When a person decides to seek entry into the Catholic Church, he or she usually approaches a priest who explains what is involved. The person is known as an enquirer, and during the period of Enquiry, which can take a few weeks or several months, or even years, his or her relationship with the Church is informal. He or she may be introduced to some friendly Catholic parishioners, or may be invited to join a small group where people ask questions and begin to explore the faith together.

Eventually the Enquirer is ready to take the first important step, of asking to be accepted as a formal Candidate for the Sacraments. This step is marked by the Rite of Welcome into the Catechumenate, when Enquirers are formally welcomed into the parish community during a short ceremony during or after Mass. Those who have not been baptised are known as Catechumens, while other Christian enquirers are known as Candidates.

After this, Candidates and Catechumens will be encouraged to attend Sunday Mass and other spiritual and secular events in the parish. They will each be “adopted” by a sponsor from the parish, who helps them become familiar with parish life and with the teachings of the Church. At this stage more detailed instruction in the faith is given, sometimes “one-to-one”, but more usually in a weekly group led by “catechists”, one of whom is probably a priest. The period of the catechumenate is the longest stage, and can last months or a year or more.

The next stage is shorter and more intense. At the beginning of Lent all those who are ready to receive the Sacraments are invited to the Rite of Election, which is held in the Cathedral of the Diocese. The Bishop presides over this ceremony, when candidates are called by name and are enrolled in a special book.

During Lent, known as the period of Purification and Enlightenment, candidates concentrate on spiritual preparation for Easter. On three Sundays, there are “Scrutinies”, when they will be prayed for in a special way during Mass. Now more than ever they will be supported by the  prayers, warmth and love of their fellow-parishioners.

Finally, Holy Saturday arrives, and the new Catholics are baptised, if they have not already been, or, if they have, they state publicly their acceptance of the Catholic faith, and  they are all confirmed and receive Holy Communion for the first time.

The last stage of the RCIA process is the Mystagogia, a period lasting from Easter until Pentecost. The new Catholics continue to meet weekly and are encouraged to become more involved in parish life.