How do I find out about becoming Catholic or learning more about Catholicism?

In the Brainerd area, the best place to start is to contact one of our priests or our Director of Adult Formation and let them know that you are interested in finding out more about the Catholic faith. (Contact numbers can be found at the bottom of this page.) Our priests and staff would be happy to answer your questions, and to direct you in the next steps. You will be invited to join with others like yourself as you inquire into what "being Catholic" is all about: who we are, what we believe, how we live our lives, how we pray, and more. Your questions are welcomed! If you have found this page and you live outside of the Brainerd area, please contact your local Catholic Church or the Diocese where you live.

What if I think that I want to become Catholic?

We would love to help you begin the process! You are invited to begin a process called OCIA (formally called RCIA). OCIA stands for Order of Christian Initiation for Adults and it is the process by which adults, unbaptized and baptized, can enter the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion. In the Brainerd area, our OCIA program is incorporated into our FUSE program, which is a community program that brings Catholics and non-Catholics together to learn more about the Catholic faith. In OCIA, adults learn about the teachings of Jesus as the Catholic Church has handed them on. We put these teachings into practice by living as part of the Catholic community, serving others, and praying. FUSE usually starts in mid-October, but please contact us at any time during the year if you are thinking about becoming Catholic. If the schedule for FUSE does not work well with your own calendar, we can certainly work something out! Please contact us for more information.

Who can participate in OCIA?

Anyone over the age of 18 is more than welcome to participate in OCIA classes and events. No previous knowledge or experience of Christianity is necessary. If you have a child under the age of 18 who would like to become Catholic, they can join our youth Faith Formation program or work with our staff on a plan. Please contact us with any other questions.

Does it cost anything to go through OCIA or to attend FUSE?

There is no charge for any part of the process in becoming Catholic. While we may ask for donations for the meals that are offered during FUSE, there is no obligation to give anything at all.

What does a normal OCIA class look like for FUSE?

More info can be found on our FUSE page (https://brainerdcatholic.org/adult-faith-formation), but a typical night has a complimentary dinner served buffet-style from 6:00pm – 6:40pm. The class will then begin at 6:45pm and each night will focus on a particular topic about the Catholic faith. The night will end at 8:30pm. FUSE takes place most Tuesday nights from about mid-October until the end of April during the school year. Schedule

What if I'm not sure I want to become Catholic or what if I change my mind?

You do not make any commitment or obligation by inquiring about Catholicism or beginning the Christian initiation process and attending classes. We want you to take the time you need as you think about becoming Catholic and we respect your decision to stop or to say, "not right now" at any time. While we love being Catholic and hope that others will want to become Catholic also, we do not exert pressure on anyone to do so. Our hope would be that at the very least, you would come to a greater appreciation of Catholic beliefs and practices.

What does initiation into the Catholic Church entail?

If you have not been baptized, the Christian initiation process (attending FUSE or meeting one-on-one) prepares you to become a Catholic Christian by celebrating what we call the Sacraments of Christian initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion.

If you have been baptized in another ecclesial community or Christian church, the initiation process prepares you to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church by celebrating the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion.

How long does it take to become a Catholic?

While becoming Catholic is a personal journey and the time frame can vary from individual to individual, a typical Christian initiation process through the FUSE program typically will last about 6 months. One of the most common times that a person will enter the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation would be at the Easter Vigil Mass, which takes place at the Saturday Evening mass before Easter morning. But entrance into the Catholic Church can take place at pretty much any time during the year.

What do I do first?

Let us know you are interested by contacting us here at Brainerd Catholic. We look forward to connecting with you, and we welcome you on this journey!

To find out more, and to reach our priests, or our adult formation director, please contact one of our priests or staff:

Father Michael Garry, 218-822-4040, fr.michael.garry@duluthcatholic.org

Father Scott Padrnos, 218-822-4040, fr.scott.padrnos@duluthcatholic.org

Father Gabriel Waweru, 218-829-1340, fr.gabriel.waweru@duluthcatholic.org

Adult Formation Director, Dan Johnson: 218-454-2923, djohnson@lakescatholic.org