The Catholic Church across Yorkshire's historic West Riding since 1878

The Catholic Church across Yorkshire's historic West Riding since 1878

Discovering More About the Catholic Faith

‘If I am asked to convert others … I say plainly I do not care to overcome their reason without touching their hearts’.

Saint John Henry Newman, Apologia Pro Vita Sua

(Photo by Jackson David on Unsplash)

Image of one hand reaching out to another

The best way to discover more – about what Catholics believe and how we seek to follow Christ – is to talk to Catholics who are already active in their faith.

Many parishes offer a Journey of Faith (also known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA) in which you are invited to join alongside others who are interested in enquiring about the Catholic Faith: you can contact your local parish priest if you’d like to know more.

The RCIA offers a process of teaching, prayer and reflection which leads – for those who wish it – to full reception into the Catholic Church. These meetings place no obligation on you and you are free to pause, or leave, whenever you wish. It is a place for you to learn about Catholic Faith, but also to discover the joy and support to be found in a Catholic Christian community.

You can also, of course, explore the teachings of the Church for yourself, through your own reading and exploration, and you are very welcome to come to celebrations in your parish and to attend Mass although until you are received into the Catholic Church it is not possible for you to receive Holy Communion. Whatever your circumstances, if you would like to journey further in becoming a Catholic you will need to contact your local parish.

The following website may also be of interest to you:

as well as the following books:

    • Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith, by Robert Barron, Three Rivers Press, 2012
    • Credo: The Catholic Faith Explained, by Fr Marcus Holden and Fr Andrew Pinsent, Catholic Truth Society, 2007
    • The Light of Christ: An Introduction to Catholicism, by Thomas Joseph White OP, Catholic University of America Press, 2017
    • Taking Pascal’s Wager: Faith, Evidence and the Abundant Life, by Professor Michael Rota, IVP Academic, 2016

You can also discover more by exploring the ‘Our Faith’ and ‘Sacramental Preparation’ options on the Menu (above)