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CHRISTIAN INITIATION

General Information

The Periods and Steps of Christian Initiation

Click on the arrow to see more information about each step. For more details about each step, please read the Overview of the Process of Christian Initiation in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate

This is a time of no fixed duration or structure, for 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, usually celebrated on some annual date or dates, marking the beginning of the catechumenate proper, as the 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, in duration corresponding to the progress of the individual, for the nurturing and growth of the catechumens’ faith and conversion to God; celebrations of the word and prayers of exorcism and blessing are meant to assist the process.

Second Step: Election or Enrollment of Names

This is the liturgical rite, usually celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent, by which the Church formally ratifies the catechumens’ readiness for the sacraments of initiation and the catechumens, now the elect, express the will to receive these sacraments.

  • For full details and registration for the 2027 Rite of Election: Click here
Period of Purification and Enlightenment

This is a period of more intense spiritual preparation, consisting more in interior reflection than in catechetical instruction, and is intended to purify the minds and hearts of the elect as they search their own consciences and do penance. The rites belonging to this period are: the scrutinies, the presentations, a retreat and preparation rites on Holy Saturday.

  • Archdiocesan Retreat for Adults in Sacramental Formation: Date coming soon
Third Step: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation

Through this final step the elect, receiving pardon for their sins, are admitted into the people of God. They are graced with adoption as children of God and are led by the Holy Spirit into the promised fullness of time begun in Christ and, as they share in the Eucharistic Sacrifice and meal, even to a foretaste of the kingdom of God (no. 206, from the ritual book, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).

ONLY THOSE TO BE BAPTIZED RECEIVE THE SACRAMENTS AT THE EASTER VIGIL.

Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy

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

Reception into Full Communion

Please see below for information regarding the reception of Baptized Christians into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church.

Record-Keeping

The following registers are to be maintained diligently with regard to required information and record keeping:

  • Register of Catechumens, after the Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens (see RCIA, no. 46);
  • Book of Elect, prior to the Rite of Election (see RCIA, no. 132);
  • Register for Baptism, after the Sacraments of Christian Initiation (see Christian Initiation, General Introduction, no. 29);
  • Register for Full Communion of the Catholic Church (see RCIA, no. 486).

Regularizing Marital Situations

Teaching Videos

Christian Initiation for Younger Age Groups

Confirmation for School-Age Children

  • For information about the Sacrament of Confirmation for School Age Children, click here.