Resources

Interested in Becoming Catholic?

Whether you're already seriously considering becoming Catholic or are simply curious about the Catholic Church, you've come to the right place! Below you will find resources to aid your inquiry into the 2,000-year-old Church founded by Jesus Christ.

Instructional Classes on Catholicism (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) is the process by which non-Catholics become members of the Catholic Church. It consists of a series of classes that introduce the prospective convert to Catholic beliefs and practices.

RCIA classes begin in the fall and meet weekly until Easter, when those who have completed the process are officially initiated into the Catholic Church. Every Catholic parish offers RCIA classes. They are free of charge and open to anyone wanting to learn more about Catholicism, whether they ultimately decide to become Catholic or not. There is no pressure and no obligation.

Below is information on local RCIA classes beginning this fall in Ann Arbor.

Ann Arbor, MI

Location: St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
Meeting Time: Mondays from 7-9pm
Contact: Deacon Warren Hecht (whecht@umich.edu)

Location: St. Mary Student Parish
Meeting Time: Wednesdays from 7-9pm
Contact: Rita Zyber (rzyber@smspnewman.org)

Why Become Catholic?

In explaining why he became Catholic, G.K. Chesterton once stated "there are ten thousand reasons all amounting to one reason: that Catholicism is true."

While there are countless reasons why people become Catholic, below are seven things that make the Catholic Church truly unique.

7. Charity Unsurpassed.

Did you know that the Catholic Church is the largest charitable organization in the world? No other institution does more to feed the hungry, care for the sick, and champion the rights of the poor.

6. One big family.

With 1.1 billion members in every corner of the globe, the Church is catholic, meaning "universal," in its truest sense. Whether rich or poor, powerful or lowly, saint or sinner, the Catholic Church embraces every human person, pointing all to Jesus Christ.

5. Builder of Western Civilization.

Did you know that the Catholic Church invented the university? Developed the scientific method? Patronized the arts? Contributed to the birth of modern economics?

4. Stability.

G.K. Chesterton once remarked that the Catholic Church is not behind the times, but beyond the times. Amidst an ever-evolving world, the Catholic Church's teachings do not change, and never will, because Christ does not change.

3. The Saints.

Google St. Patrick, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Francis Xavier, St. Dominic Savio, or St. Therese of Lisieux. The saints are ordinary people who, by God's grace, lived extraordinary lives and now intercede for us in heaven.

2. The Eucharist.

Christ's greatest gift to the Catholic Church is His very flesh. Every time they attend Mass, Catholics have the opportunity to receive the body, blood, soul, and divinity of their Savior in Holy Communion.

1. The True Faith.

Of all the religions founded by men, only one can claim that its founder was also God. The Catholic Church was personally established by Jesus Christ for your salvation. Because Christ desires that all be saved, He wills that all enter His Church.

Need Help?

If you need help getting started on your journey into the Catholic Church, we're here to help. We provide support, both catechetical and fraternal, for those interested in becoming Catholic. Our contact page gives information on how to reach us.

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