BECOMING CATHOLIC

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Becoming Catholic” mean?

It’s a journey of exploring the Catholic faith, learning what Catholics believe, and discerning whether you feel called to be part of the Catholic Church. Usually, this is referred to as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), but that's a mouthful so we try to keep it simple and call it Becoming Catholic.

Do I have to be baptized to become Catholic?

If you are unbaptized, baptism is part of the process. If you’re already validly baptized in another Christian tradition, you may receive Confirmation and Eucharist. 

Will I be confirmed and receive Communion?

Yes — Catholics receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion as part of full initiation.

Does this mean I must join the Church if I participate in Becoming Catholic?

No — inquiry is about exploring faith. You are free to participate, learn about the faith, and then decide if you wish to join the Church.

Can I participate even if I don’t believe everything yet or struggle with certain Church teachings?

Absolutely — Becoming Catholic is a journey of learning and prayer. You are not expected to have everything figured out on day one. This is a place to explore, ask, and grow. We encourage honest conversation and thoughtful discussion. 

Can my spouse/family join me?

Yes — spouses and families are welcome, whether they are exploring faith themselves or supporting you. 

How do I get started?

Contact us using the interest form above or call the parish (812-425-3369) — we’ll answer questions and invite you to an introductory session.

What if I was Catholic but have been away from the Church for years?

You are welcome here. Many people begin this journey after time away from faith. There is no embarrassment and no judgment—only a fresh start.

What if I don’t know how to pray?

You will learn. Prayer isn’t about perfect words—it’s about relationship. We’ll introduce simple, practical ways to pray that feel natural and meaningful, and also help you to stretch your heart open to God.

Will I have to go to confession? What is that like?

Confession (Reconciliation) is part of Catholic life. It’s a private conversation with a priest focused on God’s mercy and forgiveness—not shame. We will explain it clearly before anyone participates.

What if I feel nervous walking into a Catholic church?

That’s very common. Many people feel unsure about what to do or when to stand or sit. No one expects you to know everything. Just come and observe—there’s no pressure. Do not be concern that others may be watching you. If it helps, try coming to a daily Mass where there is a smaller crowd and you might find it easier to adjust to.

What if I have hard or uncomfortable questions?

We welcome them. Honest questions are a sign of serious faith. Nothing is off limits for respectful discussion.

What if my spouse isn’t Catholic?

Many people in Becoming Catholic are in mixed-faith marriages. You are still welcome. We can also help you think through how this journey fits into your marriage.

What if my family doesn’t support this decision?

We understand that that can be difficult. We encourage open and loving communication, but we also realize that sometimes tough decisions have to be made, especially if others are keeping us from our relationship with Jesus Christ. We can also support you in navigating those conversations.

Will becoming Catholic affect my marriage?

In most cases, it strengthens it spiritually. But it is different for every couple and it depends on the dynamic of your marriage. If there are specific marriage questions, we’re happy to discuss your situation personally and confidentially.

What if we were married outside the Catholic Church?

This is the norm for most people who go through Becoming Catholic. Sometimes simple steps are needed to regularize a marriage in the Church. We’ll walk you through it carefully and personally.

Can my children become Catholic too?

Yes. We can discuss options for children of all ages, whether they are baptized or not. Oftentimes we will provide more specific preparation for children depending on their capacity for learning.

What if my child was baptized somewhere else?

Most Christian baptisms are recognized by the Catholic Church. We can help determine next steps for your child’s faith journey.

What documents do I need?

If you’ve been baptized, we may need a copy of your baptism certificate. If you’ve been married, marriage documentation may also be helpful. If you have trouble finding those documents, don't worry, we can help!

What if I’ve been divorced?

Divorce does not prevent someone from becoming Catholic. Each situation is unique, and we’re happy to discuss yours privately.

What if I was baptized but don’t have proof?

We can help you track down records or explore other ways to document your baptism.

Will someone walk with me personally?

Yes. You’ll have a sponsor and a team supporting you throughout the journey.

How do I get involved in parish life?

We’ll help you discover ministries, small groups, service opportunities, and community events. We want you to explore the charisms God has given you so that you can experience joy in your service to the Church.

Will I feel out of place at Mass?

At first, maybe a little. That’s normal. Over time, the rhythms of the Mass become familiar and meaningful. Again, you might want to attend a daily Mass, which may not be as intimidating.