WELCOME !

The Catholic Church welcomes those who are searching for faith, meaning, prayer, belonging, or a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

People come to the Church in different ways. Some have never been baptised. Others have been baptised in another Christian tradition and now feel drawn toward full communion with the Catholic Church. Some begin with many questions. Others come after years of quiet interest, through marriage, family, friendship, or participation in parish life.

The first step is simple: contact your local Catholic parish.

A priest or parish team member will arrange a conversation with you. This is not an interview or a test. It is a chance to hear your story, answer your questions, and help you discern the right pathway.

The right pathway for you

The pathway depends partly on whether you have already been baptised.

If you have never been baptised

Unbaptised adults are ordinarily accompanied through the catechumenate, often known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA.

This is a gradual journey of faith, prayer, formation, conversion, and belonging within the parish community. It includes time for enquiry, participation in parish life, formation in the Catholic faith, liturgical rites, and discernment of readiness for the Sacraments of Initiation.

When ready, the person receives Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, ordinarily at the Easter Vigil.

Children over the age of reason who have not been baptised also follow a catechumenal journey adapted for children, with the involvement of their parents or guardians and the parish community.

If you were baptised in another Christian tradition

If you have already been baptised in another Christian tradition, the Catholic Church honours the Baptism you have received, provided it was celebrated validly.

You are not baptised again.

Your pathway is reception into full communion with the Catholic Church. You are already Christian, and your preparation will take account of your previous Christian life, formation, questions, and circumstances.

How long does it take?

There is no single timetable.

The journey is shaped by your circumstances, previous formation, readiness, and participation in parish life. For some people the journey is longer. For others it is more focused.

The purpose is not simply to complete a program, but to grow in faith and be ready to enter fully into the life, worship, and mission of the Catholic Church.

Not sure where you fit?

You do not need to know the answer before making contact.

The parish will help you discern the appropriate pathway.

Contact

For more information, please contact your local Catholic parish.

You may also contact:

Melissa Castorina
Catholic Diocese of Townsville
Phone: (07) 4726 3200
Email: rcia@tsv.catholic.org.au

We are glad you are here, and we will walk this journey with you.