Visitor Guide

Visiting the area?

The Roman Catholic Church can provide a welcoming and supportive community for people of all backgrounds and walks of life.

St. Marianne Cope Parish is vibrant and diverse community that serves people from many different ethnic backgrounds. While it has its roots in the Polish immigrant community, the church has welcomed people of all cultures and backgrounds and is committed to fostering a spirit of inclusivity and diversity. Visitors and guests are welcome to our churches for Weekly Masses. Our schedule differs between St. Catherine and St. Philip, so you can view either page to check the mass schedule for the most convenient location and time.


How do I join a Roman Catholic Church

The process of becoming a Catholic involves several steps and may vary slightly depending on the individual’s circumstances.

Here are some common requirements for joining the Roman Catholic Church:

Baptism: If you have not been baptized, you will need to be baptized before joining the Catholic Church. This involves receiving the sacrament of baptism, which typically involves water being poured over your head or being immersed in water.

Confirmation: Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church and is typically received after a period of preparation. If you have not been confirmed, you will need to receive this sacrament before becoming a Catholic.

Catholic education: Before being received into the Catholic Church, you will typically need to participate in some form of Catholic education or instruction. This may involve attending classes or meetings with a priest or other religious leader to learn more about the Catholic faith and its teachings.

Profession of faith: As part of the process of becoming a Catholic, you will need to make a profession of faith, which involves declaring your belief in the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Reception of the Eucharist: The Eucharist is another sacrament of the Catholic Church that involves the consecration of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. Before being received into the Catholic Church, you will typically need to receive the Eucharist for the first time.

Overall, the process of becoming a Catholic involves a commitment to the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church. The specific requirements may vary depending on the individual’s circumstances, but they are typically designed to ensure that the person is fully prepared to embrace the Catholic faith.  The process for becoming a Catholic is called The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) which involves a series of sessions held in the local parish; if you would like more information, please contact us and we would be happy to help.

Stained Glass window from inside St Catherine Church in Broad Brook CT