Become Catholic at Any Age
Are you interested in learning more about Jesus Christ? Is Jesus calling you to follow him in a deeper way? Are you considering the Catholic faith?
The Catholic Church welcomes people of all ages into the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist – the foundation of Christian life.
Whether you are an infant, a child, a teenager, or an adult, the Catholic Church offers a formation process tailored to your stage of life, centered on faith, prayer, learning and community.
Are you ready to join the Catholic faith? Contact your local parish to begin the process.
Infants & Young Children (newborns to 6 years)
For infants, baptism is celebrated as soon as possible after birth, welcoming the child into the life of Christ and the church.
For baptized Catholics, after a certain time of faith formation and religious instruction (catechesis), first Eucharist (First Holy Communion) takes place around the age of reason (7 years old or older), accompanied by the reception of reconciliation beforehand.
Parents, with the support of godparents, can request a baptism through their parish. A formation session(s) may be required for parents, recognizing their important role. If your young child was validly baptized in another Christian community and you are seeking full communion with the Catholic Church, contact the parish about next steps—all valid baptisms are recognized by the Catholic Church.
Children (7-13 years)
Children who are old enough to understand the basics of faith participate in age-appropriate catechetical formation, often with active family involvement.
- Unbaptized Children (Catechumens): Participate in an adapted form of OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) or catechetical process that leads to baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist celebrated together.
- Baptized Children from another Christian tradition (Candidates): Follow a shorter, adapted path that leads to a profession of faith, confirmation and Eucharist.
Catechumens are in formation for a minimum of one liturgical year and are normally received during the Easter Vigil. Candidates can be received at any time of the year, once they are considered ready. While a special emphasis is placed on completing their initiation sacraments during the Easter season, it is not mandatory.
In the Archdiocese of Atlanta, for baptized Catholic youth, reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation is moving from 10th grade to 6th grade over the next several years.
Teens and Adults (14 years or older)
Teens and adults typically follow the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA), a faith journey restored by the Second Vatican Council that combines catechesis, prayer and liturgical rites.
- Unbaptized Persons (Catechumens): Participate in the full OCIA process, including periods of inquiry, formation, purification during Lent, celebration of the sacraments at Easter and post-baptismal reflection (mystagogy).
- Baptized Christians (Candidates): Follow an adapted OCIA process that leads to a profession of faith, confirmation and Eucharist. Baptism is not repeated.
This process can typically take several months to more than one full liturgical year, depending on one’s journey and the parish.
Practical Next Steps
Children who are old enough to understand the basics of faith participate in age-appropriate catechetical formation, often with active family involvement.
- Visit your parish website or call the parish office. Your parish is ready to accompany you on your faith journey.
- Attend an inquiry session to learn more. There is no obligation to continue.
- Prepare through prayer and openness. Sponsors and godparents can guide and support you.
Please note that initiation practices may be adapted in mission or special pastoral settings.
For more information on the Catholic Church, find resources from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and read the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
The Catholic Church accompanies each person according to their stage of life, guiding them into full communion through grace-filled sacraments. Wherever you are on your journey, a parish community is ready to welcome you.
