How Long Does It Take:

1. Adults may begin at anytime.  Candidates are brought into full communion when they are “ready”.  Catechumens are initiated at the Easter Vigil after a liturgical year of catechesis.

1. Answer questions and concerns
2. Address misconceptions of the Catholic Church
3. Provide initial knowledge of Catholic faith and doctrine
4. Facilitate the start of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer
5. Determine individual catechesis needed
6. Help discern readiness to move into the catechumenate
7. Prepare inquirers for Rite of Acceptance / Welcoming

1. Facilitate an ongoing personal relationship with Jesus Christ through His Word in the Sunday Scriptures
2. Prepare catechumens and candidates for upcoming rites
3. Teach Church doctrine that flows from each Sunday Scripture
4. Facilitate a relationship with participants and the Church community
5. Provide sacramental preparation for the Candidates
6. Help discern readiness to be Catholic

1. Facilitate a more serious reflection on conversion
2. Fashion this period as a retreat in preparation for the Easter Vigil
3. Prepare Elect for rites of this period
4. Provide sacramental preparation for the Elect

1. Ongoing immersion in Christ’s teachings using Sunday Scriptures
2. Help integrate Neophytes into the local Church community
3. Review the sacraments received and discuss continuing Reconciliation and Eucharist, especially for those just baptized
4. Assist the Neophytes in learning to become spreaders of the “Good News” of Jesus Christ (Evangelization)
5. Emphasize Pentecost and the Mass for Neophytes

1. Separate special age appropriate adaptations of catechetical instruction are made for children ages 7-16.
2. Rites are celebrated with the adults.
3. Candidates are brought into full communion with the adults.  Catechumens are initiated at the Easter Vigil.