Becoming Catholic
Adults who are not Baptized:
Anyone over the age of 7 (what Catholics call the “age of reason”) who would like to become Catholic normally attends a series of classes which dive into the Catholic Faith. That series of classes culminates in the Easter Vigil, where adults are Baptized, Confirmed, and given First Holy Communion.
Becoming Catholic classes are normally held on Tuesday evenings from 7-8pm. The classes begin around the middle of August. Attending the classes is not a commitment to become Catholic until later on in the year. Even those who are just curious about learning more are welcome.
Adults who are Baptized non-Catholic Christian:
Anyone over the age of 7 who has already been Baptized with water and the Trinitarian Formula (“I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”) who would like to become Catholic must be formally received into the Church by a priest and is normally Confirmed and given First Holy Communion at the same time. This can happen any time throughout the year, but at St. Jude it normally happens during Lent.
Most people join in the Becoming Catholic classes with adults who are not yet Baptized to learn more about the Faith, but other arrangements are possible depending on the person.