Christian Initiation

CHRISTIAN INITIATION

BECOMING CATHOLIC

Each year on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil, thousands are baptized into the Catholic Church around the world, or enter into Full Communion with the Catholic Church (for already baptized Christians). Parishes welcome and prepare these new Catholics through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. 

There are several steps in the process of becoming a Catholic. Before beginning the Christian Initiation process, an individual has come to some knowledge of Jesus Christ and is usually attracted in some way to the Catholic Church. This person is called an Inquirer.

At St. Albert the Great, Inquirers should contact Deacon David Ochoa (click on the name to send an email) who leads Christian Initiation for English speakers at the parish. Spanish speakers should contact Deacon Jose Trujillo. Or call the office for more information about how to reach out to the Deacons. 

The Order of Christian Initiation meets every Monday at 7:00 PM from late August until Pentecost (end of the Easter season in May).  Those who are prepared normally receive the Sacraments of Initiation and enter the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil (Saturday before Easter Sunday). Click on the 'Expectations for Participating in Christian Initiation' at St. Albert the Great for more information on what is expected of those who join Christian Initiation. 

Expectations for Participating in Christian Initiation

St. Albert the Great Formation General Information Form

For a description of the steps involved in the Christian Initiation process, please visit this "Christian Initiation of Adults" page on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website.

For more information about the Catholic Church, we invite you to watch this 2-minute video from Catholics Come Home.org.