St. Bartholomew Parish · Video
Becoming Catholic
For anyone interested in the Catholic faith.
Watch on YouTube
Sacraments · Becoming Catholic
Your questions belong here.
You do not have to decide before you begin. Explore the Catholic faith, meet people walking the same road, and discover what a life with Christ can become.
An invitation from the parish
Hear what Becoming Catholic is about.
Watch St. Bartholomew Parish’s introduction to the 2026–2027 gatherings and who is welcome.
Becoming Catholic · 2026–2027
Come and see at St. Barts.
A weekly invitation to explore, beginning September 8, 2026 and continuing through April 13, 2027. Tuesday gatherings have some exceptions; the team will share the session calendar when you register.
When
Tuesday evenings
6:45–8:45 PM
September 8, 2026–April 13, 2027
With some exceptions.
Where
Rectory Meeting Room
Next to the parish offices. Enter through Doors A or B.
14865 East Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
Get directionsRegister
Start with a conversation.
Call the parish office or email Carol Wallington to join the group or ask about beginning now.
CWallington@thestbarts.orgA place to begin again
For the curious. For the searching. For you.
St. Barts welcomes anyone interested in the Catholic faith. The parish’s invitation includes people age 15 and older who are seeking Baptism, baptized Christians exploring Catholicism, Catholics who have not received Confirmation or the Eucharist, and Catholics returning to the faith.
Not baptized?Explore the faith and prepare for Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
Already baptized?Your Baptism matters. The parish will help you prepare for full communion or complete the sacraments you still need.
Returning or simply curious?You are welcome to learn and reconnect. Returning Catholics do not need to become Catholic again.
OCIA means Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. You may know it as RCIA. It is a journey of faith, prayer, community, and discernment.
The journey into the Church
One step at a time.
These are the usual stages of Catholic initiation. St. Barts will walk through your preparation with you; your Baptism, experience, and readiness shape the path and timing.
- 01
Start a conversation
Call the parish office or email Carol Wallington to register. Share what brings you here and whether you have been baptized. You can begin with questions, without deciding to become Catholic.
- 02
Come and explore
Join the Tuesday gatherings. Listen, ask questions, meet others, and explore Catholic belief and prayer. Bring your story as it is; this first period of inquiry is a time to discern.
- 03
Plan your path together
The parish will help you identify the preparation you need, discuss baptismal records if you have them, and guide you in finding a sponsor or godparent. Raise questions about marriage or previous sacraments early so the team can help.
- 04
Grow in faith and parish life
Continue formation, prayer, and participation in Sunday Mass. For those preparing for Baptism, entry into the catechumenate marks a new stage. Those already baptized follow preparation appropriate to their Christian life and background.
- 05
Prepare for the sacraments
For those preparing for Baptism, the Rite of Election leads into a period of prayer and preparation during Lent. Baptized candidates prepare for reception into the Church and the sacraments they need; their timing is discerned individually.
- 06
Celebrate and keep growing
Those not yet baptized ordinarily receive Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil when ready. Baptized Christians are not baptized again; reception ordinarily includes a profession of faith, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. Formation and parish life continue after initiation.
Before you begin
Room for your real questions.
Do I have to commit to becoming Catholic?
No. Begin by exploring and asking questions. A decision to receive the sacraments comes through discernment and preparation.
Can I join after September?
Contact Carol or the parish office about joining the current group. They will help you find the next step based on your background and where the group is in its journey.
What should I bring?
Bring your questions. If you have been baptized, tell the team where and when; they can help you obtain any records needed. You do not need to have everything sorted out before making contact.
How long does becoming Catholic take?
The published gathering season runs September through April. Readiness for the sacraments is personal, and attendance alone does not determine a reception date. Your preparation is planned with the parish.
What if my child is younger than 15?
Contact the parish for preparation appropriate to your child’s age and sacramental background. The Grow page introduces children’s and family formation.
Meeting and registration details: parish video announcement, August 26, 2026. Journey overview: U.S. bishops’ guide to Christian initiation.