Becoming Catholic

How to begin your Catholic faith journey

"Seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Matthew 7:7

Start with prayer

Start spending time with the Lord in prayer, asking him to guide you and show you the way.

Ask questions, get answers

Explore the faith through good sources:

The Catechism of the Catholic Church: book or online
Websites: Northwest Catholic, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Answers and Ascension Press are just a few.
Find more Catholic sources, including news, social media, websites, radio, podcasts and apps, here.

Talk to someone at your local parish

Call your local Catholic parish and ask to speak with a priest or someone who can help you explore the faith.

Find a parish near you

Cornerstone conference Tacoma Convention Center

RCIA Rite of Acceptance Assumption, Seattle December 2010. Ray Meuse photographer

Consider doing OCIA at your local parish

OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is offered at most Catholic parishes for adults who are interested in exploring the Catholic faith. The first step to OCIA is inquiry, when you learn and ask questions in a nonjudgmental atmosphere. Contact your local parish to inquire about OCIA. More information on OCIA click here.

Above all, persevere

Jesus said in Matthew 12:45 that the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking the perfect pearl. When he found the pearl of great price, he sold all that he had and bought it. Keep seeking and praying, and you will find your way home to Christ.

Seminarian Patrick Mbuiyu takes part in evening prayers at the Vianney House on Monday, January 21, 2019 in Seattle. (PHOTO by Stephen Brashear) Book, Chapel, Prayer

Are you a young adult aged 18 to 39?

Explore young adult ministry

Interested introducing your children to the faith?

See Family and Parenting

Frequently asked questions

What if I don’t feel comfortable going to the parish near me? What are my options?

I don't think God could ever love someone like me. Is there any hope?

In Jesus' parable of the prodigal son, the father is overcome by joy when his son returns, repentant of his sins. In Luke 15:7, Jesus says, "There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance."

If you are feeling broken and unworthy of forgiveness, seek out a priest to find out how you can seek healing and God's mercy. Find a priest at your local parish or find a parish here (link).

If you are suffering from addiction or shame of any kind, you may find it helpful to go here to explore how to break free. God wants you to live in freedom with dignity as a brother or sister of Jesus.

What if I have some issues or disagree with the Church on some of its teachings?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church is the primary resource for all the teachings of the Church.

Catholic Answers is a good resource for straight answers to questions about different teachings of the Catholic Church. Another good source is Ascension Presents or the Busted Halo website. They cover many of the common issues and explain the Church's teaching.

In prayer, ask God to lead you to the truth. Start attending Mass at your local parish, and ask the priest for guidance. Many parishes have programs like Alpha, OCIA and others that can help answer common questions in a nonjudgmental atmosphere.