The Precatechumenate is "the inquiry stage". For individuals, this is the stage when they might first contact the parish about their interest and start attending inquiry sessions or meeting privately with a priest or catechist. For some who have engaged in their own study or attended Mass attentively and regularly, the Precatechumenate might last months. For others who have little background in Catholicism or Christianity, more time might be needed.
Who Are They?
People involved in the RCIA process are either catechumens or candidates. Catechumens are those who have never been baptized. Candidates are those who have been baptized in other Christian denominations, whose baptism is recognized as valid. There are special rites for unbaptized children who have reached the age of reason and are seeking to become Catholics. Many parishes also adapt some of the elements of the RCIA for those who were baptized in the Catholic Church but have never learned or practiced their faith.
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Four stages in the RCIA:
- the Precatechumenate, or period of inquiry and evangelization;
- the Catechumenate, which is a time of serious and dedicated formation;
- the Period of Purification and Enlightenment, which coincides with Lent;
- and Mystagogy (Greek, meaning "interpretation of mystery") which lasts from Easter to Pentecost.