Rite of Acceptance (of Catechumens) and Welcoming (of Candidates)
First Step: The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens
This rite is celebrated the First Sunday of Advent and the inquirer is enrolled in the catechumenate. Catechumens now express (and the Church accepts) the intention to respond to God’s call to follow the way of Christ. The Catechumen receives the Sign of the Cross.
The Church also recognizes the Candidate’s discernment in considering God’s call to follow the way of Christ in the Catholic Church.