Becoming a Catholic

The first step is to contact your local Catholic parish. There are 23 Catholic parishes across the Diocese of Cairns, and your parish priest or pastoral leader will be happy to meet with you, listen to your story, and guide you in the next steps of your faith journey.

Adults who wish to become Catholic usually participate in a process known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). It is a spiritual and educational journey that leads toward full participation in the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

Yes. For children between the ages of 7 and 18, there is an adapted RCIA program designed to prepare them to become Catholic at an age-appropriate level.

If you’re a parent or carer seeking baptism for an infant or a child under the age of 7, your local parish will guide you through formation and preparation. This process supports you in raising your child within the Catholic community and understanding the commitment involved.

The journey to becoming Catholic is marked by three key sacraments:

• Baptism – Welcomes you into the Church and makes you a member of God’s family.
• Confirmation – Strengthens your faith and gives you the gifts of the Holy Spirit to help live out your calling.
• Eucharist (Holy Communion) – Unites you with Jesus and the wider Church through the celebration of the Mass.

We encourage you to speak with your local parish priest or pastoral leader. They can answer your questions, listen to your story, and help you take the next step.

You can also contact our diocesan team for support and guidance:

Phone: 07 4046 5100
Email: reception@cairns.catholic.org.au