What is the process like?

The initiation process consists of four periods - Inquiry, the Catechumenate, the Period of Enlightenment and Purification, and Mystagogy.

• INQUIRY -- The Inquiry Period is of no set length of time. During this time people are encouraged to come and ask questions about the Catholic faith. This is a time for people to find out enough information about Catholic life that they can decide if it is the way in which they understand God is calling them to live.

• CATECHUMENATE-- The Catechumenate Period lasts about a year. It is the time for serious study, prayer, and participation in the worship and life of the parish. During this time the person is helped to be formed in the Catholic way of life.

• ENLIGHTMENT AND PURIFICATION -- The period of Enlightenment and purification lasts six week and coincides with Lent. During this time, people who have discerned that God is calling them to be fully initiated with the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist (Communion) and Confirmation, spend time prayerfully reflecting on the deep commitment of the Catholic Christian life.

• MYSTAGOGY -- The Mystagogy Period is the time after initiation during which the newly initiated members of the Church spend time to discover the meaning of the mysteries of God into which they have been given the privilege of participating. Mystagogy - exploring the mysteries - is a lifelong process. One never finishes learning about God.