Become Catholic

Become Catholic

Become Catholic in Ottawa (RCIA)

Reach new heights

Are you searching for more in your life? Answer the call to experience the heights of Christianity and join the Church that Jesus founded. When you become Catholic at St. Mary’s in Ottawa, you’re joining a vibrant and welcoming Catholic community convicted by the Gospel and here to support you every step of the way.

Verso l'alto
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Is RCIA for Me?
Upcoming Course

What does the RCIA experience actually feel like?

“…I started to be pulled towards the Catholic Church, and it started to answer a lot of questions…”

Four members of our 2025-26 RCIA class sat down and shared their experiences with us. Check it out!

Upcoming RCIA Course

Thursday Evenings
Starting September 10th, 2026
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
St. Mary's Parish
100 Young St.
Ottawa, Ontario
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Is RCIA for Me?

If you want to become Catholic, yes! RCIA is for you.

But it’s also for people who:

  • have never been baptized
  • have been baptized outside the Catholic Church
  • have been baptized in the Catholic Church, but never confirmed
  • are curious about the Catholic Church
RCIA candidate receives the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Ottawa
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What to Expect

Become Catholic - RCIA candidate is baptized in Ottawa
  • You will meet weekly starting in the fall leading up to Easter in the Spring
  • There is no cost or obligation – if this program is not right for you, you can leave any time
  • Each week, you will explore the teachings, spirituality, and lived reality of the Catholic faith, and have lots of opportunity to ask questions
  • Before Christmas, you will enter into the Order of the Catechumen – officially stating your intention to join the Church
  • At the Eater Vigil, in front of the community, you will be baptized, confirmed, and receive your First Communion
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Why St. Mary’s?

St. Mary’s Parish is where your faith finds a home!

St. Mary’s Parish is the perfect place to become Catholic (RCIA) in Ottawa. We are a vibrant and welcoming community that is convicted by the teachings of Christ. We are firm believers in the Faith and are here to support you on your journey towards the truth that can only be found in Jesus. We have an excellent team of qualified teachers, professors, and believers who are ready to teach and mentor you towards the Catholic faith.

RCIA candidates become Catholic and are supported by the Parish community

Verso l’alto! (to the heights!) – St. Pier Giorgio Frassati

St. Pier Giorgio Frassati (canonized on September 7th, 2025) was known for his profound humility and dedication to the poor, but is perhaps most famous for his love of extreme sports and mountaineering. His motto “verso l’alto”, which means “to the heights”, was about more than just climbing mountains – it was about growing in holiness and seeking God. As our patron for RCIA this year, let’s aim for the heights and ask God to reveal the grandeur of his plans for our lives.

St. Pier Giorgio Frassati

Need more information about becoming Catholic in Ottawa? Contact Kevin at kevin@stmarysottawa.ca.

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