Catholic Initiation Guide
Introduction
This guide is intended to be one simple tool to aid parish priests, OCIA coordinators, and other parish catechetical leaders in determining which canonical steps should be followed, and which modes of formation employed, for those persons who desire to be initiated—or fully initiated—into the Catholic Church.
Naturally, a guide such as this must be as simple and streamlined as possible to be effective, and so this guide should not be understood as covering every possible scenario that may occur. And of course, in real life the process of Christian conversion is highly personal and nuanced. Even within clear categories, there may be the need for some level of pastoral discernment.
If, after consulting this guide, questions still remain in a given case, please feel free to contact the Institute for Catholic Formation for further guidance.
Click here for irregular marriage situations, otherwise start below.
Is the person a baptized Catholic?
They say they are baptized, but we can’t find the record.
Call the Institute for Catholic Formation
It can happen that a person thinks they were likely baptized, but no record of this can be found. There are several ways to address this situation, but a lot depends on the particular nuances of a given scenario.
Especially for those who are presumed to be baptized Catholics, the first step in this is always to do a very diligent search. For example, if a Catholic cannot remember his or her parish of Baptism—or if the supposed parish of Baptism is contacted and the parish claims not to have any record—it may be useful to call neighboring parishes in the same city. It could also be that the record in question is kept at a new or different parish as the result of a closing or merger from a parish reorganization. Often calling the Chancery of the relevant dioceses can resolve the issue.
This sort of records search can be more difficult for a presumably baptized non-Catholic. Not all Protestant denominations have the same level of concern for duly recoding Baptisms as they happen; and Protestant denominations often do not have an office equivalent to a Catholic diocesan Chancery. Still, some further investigation—such as calling the denomination’s local churches in the city or geographic area where the Baptism is believed to have taken place—might still be possible.
If no record whatsoever can be found, as per canon 876 of the Code of Canon Law, it is possible to accept the testimony of one credible witness as proof of Baptism in lieu of a Baptismal certificate. (For example, a parent might sign an affidavit stating that they personally witnessed their child’s Baptism.) If the person with the unlocatable record was an adult at the time of their Baptism, their own testimony is sufficient.
If absolutely no record can be found, and there are no witnesses to the supposed Baptism, then a conditional Baptism may be appropriate in some cases. (See OCIA 480 for reference.) But in difficult situations such as this, is it recommended to call the office of the Institute for Catholic Formation for guidance and advice.
Are they baptized, but not Catholic?
A person is baptized Catholic if they: 1. received a valid Baptism (that is, baptized with water and the correct Trinitarian formula); and 2. intended to be Catholic, or their parents intended them to be raised Catholic at the time of their Baptism.
If a person was baptized in a Catholic church, with the full Catholic ritual, by a Catholic priest or deacon, it is obvious that they were baptized as a Catholic. However, a person may also be a baptized Catholic even in other circumstances. For example, a child of in danger of death who was baptized by a non-Catholic in emergency could still be considered a baptized Catholic. (If there is ever any question about whether a person was baptized Catholic, call the office for advice.)
Once baptized a Catholic, a person is always Catholic, even if they fall away from the faith or begin to practice a different religion.
A person is baptized but not Catholic if they were validly baptized in a non-Catholic Christian denomination with no intention at the time of their Baptism that they would enter the Catholic Church.
A non-Catholic Christian who was not yet baptized upon approaching the Catholic Church (as might be the case with, e.g., some Baptists who believe in adult Baptism only); or a self-identified Christian whose Baptism was not valid by Catholic standards (such as Mormons, who do not reference the Trinity in their Baptism ceremonies) would be considered unbaptized for the purposes of sacramental Christian Initiation.
Are they Orthodox?
The Orthodox are Christians who separated from the Catholic Church in 1054, and therefore are not in communion with the Holy Father in Rome. Most Orthodox Churches are deeply connected to a particular geographic location or ethnic group.
Be careful not to confuse Orthodox Christians with Eastern Catholics. Many Eastern Catholics have similar liturgical traditions with the Orthodox. However, unlike the Orthodox, Eastern Catholics are fully Catholic and fully in union with Rome.
Yes, they are Orthodox
They need to make a simple profession of faith.
