The mystery at the center of receiving converts
Converts are received through catechesis, pastoral guidance, and the sacraments appointed by the Church. The exact path depends on the person’s background, previous baptism, present faith, and diocesan direction. The priest guides the process and, when needed, consults the bishop.
Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
What the process usually includes
The person begins by attending the services, meeting with the priest, learning the faith through catechism, and beginning a life of prayer and repentance. Reception may involve baptism and chrismation, chrismation after a recognized baptism, confession of faith, or another pastoral direction according to the Church’s judgment.
Why the Church does not use one public formula for every case
Two people can have very different histories even if both say, “I was baptized before.” The Church needs to know what happened, in whose name the baptism was done, what faith was confessed, and how the person is now being formed. That discernment belongs to the Church’s shepherds, not to private guesswork.
See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?
A good first step
Tell the priest plainly where you are coming from and what you are seeking. Bring any baptismal information you have, but do not worry if you do not know every detail yet. The path into the Church should be serious, patient, and personal.