First Stage: The Pre-Catechumenate
The pre-Catechumenate has no fixed duration and is the least formal and structured of all the phases. The main purpose is to give the inquirer an opportunity to question and explore many different aspects of the Catholic faith, while introducing some of the Gospel values. Within this phase, the beginnings of Christian faith start to become evident.
First Ritual Step:
Once initial conversion is experienced, and the unbaptized inquirer is interested in making a more formal commitment to systematically learning about the Catholic faith, then the inquirer is accepted into the Church as a catechumen. This is done through a public rite called "Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens." The inquirer expresses the interest and the Church accepts their intention to respond to God’s call to follow the way of Christ.