XXVIII Start here
New here, or coming back?
Whether you are curious about the Catholic faith, returning after many years, or going to Mass for the first time — here is where to begin, one step at a time.
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John 1:39
I am curious about the faith
“Come and see”
You do not need to believe everything before you start. Catholics have always begun the way the first disciples did: by coming to see.
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Hear what Catholics believe
The faith in a few words is the Creed, which Catholics pray every Sunday. To go further, look up any question in the Catechism, or watch the Sycamore films — twenty short episodes on the faith.
Search the Catechism Sycamore films The Creed and the prayers
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Come to a Mass
Anyone may come to Mass; you do not have to do anything but be there. It helps to know what happens and why.
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Find a parish
Look for a Catholic church near you — or where you are travelling — and the times of its Masses.
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Talk to a priest
Ask the parish about becoming Catholic. Adults are welcomed step by step through the catechumenate, which leads to Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist (CCC 1247–1249). Christians already baptized in another church are not baptized again; they are received into full communion (CCC 1272).
Luke 15:20
I am coming back
“While he was still far off, his father saw him”
Many Catholics come back after years away — after a move, a loss, a doubt or simply drifting. You do not need to have everything sorted out first. The door is open.
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Go to Confession
However long it has been, Confession is the way home: the Fathers called it “the second plank of salvation after the shipwreck” (CCC 1446). Just tell the priest roughly how long it has been; he will help you through the rest.
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Come back to Sunday Mass
The Sunday Eucharist is “at the heart of the Church’s life” (CCC 2177). If you last went to Mass in English before 2011, some of the words have changed — the answers are on the screen or in the pew book, and no one minds if you follow quietly.
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Pray again
Start small: a morning prayer, a decade of the Rosary, a few minutes with the Gospel of the day.
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Bring what weighs on you
A marriage outside the Church, a question that troubles you, Confirmation you never received — every situation can be talked through with a priest, in confidence. Ask your parish; that is what they are there for.
Luke 22:19
I am going to Mass for the first time
“Do this in memory of me”
A wedding, a funeral, a friend who invited you — whatever brings you, you are welcome. Here is what helps to know.
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What happens
The Mass has two great parts: the Liturgy of the Word, with readings from the Bible, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. People stand, sit and kneel at different moments — simply follow those around you.
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At Communion
Catholics receive Communion when they are free of grave sin and have fasted for one hour (CCC 1385, CCC 1387; can. 919). If you are not Catholic, please do not receive, but you are warmly welcome to stay in your place and pray; in many parishes you may come forward with your arms crossed over your chest for a blessing.
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After Mass
If something touched you, the priest or someone in the parish will gladly talk with you afterwards.
Every step leads to a CathoNav page that explains it from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Code of Canon Law. For anything about your own situation, your parish priest is the one to ask. See also About CathoNav and our sources.