Thinking about Becoming Catholic?

St. Francis of Assisi welcomes individuals and families who are interested in becoming Catholic and joining our faith community. Here, you can explore the Catholic Faith, hear faith stories, ask questions, meet others on the journey and much more.

Summer Session

June 15 & 29, July 13 & 27, and August 17
All gatherings will meet from 7:00-8:30 pm in the St. Clare room.

Weekly Sessions

We will gather most Thursdays from 7:00-8:30 pm in the St. Clare room starting August 31.


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! Contact Vivian Day in the Faith Formation Office by email or at 515-440-1030.

First Step

The first step is to schedule a one-on-one meeting with a Becoming Catholic team member. 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).

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.


Sessions and Rites

As part of your journey, you may attend group inquiry and formation sessions that usually meet on Thursdays from:  7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Some sessions meet on different days and at different times.

You may be asked to attend Scripture reflection sessions based on the Mass readings. These sessions typically meet on Sundays as part of the Mass.

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

Past Sessions

Many of our formation sessions have been recorded and can be viewed at this link.


What is the RCIA?

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) 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 RCIA on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website.

What if I’m already baptized? What if I’m a Catholic seeking 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.


More Information

For more information or to schedule a one-on-one meeting, contact Vivian Day in the Faith Formation Office by email or at 515-440-1030.

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

View brochure


Already Catholic? Called to walk with another on a 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 Vivian Day in the Faith Formation Office by email or at 515-440-1030.