You've spent time learning the faith. Now comes a period of prayer and preparation as you get ready to receive the sacraments.
You've spent time learning the faith and beginning to live it. Now comes a period of more focused spiritual preparation, usually during Lent. It begins with the Rite of Election for those preparing for baptism. The Church calls them the Elect from this point on. There is still plenty to learn, but the emphasis now is prayer, repentance, and drawing closer to Christ.
Purification and Enlightenment sounds like a lot to take in. In plain language, purification means turning away from sin and allowing God to change your heart. Enlightenment means coming to know Christ more deeply and letting his truth guide your life. You don't have to arrive here with everything figured out. You do need to be willing to keep turning toward him.
Before Election, you and those helping with your formation discern whether you're ready to receive the sacraments. This isn't simply the next date on the calendar. Your faith, conversion, and intention to live as a Catholic matter. At the rite, usually celebrated with the bishop on the First Sunday of Lent, the Church affirms that you're ready to enter this final preparation. Your name is enrolled in the Book of the Elect.
Your godparent stands with you, and the community keeps praying for you. If something about the ceremony is unfamiliar, ask your coordinator beforehand. Nobody expects you to know where to stand or what to say without being shown.
The word scrutiny might make you think you're about to be questioned in front of everyone. Don't fret. These are rites of prayer for the Elect, not public examinations or a chance for anyone to announce your sins. The Church asks Christ to heal what is weak, strengthen what is good, and free you from sin and the influence of evil.
There are normally three scrutinies, celebrated on the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sundays of Lent. Their Gospel readings tell of the Samaritan woman at the well, the man born blind, and the raising of Lazarus. Together, they point you toward Christ as living water, light, and resurrection and life.
During this preparation, the Church also hands on the Creed and the Lord's Prayer in rites called presentations. You may already know the words. That's fine. These rites help you receive them as the faith you'll profess and the prayer you'll share with the Church. For pastoral reasons, the presentations can also take place earlier in Catechumenate. Your parish will explain its schedule.
If you've already been validly baptized, you aren't elected for baptism and you don't take part in the scrutinies for the Elect. Your preparation recognizes that you're already a Christian. Where appropriate, your parish may celebrate the Call to Continuing Conversion or other rites intended for baptized candidates.
Candidates preparing for full communion are also prepared for sacramental confession before reception. Your priest or coordinator will explain what applies to you and help you prepare. Your reception doesn't have to wait until the Easter Vigil; it depends on your readiness and pastoral circumstances.
For the Elect, the Easter Vigil is ordinarily the night of Baptism, Confirmation, and receiving the Eucharist for the first time. It begins after nightfall on Holy Saturday. Your parish will walk you through the practical details, including what to wear, when to arrive, and what your godparent needs to do.
Make room for prayer in the days leading up to it, especially during Holy Week. If you're nervous, say so. Your priest, godparent, and OCIA team are there to help. Receiving the sacraments is a beginning, and the next stage gives you time to reflect on what you've received.
After the sacraments comes Mystagogy, a time to keep learning through the faith you're now living. Continue to Mystagogy →
You don't have to walk toward Easter alone. The Church is praying with you.