The
Period of the Catechumenate
The faith journey becomes more
in-depth after the initial commitment has been made. This period may
last one to a few years. A relationship with the Catholic community
begins. A deeper understanding of the Catholic faith and ones'
relationship with Christ begins to emerge.
The aim of this period is to
deepen the initial conversion. Catechumens with the help of
catechists study, share and reflect on the Sunday Gospels. They
experience passing on the Catholic tradition. The period is
characterized by:
There are two different names
given to the participants in the Catechumenate. Unbaptized members
are called "Catechumens" and baptized members are called
"Candidates".
During the period of the
Catechumenate, minor rites can be celebrated. These include:
celebrations of the Word, anointings, blessings, exorcisms,
presentations of the Creed and the Lord's Prayer, and the rite of
Sending Forth to Election.
Once God's time has been
fulfilled and the catechumen or candidate is ready to take the next
step in the process of conversion, The
Rite of Election for
the unbaptized and the call to continuing conversion for the
baptized is celebrated with the Bishop
presiding.
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