Becoming Catholic
If you have found your way to this page, chances are that something has already brought you here.
Perhaps you have been thinking about the Catholic faith for some time, have begun to pray or come to Mass, or have found yourself drawn to the Church in a way you did not quite expect. Taking the next step can sometimes feel like quite a big one.
You may be thinking about Baptism, about becoming Catholic after having been baptised in another Christian tradition, or about receiving Confirmation as a Catholic. Or perhaps you are not yet sure where any of this will lead and simply want to explore the faith more seriously.
Whatever has brought you here, you are very welcome at St Catherine’s. You do not need to have all the answers — or even to be certain that you want to become Catholic — before beginning the conversation.
Interested?
The course normally begins in September. If you are considering becoming Catholic, would like to receive Confirmation, or simply want to learn more about the Catholic faith, please contact the chaplain to ask about joining the current course or preparing for the next one.
You do not need to have made a final decision before getting in touch. A first conversation is simply an opportunity to meet, ask questions and see what the right next step might be.
Baptism and Reception into the Catholic Church
Those who have not previously been baptised prepare to receive Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. Christians who have already received a valid Baptism in another Christian community do not receive Baptism again, but may prepare to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church, followed by Confirmation and the Eucharist.
For those completing their preparation this year, Baptism or reception into the Catholic Church will take place during the Easter Vigil on Saturday, 27 March 2027.
Confirmation
Catholics who were baptised and received First Holy Communion but have not yet been confirmed are also very welcome to join the course and prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Confirmation will be celebrated by the Bishop of Rotterdam on Sunday, 11 April 2027 at 18:00.
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the Church’s way of accompanying adults who are considering becoming Catholic and preparing them to receive the sacraments.
At St Catherine’s, this includes a series of evenings in which we explore the Catholic faith together: who God is, who Jesus Christ is, Scripture and Tradition, the Church and the sacraments, prayer and the Christian life. There is plenty of room for questions and conversation. Taking part does not mean that you have already made a final decision to become Catholic.
The preparation is centred on the life of the Church. Participants are therefore warmly encouraged to join us for Sunday Mass and to become part of the worshipping community as they prepare for the sacraments.
16 September
I Believe…
30 September
One God
14 October
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
28 October
Jesus Christ: True God and True Man
11 November
The Cross and Resurrection
25 November
Scripture: The Word of God
9 December
The Church
16 December
The Christian Life
6 January
Baptism and Confirmation
20 January
The Eucharist
3 February
Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick
17 February
Marriage and Holy Orders
3 March
Mary and the Saints
17 March
The Last Things
Course 2026–2027
The course takes place on Wednesday evenings at the Eendrachtskapel. We begin with Holy Mass at 19:30, followed by the course from approximately 20:10 until 21:15.