Most adults became Catholic over a long period of time. Many were baptized as infants, spent their childhood in Catholic homes, and received their education through the Catholic school system. These people were gradually initiated into the full life of the Church through the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Some adults, who were baptized in a non-Catholic Church, have become Roman Catholics after making a solemn profession of faith, being confirmed, and sharing in the Eucharist with the Roman Catholic community.
This initiation is marked by the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the annual celebration of Easter after a period of formation, prayer and discernment by the individual and community.
In Canada, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has urged parishes to implement the RCIA. Its goal is to foster or deepen one’s personal conversion to Jesus Christ, to living the gospel proclaimed by Jesus, and to participating in the life of the faith community.