Although the Orthodox Churches are in schism (that is, they do not acknowledge the authority of the Holy Father in Rome), their theology is very similar to our Catholic beliefs. The Orthodox also maintain Apostolic Succession. This means that their priests were ordained by validly-ordained bishops who were in turn ordained by other validly-ordained bishops in an unbroken chain extending back to the time of the Twelve Apostles, who were given their priesthood by Jesus himself.
Therefore, the Orthodox have valid sacraments. An Orthodox Christian who wishes to become Catholic would not need to receive any additional sacraments, because they have already been validly baptized, validly confirmed, and have been receiving a valid Eucharist.
Because Orthodox Christians have already received the same sacraments of initiation that a Catholic would, all that is necessary for an Orthodox Christian to be received into the Catholic Church is a simple profession of faith (which may occur in even a non-liturgical context.)
Note also that practice of both Eastern Catholics and the Orthodox are for their infants to receive all three sacraments of initiation at the time of their Baptism. Therefore, school-aged Orthodox children have already been confirmed and have received their first Holy Communion.
For reference, see the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, nn. 474-486.
Are they a Protestant with a valid Baptism?
Are they a Protestant with a valid Baptism?
Use the liturgy provided in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults for “entering into full communion.”
Protestant Christians who have received a valid Baptism are not catechumens, and therefore they do not belong to the catechumenate strictly speaking. However, although some rituals proper to catechumens would not apply to baptized non-Catholics, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults provides some parallel liturgical options for receiving these Christians into full communion with the Catholic Church.
Depending on the background and needs of the individual, the nature and extent of their formation should be discerned on a case-by-case basis. Please call the office of the Institute for Catholic Formation with any questions in this regard.
We’re not sure if they are members of a denomination with a valid Baptism.
Check the list or call the Institute for Catholic Formation
A valid Baptism must include: 1. water (either poured over the person’s head, or with the person being fully immersed); and 2. An appropriate Trinitarian formula (“I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”)
If one of these elements is lacking, the person is considered unbaptized, even if they self-identify as “Christian.”
Here is a list of Protestant denominations which do have a valid Baptism recognized by the Catholic Church, and those which are known not to have a valid Baptism.
| Baptisms Considered Valid: | |
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| Baptisms NOT Considered Valid: | |
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| Baptisms Considered Doubtful: | |
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For example, most mainline or traditional Anglicans and Lutherans will use water and a valid Baptismal formula; their members are truly baptized in the eyes of the Catholic Church. On the other hand, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) are known not to have a valid Baptism, since their theology and thus their prayers do not acknowledge the Holy Trinity.
There are some Protestant denominations which are too new or too small to be represented on our chart. In this case, it may be possible to contact the denomination in question to discern whether their Baptismal practices would result in a valid Baptism. Whenever a clear answer cannot be readily obtained, please call the office of the Institute for Catholic Formation for guidance and advice.
They are unbaptized (or the “Baptism” ceremony they had was not one the Catholic Church would consider valid).
They participate in the catechumenate properly so-called.
“The catechumenate is an ancient ecclesial practice, restored after the Vatican Council offered to unbaptized converts”1 which is “intended as a period of well-suited instruction […] sanctified by liturgical rites to be celebrated at successive intervals of time.”2 That is, the catechumenate is a special occasion of Christian formation where unbaptized individuals are prepared to receive the light of Christ in Baptism.
The catechumenate involves particular rituals that are unique to the Christian initiation of the unbaptized, such as the Rite of Election.
Although the 2020 Directory for Catechesis directs us to look towards the catechumenate as a broad source of inspiration for all of our catechetical efforts; and although the same Order of Christian Initiation of Adults contains other rituals for receiving baptized non-Catholics into the Church, it is important to note that the catechumenate properly so-called is only for the unbaptized.
Have they made their first Holy Communion yet?
How old are they?
Have they received the sacrament of Confirmation?
Congratulations, they are fully initiated!
If you are working with a baptized Catholic who has already made their first Communion and received Confirmation, congratulations! You are with a fully initiated Catholic.
A fully initiated Catholic no longer needs immediate preparation for the sacraments of initiation. However, perhaps they could benefit from the programs of on-going faith formation at your parish?
