The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

Seek ye therefore first the kingdom of God, and his justice, and all these things shall be added unto you. - Matt. vi. 31-33

Christian Initiation of Adults is a process which provides adult men and women from other faith backgrounds the opportunity to examine their faith in Jesus Christ within the context of Catholic doctrine, tradition, and worship. It is a comprehensive process involving study, discussion, spiritual direction, prayer, and reflection on the Scriptures. The whole process focuses on conversion and includes four periods and three rites:


Period I: Pre-Catechumenate
The journey actually begins long before the participants come together to share in the formal process. During this period, it is a time for inquirers to share experiences and tell their own stories of faith, a time of asking questions about the Catholic Church, and a time of growth or renewal in Christian Conversion.

Stage I: Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens
The participants now arrive at their first step on the journey as they become firm in their desire for initiation into the Church. Through a special rite, they express their intention to respond to God's call to follow the way of Christ, and the Church accepts them as candidates for initiation.

Period II: Catechumenate
The period of the Catechumenate is a time for the nurturing and growth of the candidate's faith, for deepening an initial conversion to Christ, and for entering into the Catholic tradition. The process occurs through reflecting upon the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church, through prayer and worship, and through participation in the apostolic life of the faith community.

Stage II: Rite of Election (or Enrollment of Names)
The candidates have shown a sincere desire to become one with the community and are ready for the second step in the initiation process. Through a special liturgical rite, the candidates officially request entrance to the Church through the Easter sacraments of initiation, and the Church formally ratifies their readiness to receive these sacraments.

Period III: Purification and Enlightenment
This is a time of reflection, prayer and intense spiritual preparation. The elect enter into the 40 days of Lent to prepare themselves to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord at Easter and to receive the sacraments of initiation.

Stage III: Rite of Initiation
At this Stage, the candidates enter the community of the faithful through the sacraments of initiation which are Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. This Rite of Initiation is celebrated during the Easter Vigil Liturgy.

Period IV: Mystagogy
In the weeks which follow, the newly initiated meet together to share their experiences of the Easter sacraments and to grow toward a deeper understanding of the mysteries of our faith.

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