THE ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS

First Period:

Period of Evangelization and Pre-Catechumenate

Name:

Inquirers

Aim:

Awakening faith

Content:

Time to build trust, to share personal stories, questions; time to proclaim the message of salvation, foster initial conversion, introduce into parish life.

Time:

Unlimited

Rites:

No specific rites suggested

First Stage:  Celebration of the Rite of Acceptance into the

Order of Catechumens

Second Period:            Period of the Catechumenate

Period of the Catechumenate

Name:

Catechumens (unbaptized) and Candidates

Aim:

Deepening initial conversion and passing on Catholic tradition

Content:

Time to deepen faith/conversion within the living community through:

• catechesis  based on the Liturgy of the Word
• the life of the community
• prayer and worship
• introduction to the apostolic life

Time:

One to a few years

Rites:

Rites of the period:

• celebration of the word

• blessings

• Anointing

• exorcisms

anticipatory rites:  Presentation of Creed & Lord’s Prayer

Rite of Sending to Election (USA adaptation)

Second Stage:  Celebration of the Rite of Election

Fourth Period:

Period of Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogia

Name:

Neophytes

Aim:

Celebration of faith, ministries and missioning

Content:

Deepening of sacramental life with emphasis on Gospel, Eucharist & Mission

Time:

Paschal Time (Easter to Pentecost) and then until anniversary of initiation

(USA adaptation)

Rites:

Sunday Eucharists with the assembly

Gathering (preferably Eucharist) with the bishop

Life Stage:  Celebration of the Eucharist (Sunday)

Where to Go for More Information:

Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

The Catholic Answer Bible

The How-To Book of the Mass, Michael Dubriel

Living the Mysteries:  A Guide for Unfinished Christians,

Scott Hahn and Mike Aquilina

Opening the Scriptures:  A Guide to the Catechism for use with Sunday Readings, Rev. Kris D. Stubna

What Catholics Believe:  A Pocket Catechism Mike Aquilina, Rev. Kris D. Stubna

If you are an adult 18 years old and above and have been baptized, but have not received Confirmation, please contact Fr. Ed Jocson or e-mail ejocson2001@yahoo.com.