How old are they?
Is this young one in danger of death?
An unconfirmed Catholic child in danger of death?
Confirm immediately!
Note that as per canon 883, 3° of the Code of Canon Law, in danger of death any priest can confer the sacrament of Confirmation, even without special delegation from the bishop that would normally be required for a priest to confirm.
Similarly, infant Catholics—i.e., those 7 years old or younger—are not eligible for the sacrament of anointing of the sick as anointing of the sick, like the sacrament of penance, is meant for those who seek healing from the consequences of sins they have knowingly committed. But in the case of serious illness it is appropriate for Catholic infants to receive the sacrament of Confirmation “early” (although if the child in question was not in immediate danger of death the priest would need to request the faculty to confirm from the bishop).
A Catholic child in no special danger needs to receive the sacrament?
The child should join in the normal parish faith formation and sacramental preparation program.
A baptized canonical infant (i.e., under age 7) is not expected to have received the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist. He or she should enroll in the normal parish faith formation classes and receive the sacraments of initiation at the customary times.
A Catholic child who had not received the First Holy Communion or the sacrament of Confirmation at the local customary age, but who is still broadly an age peer (i.e., within 1-2 years age difference) of the children who are preparing for the sacrament may join the normal sacramental formation program with the other children in the parish.
Is this school-aged Catholic child within 1-2 years of the usual age for the reception of the sacrament with their peers in your parish?
Has this child been receiving regular faith formation up until this point?
An “out of sequence” Catholic child who has been receiving regular faith formation but has not been confirmed?
They may join in the next parish Confirmation.
That is, they may come to the next parish Confirmation ceremony and join the younger children as they receive the sacrament from the bishop.
It can sometimes happen that a child who has been receiving regular, consistent faith formation still might have “missed” the sacrament of Confirmation. For example, the child’s family may have recently moved into the area from a parish where the sacrament was typically celebrated at a later age than at their new parish.
A child who is more than two years older than the other children in the parish program of immediate Confirmation preparation should not join in the formation sessions/classes with the much-younger children—although they should be invited to join their age peers in the regular parish faith formation program. But naturally, they may come to any rehearsals or practice sessions for the day itself.
Nevertheless, steps should be taken to insure the child is ready and adequately prepared for the sacrament, and a brief program of individual immediate Confirmation preparation should be considered.
An unconfirmed Catholic child who has not had regular faith formation?
Work out some program of individual sacramental preparation.
A school-aged child or teenager who has received neither the sacrament of Confirmation nor regular faith formation needs proper formation for the sacrament, including the normal faith formation they would have missed. If there are a number of children in this situation in your parish or local grouping of parishes, some form of common “remedial” faith formation program may be considered.
However, it is likely more practical to arrange for some sort of individual sacramental preparation within the parish. For example, perhaps a seasoned catechist can provide tutoring, and/or a sponsor might be found within the parish who could accompany the child and their family.
Is this unconfirmed adult Catholic planning to marry soon?
A Catholic adult who is engaged to be married still needs Confirmation?
Make whatever special arrangements are reasonably possible to allow this Catholic to receive the sacrament before their wedding.
Canon 1065 §1 of the Code of Canon Law tells us that: “Catholics who have not yet received the sacrament of confirmation are to receive it before being admitted to marriage, if this can be done without grave inconvenience.” Or in other words, although an unconfirmed Catholic adult could marry validly, it is the strong desire of the Church that Catholics marry only after having been fully initiated.
There are several ways in which an unconfirmed Catholic who is engaged to be married might receive the sacrament in an expedient way.
One option is for the priest preparing the couple for marriage to request delegation from the bishop so that he could confer the sacrament of Confirmation himself. In this case, some form of brief personal formation for Confirmation should be considered.
Or if the calendar permits, after some brief personal formation the candidate might also be able to join in the regular parish confirmation ceremony with the bishop. Alternatively, the candidate might join with the other candidates at the annual Diocesan adult Confirmation ceremony at Pentecost.
If it is not logistically possible for the unconfirmed Catholic to receive Confirmation prior to marrying, he or she should be still encouraged to join the adult Confirmation formation program of the Diocese of Bridgeport in the hopes that Confirmation may be received after the wedding.
