• Thinking about Becoming Catholic?

    An Open Invitation

    Our Becoming Catholic team helps people who are inquiring about the Catholic faith and those who are considering joining the Catholic Church. We also accompany those who have been away from the Church return at a comfortable pace. We’d love to talk with you to find out where you are in your faith journey and how we can help!

    First Step

    The first step is to schedule a one-on-one meeting with David Reising. At that meeting, we listen to your faith story and discover how we can best help you on your spiritual journey in the areas of word, worship, witness and community (see Acts 2:42-43). Click here to schedule a meeting automatically, or contact David Reising in the Faith Formation Office at dreising@saintfrancischurch.org or 515-440-1030.

    Next Steps

    The next step is creating an individualized faith formation map to guide you on your journey.* Depending on your needs and desires, we may then match you with a faith journey companion or sponsor. After that, in addition to attending Mass, you may do one or more of the following: 

    • continue to meet one-on-one. 
    • begin attending inquiry or formation sessions. 
    • participate in study or faith sharing groups.

    View a sample Faith Formation Map (PDF)

    *You will receive a schedule, formation resources, and more details at your one-on-one meeting. Please note that, depending on your faith background, the length and pace of your faith journey may differ from others. Rites take place and sacraments are conferred when both the individual and the parish are ready, and prayerful discernment is always a part of each person’s journey.

    Weekly Sessions

    Inquiry and formation sessions are held weekly on Thursdays from 7:00 – 8:30 pm in the Serra Room.

    • Various weeks are taken off throughout the year due to feast days and holidays.
    • Sessions are held biweekly during summer months. We will meet on the following dates during the summer of 2026: June 11 & 25, July 9 & 23, August 6 & 27.

    Your faith journey may also include special liturgies, retreats, and service opportunities.

    View a map to the Serra Room here.

    What is the OCIA

    The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is the process that unbaptized adults go through to become Catholic and fully initiated into the church. It is more than just learning the history, rules and regulations. It is building a relationship with God and the worshiping community. Click here to learn more about the OCIA on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website.
    What if I'm already baptized? Or what if I'm a Catholic wanting to be confirmed?

    Adults who have already been validly baptized (including Baptized Catholics wanting to be confirmed) follow a path customized as much as possible to their unique needs and previous faith journey. It is very likely that the length and pace of your faith journey may differ from others. Rites take place and sacraments are conferred when both the individual and the parish are ready, and prayerful discernment is always a part of each person’s journey.
    Already Catholic? Feel called to walk with someone on their faith journey?
     If you’re already Catholic, we’re happy to talk with those who may be called as:
    • prayer partners
    • hospitality or session hosts
    • faith story tellers
    • faith companions or sponsors
    • catechists
    • small group facilitators

    This is a great opportunity to learn more and grow in your faith, too!

    For more information, please contact David Reising in the Faith Formation Office at dreising@saintfrancischurch.org or 515-440-1030.

    More Information

  • For more information or to schedule a one-on-one meeting, contact David Reising in the Faith Formation Office at dreising@saintfrancischurch.org or 515-440-1030.

  • You may also view and print a copy of the most recent Becoming Catholic brochure.

  • View brochure