Those among us who are considered “cradle Catholics,” persons baptized as infants, may not fully understand the ancient tradition of the catechumenate, the process by which children over seven and adults prepare for initiation into the Church. Every year, the Church welcomes these potential “catechumens,” persons interested in receiving the sacraments of initiation – baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.
Catechumens proceed through four stages before initiation at Easter. The first stage is Inquiry, which means the persons discerning initiation take a serious step to learn about the process. For many, this is the longest and least predictable step. The person becomes aware of an interior desire to approach the sacraments while not fully aware of the process. Once they contact our parish, I meet with them and learn about their circumstances. They are invited to attend A GIFT on Wednesday evenings where they can ask questions and receive guidance.
The second stage is Acceptance. The inquirer lets me know when they are ready to make public at Sunday Mass their desire to proceed toward the Easter sacraments. The Rite of Acceptance is celebrated in our parish, and at this moment, the person becomes a catechumen. More important, they become a member of the Church, even though they have not yet received a sacrament.
The third stage is Election. Always on the First Sunday of Lent, catechumens all over the Archdiocese are invited to a special liturgy at St. Peter the Apostle church, where Archbishop Shelton presides and welcomes them into the Archdiocese and the universal church. For most catechumens, there has been little or no contact with the larger Church. At this simple liturgy, they see the other catechumens who are on the same journey as they are. This year, we have an adult catechumen and her eight-year-old son who will celebrate the Rite of Election.
The fourth and final stage is Purification and Enlightenment. This stage lasts the entire Lenten season. The Elect, now aware of the diocesan church, take the same steps in their various parishes to deepen their awareness and their desire for full initiation. On the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent, the Elect receive a “minor exorcism.” No demons are cast out, but instead they are enlightened, and we are reminded of God’s ultimate authority and power over evil.
Please join me in praying for the catechumens around the world as they prepare for their final stages, and ultimately, their full initiation into the Church at the Easter Vigil. This year, our Easter Vigil will be celebrated at 8 pm at St. James Church on March 30. I hope you will join us at this most sacred celebration!
