Each person's journey is unique, but at some point a decision is made to contact a Catholic parish and ask.

1. This first step is the PERIOD OF INQUIRY. The person will gather with other adults to inquire about the faith. No pressure is exerted, and no obligation nor commitment is required during this period.
2. The second step - RITE OF ACCEPTANCE into the Order of Catechumens and the PERIOD OF THE CATECHUMENATE - is taken by those who are firm in desire for initiation and want to start a formal study of Catholic teachings. A special ceremony or rite takes place where the Church symbolically claims the men and women for Christ by signing them with the cross. Accompanied by their sponsors, they publicly express their faith. The length of catechumenate varies. U.S. Bishops advise at least one year.
3. The third step - RITE OF ELECTION and the PERIOD OF PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT - is made when the catechumen discerns the call for God to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation) at the Easter Vigil. They are officially called by the bishop or his designate during the Rite of Election, often celebrated the first Sunday of Lent in the diocesan cathedral. Called the elect, they intently pray (and are prayed for) and prepare to celebrate the Lord's resurrection at Easter and receive the sacraments!
4. The fourth step - INITIATION AND MYSTAGOGIA - COMMENCES ON Holy Saturday during the Easter vigil, the primary celebration of Resurrection. In Baptism we die to sin in Christ's death so that we may rise to new life with Him. The newly initiated are called neophytes. Between Easter and Pentecost, the time is opportune to reflect on their commitments to Christ, His Church and the parish. The meaning of the sacraments is more deeply realized when new Catholics look for the best ways to share their time and talent, while enjoying fellowship with believers.

" Faith is a foretaste of the knowledge that will make us blessed

in the life to come."

St. Thomas Aquinas