Christian Initiation

The Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate is a time of initial inquiry and awakening of faith. It takes place before a person begins the formal process of becoming Christian. During this time, individuals reflect on their relationship with Jesus Christ and may feel drawn toward the Catholic Church. This period helps them begin to develop a life of prayer, experience the support and witness of the Christian community, and embrace the way of life God intends.

There is no pre-determined length for the precatechumenate. For some, this period involves a long search; for others, it may be much shorter.

The Rite of Entrance marks the first time the participant stands amidst the parish community and states that he or she wants to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church. The parish assembly affirms this desire and the inquirer becomes a Catechumen.

Catechumens are individuals who have never been baptized in any Christian tradition. Candidates are those who have already been baptized in another Christian denomination and are now preparing to receive Confirmation and the Eucharist in the Catholic Church.

What happens during the Rite for Entrance to the Order of Catechumens?

This Rite begins at the entrance to the church where the participants and their godparents are greeted by the priest. The participants are signed with the cross, symbolizing that they belong to Christ and the Church, before affirming their desire to continue the journey of Christian initiation 

When the individual, the priest, and the Christian Initiation team agree that a person is ready to take the next step, they are presented to the bishop during the Rite of Election.

This is a period of deeper learning, reflection, and prayer usually supported by regular meetings with the parish Christian Initiation team, who walk with participants and help them grow in understanding and faith. During this period, catechumens consider what God is saying to them in the Scriptures and what changes in their life they need to make to respond to God’s inspiration. They learn what it means to live as disciples and prepare to take on the lifelong mission of Christ in the church and the world.
 
The Period of the Catechumenate can last for as long as several years or for a shorter time. It depends on how the person is growing in faith, what questions they encounter along the way, and how God leads them on this journey.

Celebrated on the first weekend of Lent, the Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion are joyful and meaningful moments for those preparing to enter the Church. These rites mark the beginning of their final preparation for receiving the sacraments at Easter.

What happens during the Rite of Election?

During the Rite of Election, catechumens, accompanied by their godparents, stand before the bishop who, representing the Church, inquires as to whether they are sufficiently prepared to enter the Church. Receiving acknowledgement from the godparents that they have listened and responded to God's word, the bishop then addresses the assembly, receiving assurance of the parishioners' willingness to support the catechumens.

The catechumens themselves then affirm their desire for baptism and to be enrolled among the “Elect”, those chosen by God and his Church. The catechumens' names are entered into their parish’s Book of the Elect, which the bishop signs.

What happens during the Call to Continuing Conversion?

The Call to Continuing Conversion is a moment of encouragement and affirmation for candidates, those who are already baptized in another Christian tradition and now seek full communion with the Catholic Church. Just as in the Rite of Election, parish representatives present the candidates to the bishop.

The candidates’ sponsors then share their testimony, affirming that these individuals have faithfully listened to the teachings of the Church, grown in their appreciation of their baptism, reflected on the traditions of the Catholic faith, and shown a sincere desire to live lives of love and service.

The gathered assembly promises their prayerful support, and the bishop, speaking on behalf of the entire Church, formally recognizes the candidates’ desire to complete their sacramental preparation. It is a meaningful step forward as they continue their journey to full communion with the Catholic Church.

The season of Lent is a special time of final preparation for both the Elect and the candidates. During these weeks, they are invited into deeper prayer, reflection, and spiritual guidance as they ready their hearts to enter more fully into the life of the Church.

In many parishes, the Elect and the candidates celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation during the Easter Vigil, a joyful and meaningful moment.

After entering the Church, those newly received, called neophytes, begin a period of post-baptismal formation known as mystagogy. This is a time for new Catholics to deepen their understanding of the faith, reflect on their sacramental experience, and grow more connected to their parish communities as active members of the Church.