Outline for Christian Initiation for Adults

Period of Evangelisation and Pre-Catechumenate
This is a time of inquiry and introduction to Gospel values, an opportunity for the beginnings of faith.

First Step: Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens
This is the liturgical rite, marking the beginning of the catechumenate proper, as the inquirers/ candidates express and the Church accepts, their intention to respond to God’s call to follow the way of Christ.

Period of the Catechumenate
This is the time for nurturing and growth of the catechumen’s faith and conversion to God; celebrations of the word and prayers to assist the process.

Second Step: Election or Enrolment of Names
This is the liturgical rite, usually celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent, by which the Church formally ratifies the catechumen’s readiness for the sacraments of initiation, and the catechumens, now the elect, express the will to receive these sacraments.

Period of Purification and Enlightenment
This is the time immediately preceding the elects’ initiation, usually the Lenten season preceding the celebration of this initiation at the Easter Vigil. It is a time of reflection, intensely centered on conversion, marked by celebration of the scrutinies and presentations, and of the preparation rites on Holy Saturday.

Third Step: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
This is the liturgical rite, usually integrated into the Easter Vigil, by which the elect are initiated through baptism, confirmation, and the eucharist.

Period of Post- Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy
This is the time, usually during the Easter season, following the celebration of initiation, during which the newly initiated experience being fully part of the Christian community by means of pertinent catechesis and particularly by participation with all the faithful in the Sunday Eucharistic celebration.