If you have been away from the Catholic Church, whether for a short time or for many years, you are always welcome to come home.

Perhaps life simply became busy and you gradually stopped attending Mass. Maybe you disagreed with or struggled to understand a Church teaching. Perhaps you were hurt by someone in the Church, began attending another church, or simply aren't sure what you believe anymore.

Whatever brought you away—and whatever is bringing you back—we are glad you are here.

You don't need to have everything figured out before you return. You can begin simply by coming to Mass, asking questions, talking with a priest or deacon, or spending some quiet time with Jesus in prayer.

How Do I Come Back to the Catholic Church?

For many Catholics, returning is simpler than they expect.

Come to Mass.
You are welcome to attend Mass even if you have been away from the Church for many years. Don't worry if you don't remember all the prayers, responses, or when to sit, stand, and kneel. Just come. You can follow along and allow yourself time to become comfortable again.

Consider going to Confession.
If you have been away from the sacraments, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a beautiful way to begin again. There is no need to be embarrassed if it has been a long time since your last Confession. Simply tell the priest—it may have been years or even decades—and he can help guide you through it.

If you are conscious of serious sin or otherwise are not currently disposed to receive Holy Communion, you can still attend Mass while you prepare to return to the Eucharist.

Talk with us.
Sometimes returning involves circumstances that require a little more guidance—perhaps questions about marriage, divorce and remarriage, sacraments you never received, or Church teachings with which you struggle. Please don't assume that something in your past means you cannot return. Talk with us first. A priest, deacon, or member of our parish staff can listen to your situation and help you understand the next steps.

Have Questions About the Catholic Faith?

Questions are welcome. In fact, returning to the Church can be an opportunity to discover the Catholic faith as an adult in a way you may never have experienced before.

If there are teachings you don't understand—or perhaps teachings that contributed to your decision to leave—we encourage you to explore them and ask questions. Our parish offers resources to help you learn more about Scripture, the sacraments, Catholic teaching, prayer, and the reasons behind what Catholics believe.

Explore Catholic Apologetics
Find videos addressing common questions and misconceptions about the Catholic faith.

Learn About the Sacraments
Rediscover the grace Christ offers us through the sacramental life of the Church.

Do I Need to Go Through OCIA?

If you are already a baptized Catholic, you usually do not need to go through OCIA simply because you have been away from the Church. For many returning Catholics, coming home begins with attending Mass, receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and reconnecting with parish life.

However, OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), formerly known as RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), may be helpful if you were baptized Catholic but never received First Holy Communion or Confirmation, or if you have been away for many years and would like an opportunity to rediscover the Catholic faith in a welcoming environment.

The name changed from Rite to Order to better reflect that becoming Catholic is not a single rite or event, but a journey of formation that includes prayer, learning, discernment, and several liturgical rites along the way.

OCIA provides an opportunity to learn more about the Catholic faith, ask questions, explore Church teaching, and grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ alongside others on their own journeys of faith.

Contact Us
Not sure where to begin? Reach out to us. We would be happy to talk with you privately and help you take the next step.

It's Never Too Late to Come Home

You may wonder whether you've been gone too long, whether you will be judged, or whether you really belong anymore. You do.

The Church is not a community of people who have everything figured out. We are people who need God's mercy, grace, and love—and who continually need to find our way back to Him.