More than 800 become Catholic this year

Published: April 21, 2026

“I’m becoming Catholic because that’s what got me to this point in my life and allowed me to see the fullness of faith. The turning point for me was the Eucharist. That was one of those things that I was really looking for - intimacy with the Lord. One of the things that I hear on social media and around me, every time I talk to pastors or Christians in general, they will always say, it’s not about religion, it’s about relationship. Religion is not just any type of relationship. It’s a relationship with the divine. And the Catholic faith is a true relationship with God.” — Christopher Serrano, St. Theresa Church, Little Rock

Photo by Alesia Schaefer
Msgr. David LeSieur, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rogers, baptizes Benjamin Faught during the Holy Saturday Mass April 4.

Catholic parishes across Arkansas reported welcoming more than 800 people into the Catholic Church in the past year. Those who were already baptized in another Christian faith were welcomed into the Church throughout the year, as well as on Holy Saturday. They made a profession of faith, were confirmed and received First Communion.

The unbaptized were received during Easter Vigil Masses Saturday, April 4. They were baptized, confirmed and received First Communion. 

These neophytes (new Catholics) prepared for entry into the Catholic Church through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults process in their parishes. Formerly known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is the new translation for Christian initiation that was issued by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for use in parishes nationwide in 2025.

Twelve of them explained why they became Catholic in the April 4 issue of Arkansas Catholic. Read "Young adults flocking to the Catholic Church," in Arkansas Catholic to learn more.

If there are new Catholics in your parish, we invite you to introduce yourself and welcome them into your community!