Becoming Catholic: The Essential Guide to RCIA, Baptism, and Confirmation

By: Michael G. Witczak

Narrated by: Michael G. Witczak

Length: 5 hrs

Publisher's Summary

Are you or someone you know considering becoming a Catholic? Or perhaps you are involved with ministry and interested in knowing more about the history, theology, and process rites of baptism and initiation?

This engaging audio course, taught by one of Catholicism's leading experts, is just what you need.

Rev. Michael Witczak (Prof., Catholic University), an leading expert in liturgical history and the sacraments, will lead you through the scriptural origins, historical context, and practice of initiation rites. Designed for anyone involved with Catholic adult initiation or infant baptism, it is a perfect resource for pastors, parishes, initiates, family members, and sponsors. 

First, you will explore the scriptural origins of the ritual for bringing someone into the church. Secondly, you will look at the early church, seeing how three sacraments emerged from the original ritual unity: baptism, confirmation, and first Eucharist. Finally, you will carefully examine the ways we currently celebrate these sacraments, deepening your understanding of the church's practices. As you move through this course, you will encounter the personal journey to Christ in the church. What does it mean to encounter the living Lord? How does one participate in God's gift of life? 

You will discover the answers to these questions and many more. Through these lectures, you will gain deep insights into the church and its sacred rituals. 

This course is part of the Learn25 collection and includes a free PDF study guide.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio. 

©2016 Now You Know Media Inc. (P)2016 Now You Know Media Inc.

Critic Reviews

"A meticulous scholar with an international reputation Michael Witczak distills and explains complex issues about the liturgy thoroughly, carefully and with present day applications. His scholarship is impeccable. His insights are always worth grappling with." (Rev. Msgr. Kevin W. Irwin, Ordinary Research Professor of Liturgy and Sacramental Theology at The Catholic University of America)

“Michael Witczak is one of the most respected Catholic liturgical theologians alive...He has literally written the book on baptism. Listeners will appreciate the organization of his thought, the depth of his knowledge, and the clarity of his delivery.” (Rev. Paul Turner) 

“Always pastorally practical in his teaching and thoroughly in touch with the theological and liturgical treasury of caring for the sick, the dying, death, and the bereaved, Michael Witczak brings an unequaled sensitivity to the personal needs of real life in face of these mysteries.” (H. Richard Rutherford, C.S.C., author, Death of a Christian: The Order of Christian Funerals)     

“Father Michael Witczak is one of our foremost liturgical scholars. His vast pastoral, teaching and scholarly experience has well prepared him to speak authoritatively on sickness, dying and death. His thoughts are invaluable on this critical subject.” (Fr. John F. Baldovin, S.J.)  

“Fr. Michael Witczak is an internationally recognized expert in liturgical studies, specializing in the historical development of forms of worship....His presentations are marked by clarity, balance and practicality, gleaning the worship of the past for insights into worship today.” (Fr. Jan Michael Joncas, University of St. Thomas) 

“Mike Witczak’s breadth of historical knowledge, depth of insight, and passion for liturgy and sacrament, combine to make him one of the most consistently wise, well-grounded, and illuminating teachers of liturgy in America today.” (Rita Ferrone, editor, The Yale ISM Review)  

Arcane Knowledge Made Interesting

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults can be super confusing. It's filled with legalese and traditions that date back thousands of years. This audio course helped simplify things in my mind and explained in common terms the process for converting to Catholicism. Highly recommend this program for any one who's thinking of joining the faith, or who wanted to better understand what it really means to "become Catholic."

Great knowledge

Great learning for those seeking to understanding the teachings of the catholic faith. Really beautiful

Helpful for new catechist of the church

I really liked the way he explained the history of the Catholic Church plus the steps towards baptism for RCIA catechist. It made it easy to understand.

Excellent presenter

This course offers an interesting overview of what it means, and what it requires, to become a Catholic, and how this process has changed throughout the history of the Church.

What does it take to be Catholic?

If you've ever wondered where Catholic Rites and rituals come from, Michael Witczak provides a very easy to listen to history and study in this book. It's very easy to follow and Michael has a very admirable depth of knowledge of Catholicism and its history.

Michael G has an enthusiasm and joy for his subject that never creeps into evangelical- brilliant

For anybody looking for a Catholic History lesson on Baptism and ever changing rite of conversion, this is for you. Beautifully read and researched, 12 essays followed up with a Q/A on a PDF (which meant so had to listen again!).

When Michael G reads it’s like being with your very own local priest who is taking you through A whole world of exciting wonderful Bible based events and Papal changes from the very beginning of our Lords baptism.

A lovely book for driving or walking.

Thank you. More please.