Begin with Jesus Christ
Catholic faith centers on Jesus Christ: the Son of God who became human, died, and rose from the dead to reconcile us with God. Catholics seek to receive that gift in a life of worship, prayer, and love of neighbor. The Vatican’s Compendium of the Catechism explains these beliefs and their connection with the sacraments, moral life, and prayer.
Start by reading a passage from a Gospel. In Mark 1:14–20, Jesus begins preaching and calls his first disciples. Notice what he announces, what he asks of them, and how they respond. Continue through the chapter with those people and their choices in view. Write down a claim that surprises you or a question you want to pursue.
Encounter Catholic worship
At Mass, Catholics hear Scripture and celebrate the Eucharist. They believe Christ gives himself to them under the appearances of bread and wine, drawing them into his sacrifice and life. The Compendium’s questions 271–283 explain the Eucharist and the parts of the celebration. Receiving Communion has its own preparation and requirements; a priest can help you consider your circumstances.
If you’re considering becoming Catholic, contact a local parish and ask whom to speak with about adult inquiry. The US bishops’ introduction to Christian initiation describes a process of learning, prayer, and preparation for life in the Church. In your first conversation, explain what drew your interest and whether you’ve been baptized. That gives the parish a useful starting point for discussing the next step with you.
Return to prayer and parish life
After time away, a conversation can begin with what brought you back, what made staying difficult, and what you want to ask now. You can contact a parish office to arrange a time with a priest. If you’re a Catholic who has been away from the sacraments, ask about Confession and how to prepare.
For a small beginning in prayer, read the Lord’s Prayer, which appears in the Catechism’s section on prayer. Read one petition slowly and consider what you’re asking for. You can also speak plainly to God about the person you’re worried about, a regret, or something for which you’re grateful.
Follow a scientific investigation
Our story about a Vatican scientist’s work on asteroid samples starts with a practical problem: measuring the volume of small rocks. Follow how gas pressure helps make the measurement, then see why unexpected readings led the researchers to question how the gas behaved. The linked research lets you examine the methods alongside the explanation.
From there, our introduction to science and faith considers the reasoning that connects a discovery with belief in God. It works through a philosophical argument and an objection, giving you something more specific to assess than a general claim that science and religion agree.
Examine an argument
If you’re unconvinced, choose one claim to investigate closely. The brain-and-soul article, for example, sets out Aquinas’s reasoning and a materialist objection. Try stating the strongest version of each before deciding which premise you accept. Our editorial methods explain how the articles identify their sources and the reasoning added to them. You can follow an argument, disagree with it, and bring a more precise question to the next conversation.