic faith community and anyone who is interested in learning more about the Catholic faith.
    For individuals who have never been baptized or catechized in the Christian faith, the parishes provide the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.  For individuals who have been baptized, catechized, and participating regularly in another Christian church, the parishes offer the Order of Christian Reception of Adults.
    Both orders offer a combination of personal preparation and discernment in a small group or one-on-one format, combined with public liturgical ceremonies which celebrate an individual's gradual incorporation into the Catholic faith community.

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Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

  The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (formerly the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is modeled on the initiation ritual of the ancient Christian community.  It is an experience of personal formation and spiritual growth which incorporates prayer, study, reflection, and discernment in a combination of public rituals and community experience.  It is the principle way that the Catholic community welcomes new members who have not been baptized in another Christian church.
    You may enter the Order of Christian Initiation process at any time.  The time the process takes varies, but can be anywhere from one to three years. The Church greatly respects the time each person needs for conversion and decision. Preparation generally includes the celebration of the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist and Confirmation in the local parish.
    Participants in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults choose or are paired with an individual sponsor, a member of the community who will accompany them on their journey through the initiation process.
• Learn more about the RCIA.

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Order of Christian Reception of Adults

   The Order of Christian Reception of Adults (formerly the Rite of Christian Reception of Adults) is an adaptation of the Order of Christian Initiation designed particularly for adults who have been baptized, catechized and are participating in another mainline Christian church.  The Order of Christian Reception is a shorter period of discernment and preparation which concentrates on the distinctive characteristics, rituals and teachings of the Catholic Church.
    You may join the RCRA process at any time throughout the year.  Individuals participating in the Order of Christian Reception meet weekly, generally for a period of about eight weeks and usually conclude with a profession of faith and celebration of First Eucharist and/or Confirmation during a Sunday Mass in the local parish.
• Learn more about the RCRA

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Which Rite is Best for You?

   There are many factors which may influence which Rite is most appropriate for a particular person.
    The decision to participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation or the Rite of Christian Reception is a decision you should discern and make in consultation with the pastor of the parish you plan to join and the faith formation associate that organizes the Rites.  A friend or family member who knows you and your religious experience may also be helpful in deciding which Rite is best for you.

Generally, you should consider participation in the Rite of Christian Initiation if:
• You were never baptized in any mainline Christian church;
• You were baptized but not raised or catechized in a Christian denomination;
• You have never participated regularly in a Christian faith community
• You do not feel that you understand the basic truths of the Christian faith or feel comfortable participating in a Christian faith community;
• You are interested in learning more about the Christian faith;
• You are interested or have decided to become a Catholic Christian.

Generally, you should consider participation in the Rite of Christian Reception if:
• You were baptized in another mainline Christian church;
• You were catechized and raised in a Christian faith tradition;
• You have participated regularly in a Christian faith community or are attending a Catholic faith community on a regular basis.
• You feel you have a good understanding of the basic truths of the Christian faith and feel comfortable participating in a Christian faith community;
• You have developed a regular prayer life and experience a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• You are interested in learning more about the Catholic Church;
• You are interested or have decided to join the Catholic Church.

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About Marriage and Initiation

    If you have been divorced and remarried, your marital status may affect your full participation in the Catholic Church.  Generally, Christians who were validly married in another Christian denomination and later divorced must seek a Declaration of Nullity ("Annulment") in order to remarry or have a second marriage validated in the Catholic Church.  Individuals who have divorced and remarried without a Declaration of Nullity must obtain one before joining the Catholic Church.  Individuals who have divorced but have not remarried are free to join the Catholic Church at any time.
Learn More:
 • How divorce and remarriage affect Initiation and Reception.

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About Joining a Parish

   Individuals become members of the Catholic Church by being baptized or making a profession of faith in a local Catholic community, which is called a parish.  If you are not familiar with one of the Waterloo parishes, or have not decided which one to join, you may do so during your participation in the Rites of Initiation or Reception.
Learn More:
 • How to choose a parish
• Register to Join the Catholic Church
• How Do I Join the Catholic Church?

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About Children and Families

Children ages 4 or younger are usually baptized without formal preparation if at least one parent is an active Catholic and parents attend a preparation class before the baptism.
 Children ages 5 to 6 may be baptized following a short period of informal preparation, depending upon the custom in the local parish.
 Children ages 7 or older should participate in a period of formal preparation such as Children's Initiation before being baptized or making a profession.
Learn More:
• Preparation for Baptism

[Last Update: 12.11.24]