Becoming a fully initiated Catholic is a meaningful, transformative journey, and we are here to walk with you every step of the way. Our process is designed to help adults and children over age 7 grow in understanding, discernment and commitment to the Catholic faith. It begins with gathering information and registering in August and September, and continues through the key phases of discernment, learning, and spiritual preparation. Throughout the year, adults and children over age 7 will engage in prayer, reflection, and community life, culminating in the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation. This schedule provides an overview of each phase, offering a clear path toward full initiation into the Church, and opportunities for candidates to deepen their relationship with God and the Catholic community.
There are three pathways to becoming fully initiated in the Catholic faith. Please read about each of the three pathways and determine which one is right for you or your child.
Pathway for Those Who Have Never Been Baptized
August/September: Information Gathering
- Contact the Basilica of Ste. Anne, Most Holy Trinity Parish or Most Holy Trinity Catholic Academy (MHTCA) for preliminary information and register to begin the process. (MHTCA families will receive information at Curriculum Night.)
October: Inquiry Phase – Do I Want to become Catholic?
- During this phase, pre-catechumens will be introduced to Catholicism.
November/December: Discernment Phase – Learning the Christian Way of Life
- During this phase, pre-catechumens will learn more about Catholicism.
January: Rite of Entrance – Publicly Becoming a Catechumen
- This rite takes place during a Sunday Mass or a school Mass.
First Sunday of Lent: Rite of Election
- This rite takes place at the Cathedral with sponsors and parents.
- This is when the Catechumen is called Elect.
Lent: Period of Spiritual Preparation
- During this phase, elects will continue to deepen their spiritual lives, learn more about the faith and prayerfully prepare for the Sacraments of Initiation.
Before Easter: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation)
- Adults and children over age 7 will receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil Mass.
- Children under age 7 will be baptized at their parish church and then receive First Communion and Confirmation later with their catechism peers or school classmates.
Easter – Pentecost (50 days after Easter): Integrating New Catholics into the Life of the Community
- This is the time for newly baptized members to reflect on their experiences and discern how they can be involved in parish life. Information about parish life will be provided and there will be opportunities for discussion.
Pathway for Those Who Are Baptized in the Protestant Faith and Would Like To Become Catholic
August/September – Information Gathering
- Contact the Basilica of Ste. Anne, Most Holy Trinity Parish or Most Holy Trinity Catholic Academy (MHTCA) for preliminary information and register to begin the process. (MHTCA families will receive information at Curriculum Night.)
October: Inquiry Phase – Do I Want to Become Catholic?
- During this phase, candidates will be introduced to Catholicism.
November/December: Discernment Phase – Learning the Christian Way of Life
- During this phase, candidates will learn more about Catholicism.
January: Rite of Welcoming – Publicly Becoming a Candidate
- This rite takes place during a Sunday or school Mass.
First Sunday of Lent: Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion
- This rite takes place at the Cathedral with sponsors and parents.
Lent: Period of Spiritual Preparation
- During this phase, candidates will continue to learn about the faith and prayerfully prepare for the sacraments.
Before Easter: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (First Communion, Confirmation)
- Adults and children not attending MHTCA will participate in the Rite of Reception. They will make the Profession of Faith and receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil Mass. Children enrolled in Religious Education classes may also receive First Communion and Confirmation with their Religious Education peers.
- MHTCA students will make a Profession of Faith at a school Mass and receive First Communion and Confirmation later with their schoolmates.
Easter – Pentecost (50 days after Easter): Integrating New Catholics into the Life of the Community
- This is the time for candidates to reflect on their experiences and discern how they can be involved in parish life. Information about parish life will be provided and there will be opportunities for discussion.
Pathway for Baptized Catholics Who Desire the Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation
August/September: Information Gathering
- Contact the Basilica of Ste. Anne, Most Holy Trinity Parish or Most Holy Trinity Catholic Academy (MHTCA) for preliminary information and register to begin the process. (MHTCA families will receive information at Curriculum Night.)
October: Discernment Phase: Do I Want to Complete My Initiation in the Catholic Church?
- During this phase, candidates will learn more about Catholicism.
November – December: Learning the Catholic Way of Life
- During this phase, candidates will deepen their understanding of the Catholic way of life.
First Sunday of Lent: Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion
- This rite takes place at the Cathedral with sponsors and parents.
Lent: Period of Spiritual Preparation
- During this phase, candidates will continue to learn about the Catholic faith and prayerfully prepare for the Sacraments.
Before Easter: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (First Communion, Confirmation)
- Adults and children not enrolled at MHTCA will receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil Mass. Children enrolled in Religious Education classes may also receive First Communion and Confirmation with their Religious Education peers.
- MHTCA students will receive First Communion and Confirmation with their schoolmates.
Easter – Pentecost (50 days after Easter): Integrating Fully Initiated Catholics into the Life of the Community
- This is the time for candidates to reflect on their experiences and discern how they can be involved in parish life. Information about parish life will be provided and there will be opportunities for discussion.