Time of Serious Study - 
The Second Period

The word catechumenate means "time of serious study" and inquirers who become catechumens -- those who have not been baptized -- or candidates -- baptized Christians who have not been confirmed as Roman Catholics -- join us at Sunday Mass during the Liturgy of the Word, after which they move to separate place to continue reflecting on the Scriptures until the end of Mass.

After the Mass, the catechumens and candidates are joined by their sponsors for 'extended' study usually lasting an hour or so. The extended period may be held during the week depending on circumstances and schedules.

The length of the catechumenate varies according to individual need. The norm is a year or more. However, adjustments are made based on the faith experience of the individual.

Our catechumens and candidates do not travel alone during this period. Sponsors are chosen from the parish community to act as spiritual companions, providing personal support, sharing experience of Christian life and helping make the catechumens and candidates feel "at home" with Catholic religious practice.

The catechumenate period ends when a catechumen or candidate is ready to begin the third period of the journey, the period of purification and enlightenment, which coincides with Lent each year. Both the person and the RCIA director must agree that they are ready to go on. On the first Sunday of Lent, or close to that day, catechumens travel to Holy Name Cathedral to celebrate the second major rite of the RCIA process, the Rite of Election, while candidates receive the Call to Continuing Conversion.

In this phase, the commitment of the catechumen or candidate is a measure of his or her sincerity. Attendance at the weekly sessions is very important.