⚠️ Cyber Crime Alert: Beware of phone calls, text messages, or emails claiming to be from Father Anthony or Father James requesting money or gift cards. These messages are scams. Do not.. Continue Reading
HOLY SPIRIT
Catholic Church
Virginia Beach
FAITH FORMATION · HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC CHURCH
Exploring the
Catholic Faith
Are you thinking about becoming Catholic? Whether you have never been baptized or are already a baptized Christian, Holy Spirit is here to walk with you every step of the way. Wherever you are in your journey — you are welcome here.
WHERE ARE YOU STARTING?
Choose Your Path
Your journey to the Catholic faith looks a little different depending on where you are starting. Select the path that best describes your situation.
PATH 1
I Have Never Been Baptized
You were raised in a non-Christian faith — Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or another tradition — or you grew up in a Christian household but have never received the Sacrament of Baptism.
And now you want to become Catholic.
-
You will receive all three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist
-
You will journey through the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)
-
A dedicated team at Holy Spirit will walk with you every step of the way
PATH 2
I Am a Baptized Christian
You were baptized earlier in your life — water was poured on your head or you were immersed in a pool — with the words "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." You practiced the Christian faith as part of another church community.
And now you want to be Catholic.
-
You are already a member of the Body of Christ through your Baptism
-
-
You are seeking Full Communion with the Catholic Church
-
You will receive Confirmation and First Eucharist to enter Full Communion
UNDERSTANDING THE FAITH
What Is a Catholic?
A Catholic — or Roman Catholic — is a baptized Christian who shares fully in the life and faith of the Catholic Church. Becoming Catholic is not simply joining an organization — it is entering into a profound relationship with Jesus Christ and His Body, the Church.
PATH 1 — NOT YET BAPTIZED
The Path to Baptism — OCIA
A Catholic — or Roman Catholic — is a baptized Christian who shares fully in the life and faith of the Catholic Church. Becoming Catholic is not simply joining an organization — it is entering into a profound relationship with Jesus Christ and His Body, the Church.
FOR THE UNBAPTIZED
Order of Christian
Initiation for Adults
Formerly known as RCIA
The path to Baptism involves a beautiful process of discernment and formation called the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults — OCIA. This is your journey into the Catholic faith, walking alongside a dedicated team who will accompany you every step of the way toward Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist.
PATH 1 — NOT YET BAPTIZED
Inquiry
You come with your questions and curiosity. No commitment — just conversation. We listen and walk with you as you explore.
Catechumenate
You learn the Catholic faith through Scripture, prayer, and the Catechism alongside a sponsor and the OCIA team.
Purification & Enlightenment
The final preparation before Easter — a time of deeper prayer, fasting, and readiness to receive the Sacraments.
Mystagogy
After receiving Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil, you reflect on the mysteries of the faith you have received.
PATH 2 — BAPTIZED CHRISTIAN
Entering Full Communion
As a baptized Christian, you are already a member of the Body of Christ. Although you do not yet share full communion with the Catholic Church, your baptismal dignity gives you certain rights in the assembly of the baptized.
A WORD OF WELCOME
You Already Belong to Christ
If you join us for Mass, you have a place with us as we listen to the Word of God proclaimed and preached. You may also take a place among us during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, but should not approach the Table to receive Communion until you are formally received into full communion with us.
⛪️ During Mass
You are welcome to attend Mass and sit with us during the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Please remain in your seat and do not approach to receive Communion until you have been formally received into full communion. This is not unwelcome — it is simply the Church honoring the significance of what you are preparing to receive.
What Is Full Communion?
Full communion is a term that expresses our sharing in three significant aspects of life as Catholic Christians.
01
Profession of the Same Faith
We share the same profession of the Christian faith, enshrined in the Apostles' Creed or the Nicene Creed, which we proclaim publicly at Sunday Mass. Many Christian communities already profess one or both of these creeds regularly.
02
The Sacraments
Full communion includes receiving the Sacraments of the Catholic Church — especially the Eucharist — which are the source and summit of Catholic life. You will receive Confirmation and First Communion when you are formally received.
03
Apostolic Governance
We share the same profession of the Christian faith, enshrined in the Apostles' Creed or the Nicene Creed, which we proclaim publicly at Sunday Mass. Many Christian communities already profess one or both of these creeds regularly.
THE PROFESSION OF FAITH
The Nicene
Creed
Proclaimed at every Sunday Mass, the Nicene Creed is the shared profession of faith that unites all Catholic Christians. As a new Catholic or one entering full communion, this becomes your public declaration of faith.
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.
Amen
WATCH & LEARN
Videos to Inspire Your Journey
Whether you are just beginning to explore the Catholic faith or are ready to take the next step — these videos are a wonderful starting point for your journey.
CATHOLICS COME HOME
EPIC — Catholics Come Home
An inspiring invitation to discover or rediscover the beauty and fullness of the Catholic faith.
FR. MIKE SCHMITZ · ASCENSION PRESENTS
Have You Mastered the Basics of Your Faith?
Fr. Mike Schmitz makes the case for getting the foundations of Catholic life right before anything else.
FR. MIKE SCHMITZ · ASCENSION PRESENTS
I Love Being Catholic. Here's Why.
A beautiful reflection on why the Catholic faith is not just a religion but a relationship — and a way of life.
FR. MIKE SCHMITZ · ASCENSION PRESENTS
The Precepts of the Church
An invitation to understand what constitutes a Practicing Catholic.
-The precepts of the Church are set in the context of a moral life bound to and nourished by liturgical life. -CCC II 2041
"FAITH AND REASON ARE LIKE TWO WINGS ON WHICH THE HUMAN SPIRIT RISES TO THE CONTEMPLATION OF TRUTH."