Want to delve in right away? 

Check out this book:
United States Catholic Catechism for Adults



Or take advantage of our parish subscription to FORMED and view the Symbolon series. 

Do not be afraid to give Jesus Christ and His Catholic Church a chance!

The Lord is at work in our lives whether we know it or not. Even when we ignore or chose to deny Him, He is constantly calling us to relationship with Him - to deeper communion.  It is only true communion with God that brings us joy and the fulfillment we desire. It is Jesus alone who gives us the peace this world cannot give (Jn 14:27, 16:33).

In God's gracious Providence He has given us the community of the Catholic Church to establish, strengthen, and nourish our relationship with God and with other people on the journey. We are in need of true salvation from sin, which we cannot provide for ourselves. God has empowered the Catholic Church with the sacraments to bestow His grace that transforms and renews us so we may share His glory one day in Heaven. At this very moment, God is calling you to respond to His loving call.  Do not be afraid!  (Mt 28:5)  

For those already baptized Christians, look below at the section, "Coming into Full Communion with the Catholic Church".

For those who are not baptized Christians, the Catholic Church has the gift of the RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).  

God calls all people to share in His love and to live in communion with Him. Similar to human relationships, there are different "stages" meaning that there is a process of growth involved. There is a difference between knowing about someone and actually coming to know the person himself.  Becoming a Catholic is not about signing some registration forms or doing a ceremony, but growing in relationship with the Triune God Who is Love. This happens through coming to know God the Son, Who is Jesus Christ and Who died and rose for the salvation of the world. He has further given to us the communion of the Catholic Church empowered by God the Holy Spirit to continue His presence in the world inviting all people to redemption from sin, joyful renewal, and ever deeper communion with God, our Heavenly Father.

The RCIA is the process of growth toward greater communion with God. Certain aspects of the RCIA vary depending on the parish, but it is a process that usually lasts some months. There are many factors that affect the timeline. Different people are at different points on the journey; thus the process is communally oriented, but individually focused. Depending on how God is at work and how different people respond to God's grace in life, the RCIA may last six months for some individuals but for others a couple of years.  Maybe that seems like a long time, but do not let it discourage you.  The Church takes this seriously because God is worth it! - and  YOU are worth it!

There are many questions, joys, challenges, and triumphs on this journey; but you are not alone.  Do not be afraid. 

To get started, call Fr. Pfeiffer at the rectory at 330-724-1263.

For those who have been baptized in a non-Catholic Christian faith, the Catholic Church recognizes and respects the fact that through your baptism (even if not celebrated in the Catholic Church) you have received God's life, been cleansed of the guilt of original sin, and have the gifts of faith, hope, and love, making you a disciple of Christ. This discipleship is meant to lead to fuller communion in the Lord. This fullness is found in the Catholic Church. Similar to the RCIA process, the timeline for one discerning to come into the Catholic Church will vary; again it is communally oriented, but individually focused. In these cases, you would not be baptized again. The steps involved would be making a profession of Faith, including an affirmation of what the Catholic Church teaches to be revealed by God, then the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation, and then receiving Holy Communion.  

Please call the Fr. Pfeiffer at the rectory at 330-724-1263 if you are interested in exploring more. We hope you do; the Church needs you!