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The period of the catechumenate can last for as long as several years or for a much shorter time. It depends on how the person is growing in faith, what questions and obstacles they encounter along the way, and how God leads them on this faith journey. During this time the catechumens consider what God is saying to them in the Scriptures, what changes in their life they want to make to respond to God's inspiration, and what membership in the Catholic Church involves. Catechumens have a special connection to the Church and even though they are not yet baptized, they also have certain rights in the Church.
When a catechumen and the parish team working with him or her believes the person is ready to make a faith commitment to Jesus in the Catholic Church, the next step is the request for baptism and the celebration of the Rite of Election. This rite includes the official enrollment of names of all those seeking baptism at the coming Easter Vigil. On the first Sunday of Lent, the catechumens and their sponsors and families and members of the parish gather at the cathedral church and the catechumens publicly request baptism. Their names are then recorded in a special book and they are then no longer called catechumens, but "the elect." The days of Lent are the final period of purification and enlightenment leading up to the celebration of initiation at the Easter Vigil. This Lenten season is a period of intense preparation marked by prayer, study, and spiritual direction for the elect, and special prayers for them by the parish communities.
The third formal step is the Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, which takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday night when the catechumen receives the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Now the person is a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church and will continue to live out his or her response to God as a member of this faith community.
After the person is initiated at the Vigil, another period of formation and education continues in the period of the post-baptismal catechesis which is called "mystagogy." This period continues at least until Pentecost and often longer. During the period of mystagogy the newly baptized members reflect on their experiences at the Easter Vigil and continue to learn more about the Scriptures, the sacraments, and the teachings of the Catholic Church. In addition they reflect on how they will serve Christ and help in the Church's mission and outreach activities.
What is meant when people refer to men and women coming into "full communion with the Church"?
Coming into full communion with the Catholic Church describes the process for entrance into the Catholic Church for men and women who are baptized Christians but not Roman Catholics. These individuals make a profession of faith but they are not baptized again.
To prepare for this reception, the people, who are called "candidates," usually participate in a formation program to help them understand and experience the specific teachings and practices of the Catholic Church. Some of their formation and preparation may be with catechumens preparing for baptism, but the preparation for candidates is very different since they have already been baptized and have begun their commitment to Jesus Christ, and many of them have also been active members of Protestant communities.
What does it mean, “to be sent”?
Each week during the Catechumenate period you have been dismissed from the general assembly to further reflect upon the word of God and the homily. You are disciples of Christ in a period of intense training. During this training you are sent to receive Christ through the word. He has left a message for us to use in our daily lives, and to share with others. When the others at Mass are dismissed to go out into the world to love and serve the Lord, you are also sent forth to do the same. This is a time you can put what you have learned into practice. The song that tells the world; “they will know we are Christians by our Love” is a great testament to your life in Christ.
At the Rite of Sending we are preparing to send you to meet with the Bishop who will receive you at the Rite of Election. The Rite of Election is a testimony of your faithfulness to this process in the past year or so. You will never be asked to stand alone. You will have your sponsor, team and community members who have been asked to accompany you on this part of your journey. So as you continue on this “road” we send our experienced disciples along with you, our “disciples in training”. It is their mission to let the Church know that you are ready to be in full communion with the Catholic Community.
Another integral part of this ceremony is the signing of the book of the elect. As you sign this book you will seal your covenant with God. Just as you were signed with His cross in the last rite, you are now signing with Him in a promise to know, love and follow Him throughout your life. As the bishop signs this same book in the Rite of Election, he is receiving you into our family of Christ. You are now called the “elect” and have been elected to receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil mass. Welcome to the family!
How do I become part of an RCIA team?
If you are a fully initiated Catholic and are interested in joining an RCIA team, call your parish office and ask for the RCIA director. You can find a list of parish offices and their telephone on this web site.
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