A Catholic adult with no special circumstances still needs Confirmation?
Have them participate in the Diocese of Bridgeport’s adult Confirmation program.
The Diocese of Bridgeport offers a program of sacramental formation for adult Catholics who are lacking the sacrament of Confirmation, culminating in a special diocesan celebration of the Sacrament on Pentecost Sunday. Call the office of the Institute for Catholic Formation for more information.
An older Catholic child (age 10+) has not received their first Holy Communion?
Work out some program of personal formation.
There is no special liturgy for one’s first Holy Communion, so logistically the “out of sequence” child may receive for the first time at any Mass (or, in extenuating circumstances, even outside of Mass is necessary).
It would not be appropriate for an older child to receive sacramental formation alongside much younger children. However, care should be taken to ensure that older children who need to receive their first Communion are properly formed. Pastoral discernment should be used to discern what specific means of individual formation will be the most appropriate in a given case—for example, perhaps a seasoned catechist could tutor the child.
In any case, the child should be enrolled in the parish’s regular faith formation program with their age peers.
If the child is younger than the customary age for Confirmation in the parish, they may receive first Communion via a special program of personal formation, and then eventually join in the regular parish Confirmation preparation program alongside their age peers.
If the child is above the parish’s customary age for Confirmation, the possibility of the child receiving both sacraments at the same time should be considered. In this case, call the office of the Institute for Catholic Formation for guidance.
A baptized Catholic adult has not received their first Holy Communion?
With special pastoral sensitivity, work out some program of personal formation, and/or consider welcoming them liturgically with catechumens.
If an adult was baptized Catholic but has not received their first Communion, it is possible that this lack of an appropriate sacramental life is due to complicated life circumstances that should be discerned with appropriate sensitivity and tact.
There is no special liturgy for one’s first Holy Communion, so logistically the adult may receive for the first time at any Mass (or, in extenuating circumstances, even outside of Mass is necessary). However, care should be taken to ensure that adult Catholics who need to receive their first Communion are properly formed. Pastoral discernment should be used to discern what specific means of individual formation will be the most appropriate in a given case.
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults also contains provisions for “welcoming baptized but previously uncatechized adults who are preparing for Confirmation and/or Eucharist.” (See OCIA n. 505 and 506) This option may be considered if:
- It would seem to be the most beneficial course of action for the baptized adult; and
- It will not cause any undue confusion within the parish.
Irregular marriage situations
When working with adults seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church, prudent and tactful inquiry should be made regarding their marital situation. If they are in a union which we would call “irregular”—that is, not in accord with the marriage laws of the Catholic Church—this adds another level of discernment and consideration to their initiation process.
A full discussion on the Church’s marriage laws, and irregular unions and their implications, is beyond the scope of this guide.
But for reference, some examples of irregular marital situations include: a person who is divorced and remarried without having received a declaration of nullity (a.k.a. an “annulment”) from a Catholic marriage tribunal; a baptized Catholic who is only civilly married; or a committed couple who cohabitates without the benefit of marriage.
As a general rule of thumb, because a person in an irregular marital situation is living in a public, ongoing, and stable state which is directly contrary to the Church’s teachings, they cannot become fully initiated Catholics. I.e., logically, it would make little sense to profess to embrace all of the Church’s teachings when one’s lifestyle stands in direct contradiction to this. (Incidentally, the necessity of striving sincerely to live out all of the Church’s moral teachings for those seeking to be initiated goes beyond the issue of marriage; a person who lived a public and continually sinful way of life in other areas would likewise be ineligible for full Catholic initiation.)
Be mindful that every irregular situation is unique, and therefore there is no one standard way of resolving irregular situations in general. For instance, a cohabitating couple may be able to regularize their situation by simply getting married; another couple might include a person with a previous marriage that would need to be addressed. A divorced and remarried Catholic might be able to approach the marriage Tribunal for a declaration of nullity; or a divorced and remarried person might prayerfully discern that they are called to live a chaste life (living “as brother and sister”) in order to receive the sacraments.
If there is every any doubt about how to address a specific irregular marriage situation in the context of Catholic initiation, please call the Institute for Catholic Formation or the Tribunal for guidance.