Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate

The period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate is a time of inquiry for those interested in joining the Catholic Church. They are introduced to the Gospel message, begin learning about the teachings of the Church, and meet one another and other Catholics. It is an opportunity for the beginnings of faith.

Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and Welcoming

The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and Welcoming is celebrated on the first Sunday of Advent and marks the beginning of the period of the Catechumenate. In this rite the pre-catechumens are gathered publicly for the first time and introduced to the Church community. They express their intention to respond to God’s call and follow the way of Christ. The Church accepts them as persons who intend to become her members.

Period of the Catechumenate

The period of the Catechumenate is a time for continuing and deepening learning about Catholic teachings and traditions. It is a time for the growth of the catechumens and candidates’ faith and their conversion to God, of calling upon God in prayer, and of developing a familiarity with the Catholic way of life.

Rite of Sending

The Rite of Sending is celebrated near the beginning of Lent. In this rite the parish community sends the catechumens and candidates to the (arch)bishop for the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion. This rite allows members of the parish community to express their approval of and support for the catechumens and candidates.

Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion

The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion is celebrated near the beginning of Lent and marks the end of the period of the Catechumenate and the beginning of the period of Purification and Enlightenment. In this rite the Church acknowledges the readiness of the catechumens and candidates for initiation. The catechumens and candidates express their will to receive the sacraments of initiation and be received into the Catholic Church. Following this rite, the catechumens are known as the “elect.”

Period of Purification and Enlightenment

The period of Purification and Enlightenment takes place during the season of Lent and immediately precedes the initiation of the catechumens and candidates into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. It is a period of spiritual preparation and reflection, centered upon the process of purification and conversion.

Scrutinies

The scrutinies are celebrated during the period of Purification and Enlightenment on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent. They are rites meant to uncover, then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the elect, and to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good. The scrutinies deepen the resolve of the elect to love God above all.

Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation and Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church

This celebration takes place at the Easter Vigil. The elect are initiated into Christian faith and the Catholic Church through their reception of the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Candidates who have been previously baptized in another Christian church are received into the full communion of the Catholic Church and celebrate the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Candidates who have been previously baptized in the Catholic Church celebrate the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy

The period of Postbaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy takes place during the Easter season following the celebration of the sacraments of initiation. It is a time for new Catholics to reflect upon their initiation, deepen their understanding of the Christian faith, and experience being fully a part of the Catholic community.