Becoming A Catholic

The Catholic Church welcomes those who are searching – stirred by the Spirit to seek meaning in their lives.

In the Diocese of Cairns there are 23 Catholic parishes. Those who are interested in becoming Catholics should, in the first instance, make contact with their local Catholic church community. Your parish priest or pastoral leader is best instructed to listen to you and understand what God seems to be doing in your life.

If you wish, they can then introduce you to the basic steps in becoming a Catholic. Most parishes have a program for adults who are interested in becoming Catholics, called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). There is also an adapted program for children of responsible age (usually 7-18 years).

Parents and carers seeking baptism for infants and children under 7 will be guided through formation on raising a child within the Catholic community.

The journey toward becoming a Catholic is strengthened by Sacraments of Initiation. These are: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

In Baptism we are welcomed into the Community of the Church and we become members of God’s family receiving special graces to help us to live as members of God’s family.

In the Confirmation we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit which empower us to take ownership of our faith and to approach in a positive manner, with God’s help, whatever we experience in life. Through our relationship with the Holy Spirit and by activating the gifts of the Holy Spirit each day of our lives, we are able to live the Christian life and grow to our full God-given potential.

At the heart of our community life is the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, who promised to be with us until the end of time. The Mass is the place we come together as members of God’s family at our heavenly Father’s invitation, to spend time with him and the place where we grow as a Christian community.

Please contact us so that we can guide you through the preparation and other requirements of an abiding sacramental life.