Full Communion with Us - by Paul Turner (Paperback)

About the Book

"A practical guide for initiation ministers on the appropriate ways to accompany Christians who are already baptized, and who now seek to enter into the Catholic Church. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults offers pathways for preparing both unbaptized catechumens entering into the Christian life and validly baptized Christians of other denominations who seek to enter into the Catholic Church. However, there is often confusion about the proper ways of accompanying those who are already baptized and celebrating the sacraments of initiation with them. In Full Communion with Us, Paul Turner provides an in-depth analysis of the pages of the OCIA that concern baptized candidates, with guidance that takes seriously both the liturgical rites and the Catholic Church's ecumenical commitments. Those who are preparing the formation as well as the liturgical celebrations pertaining to baptized candidates will find this an invaluable resource"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

2026 Association of Catholic Publishers First Place Award in Resources for Liturgy

2026 Catholic Media Association First Place Award, Pastoral Ministry - Catechetical

2026 Catholic Media Association Second Place Award, Sacraments

2026 Catholic Media Association Honorable Mention, Church Professional

2026 Catholic Media Association Honorable Mention, Ecumenism or Interfaith Relations

2026 Catholic Media Association Honorable Mention, Liturgy or Worship

A practical guide for initiation ministers on the appropriate ways to accompany Christians who are already baptized, and who now seek to enter into the Catholic Church.

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults offers pathways for preparing both unbaptized catechumens entering into the Christian life and validly baptized Christians of other denominations who seek to enter into the Catholic Church. However, there is often confusion about the proper ways of accompanying those who are already baptized and celebrating the sacraments of initiation with them. In Full Communion with Us, Paul Turner provides an in-depth analysis of the pages of the OCIA that concern baptized candidates, with guidance that takes seriously both the liturgical rites and the Catholic Church's ecumenical commitments. Those who are preparing the formation as well as the liturgical celebrations pertaining to baptized candidates will find this an invaluable resource.

Review Quotes

"Full Communion with Us is an excellent book for those interested in Catholic liturgy, RCIA/OCIA ministry, or pastoral theology. It combines clarity, practical guidance, and deep theological insight to tackle a real problem in parish life: how to receive already-baptized Christians into the Catholic Church. Turner carefully explains the proper processes in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). He offers practical guidance for formation and celebration, a balance that is both intellectually rich and usable."
Catholic Media Association

-- (6/29/2026 12:00:00 AM)

"Paul Turner's latest exploration of the revised liturgical books skillfully weaves the history of welcoming the already baptized into the Catholic church, with the how and why of the rite today. With his characteristically well-researched explanations of what has changed, what hasn't, and the theological and pastoral reasonings for both, Paul not only breaks open the liturgical text, but offers pragmatic advice for preparing candidates, celebrating their reception, and helping them live out their communion fully."
Rev. Michael L. Lewis, pastor, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of El Paso, Texas

-- (6/12/2025 12:00:00 AM)

"In Full Communion with Us, Paul Turner brings much-needed clarity to the often-confused practice of celebrating sacraments with baptized candidates. He carefully distinguishes their path from that of catechumens, honoring their prior Christian journey of faith while faithfully explaining the Church's vision for their reception into full communion. Turner's clear, pastoral style makes this book a must-read for every parish serious about welcoming baptized Christians into the full communion of the Catholic Church with the dignity, understanding, and care they deserve."
Nick Wagner, Codirector of Team Initiation and author of Field Hospital Catechesis: The Core Content for RCIA Formation

-- (4/28/2025 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Paul Turner is pastor of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Missouri, and director of the Office of Divine Worship for the Diocese of Kansas City--St. Joseph. He holds a doctorate in sacred theology from Sant' Anselmo in Rome. He is a former president of the North American Academy of Liturgy and a member of Societas Liturgica and the Catholic Academy of Liturgy. He is the author of numerous books published by Liturgical Press and a contributor to Give Us This Day. Most recently, he is the recipient of four awards from the 2025 Catholic Media Association Book Awards, including First Place for Author of the Year. Visit his website at https: //paulturner.org/.