Thinking of Becoming Catholic?
There is an old saying: "Christians are made, not born." What does it mean?
For many centuries, especially in Western countries, Christianity was woven into the fabric of everyday life. People were often baptised as infants, attended church because it was part of family and community life, and grew up in a culture shaped by Christian beliefs and practices. Faith was, in many ways, simply assumed.
Today, things are different. Faith can no longer be taken for granted. More than ever, becoming a Christian is a personal decision and a conscious choice. In this sense, the old saying is truer than ever: Christians are made, not born.
Despite predictions that religion would fade away, something significant has been happening across Europe and beyond in recent years. In France, one of the most secularised countries in Europe, adult baptisms have reached record levels. More than 17,000 adults were baptised into the Catholic Church at Easter in 2025, and that record was surpassed again in 2026 with more than 21,000 adults preparing to receive baptism. Many of these new Catholics are young adults who have had little or no religious upbringing, yet have been drawn by a search for meaning, spiritual experience, the witness of Christian friends, or a growing desire to encounter God for themselves.
What is happening in France reflects a broader reality across parts of Europe. At a time when many assumed faith was in decline, increasing numbers of people are discovering that the deepest human questions about purpose, truth, hope and belonging cannot be answered by material success alone. Many are searching again for God.
We have seen encouraging signs of this movement much closer to home. In Melbourne, the Rite of Election in 2025 welcomed one of the largest groups in recent years, with more than 200 catechumens preparing for Baptism and almost 150 candidates preparing to complete their initiation into the Catholic Church. The gathering at St Patrick's Cathedral reflected a growing number of adults from diverse cultural, educational and family backgrounds who are seeking Christ and a spiritual home in the Church.
This movement is not only happening overseas or across the Archdiocese. It is happening here at Emmaus Parish. At last year's Easter Vigil, 18 adults received the sacraments of initiation through Baptism, Confirmation, or reception into the Catholic Church. Fifteen of them had journeyed through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process, bringing with them unique stories, questions, hopes and experiences. Their witness reminds us that faith remains alive and attractive, and that people continue to discover Christ's presence in their lives today.
Why are people seeking faith today?
For some, it begins with questions about life's meaning and purpose. Others are inspired by the example of a Christian friend, spouse or family member. Some are parents who want their children baptised and educated in the faith, only to discover that they themselves are longing to deepen their relationship with God. Others have attended Catholic schools, worked in Catholic institutions, experienced a significant event in their lives, or simply felt a quiet but persistent invitation to explore the spiritual dimension of life more seriously.
Many people who enquire about becoming Catholic are not starting from zero. Some were baptised in another Christian tradition. Some attended church as children but drifted away over time. Others have always been curious about faith but never had the opportunity to ask their questions in a welcoming environment. For all of them, there comes a moment when they feel called to seek, to learn, and to discover whether God may be inviting them to something more.
The journey into the Catholic Church is not simply about learning doctrines or completing a course. It is about encountering Jesus Christ, discovering God's presence in your life, becoming part of a faith community, and exploring how the Gospel can shape your future. For others, it may be an opportunity to reconnect with a faith that has long been dormant and to rediscover the richness of their own spiritual heritage.
Perhaps you are one of these people.
Perhaps you have questions about God, faith or the Church. Perhaps you have been away from the Church for many years and are feeling drawn back. Perhaps you sense that there is something more to life and want to explore where that longing comes from. Or perhaps you know someone who is searching and would appreciate an invitation.
Whether you are exploring Christianity for the first time, returning to the faith after many years, or seeking Baptism, Confirmation, or full reception into the Catholic Church, you are warmly invited to take part in the RCIA journey at Emmaus Parish.
The RCIA journey unfolds over several stages and provides a welcoming and supportive environment where people can ask questions, share their experiences, explore the Gospel, and discern God's call in their lives. The initial inquiry period is an opportunity to listen, learn, ask questions, and discover where God may be leading you.
Information Night
Thursday 27 August 2026
7.00 pm - 8.00 pm
St Ambrose Community Centre
287 Sydney Road, Brunswick
If you would like to attend or learn more about the journey of RCIA, please register here https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/AtXNQXZZ7P or contact the parish at bmcc@cam.org.au or phone (03) 9380 1023.