Re-entry

Prerequisites

You have been baptised, profess the Christian faith and have the sincere intention of returning to the Catholic Church. You want to remain faithful to the community of the Catholic Church in the future.

What should be done first?

Start by talking to a priest (the parish priest of the parish where you live or another pastor you trust). The priest will ask you why you left the church at the time and what motivates you to return to the church now. This is not an examination or an unnecessary "grilling", but an attempt at an honest conversation. Nobody should be persuaded to join, but nobody who is serious should be "driven away" either.

If you do not know a priest and do not wish to go to your local priest, you can also contact a priest who has been specially appointed for this purpose: Dietmar Grünwald.

The recording

Admission is done by the priest. This act can take place quite simply in the parish office. However, it can also be solemnised during a service in the church or with family or friends. You can choose the form that suits you best.

False rumours

It is often claimed that if you rejoin the church, you have to pay the church contribution for the years since you left. This is wrong! The obligation to pay church contributions only begins again when you return to the church. If you would like to know how much your church contribution would be in the event of re-entry, please contact our church contribution organisation. They will be happy to inform and advise you.

More about the church contribution

The rumour that you have to learn prayers by heart and take a test with the priest before admission is also false. Witnesses who confirm admission are also no longer necessary in our diocese.

Revocation of the resignation

Three months have not yet passed since you left the church before the authorities?
Then you can simply cancel your cancellation using this form.

If you withdraw, your withdrawal will not be noted in the baptismal register.

You can find the re-entry form here