Terms and Definitions

Candidate – A validly baptized Christian (non-Catholic) seeking full communion with the Catholic Church. Candidate may need different levels of evangelization, and catechesis. Un-catechized candidates need to go through the full RCIA process. Catechized candidates may simply need some level of further catechesis culminating in a profession of faith and the reception of the sacraments.

Catechist – A person responsible for accurately and faithfully teaching the practices and dogmas of the Catholic Church, trained by the Diocese.

Catechumen – An un-baptized adult seeking entrance into the Catholic Church who has gone through the Rite of Acceptance. A Catechumen needs to be Evangelized and Catechized.

Catechumenate – The period of RCIA between the Rite of Acceptance and the Rite of Election where Catechumens and Candidates receive proper catechesis and formation along with a deepening of their faith.

Easter Vigil – The Mass where Catechumens and into the Church and receive the sacraments.

Elect – The unbaptized you are preparing to be Baptized, Confirmed, and receive 1st Communion at the Easter Vigil. Catechumens are Elected at the Rite of Election.

Evangelist – A person who seeks to expose others to the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, with the goal of leading them to a life of faith and a conversion of their life. The primary method of evangelization is the sharing of your personal faith story.

Godparent – A faithful Catholic chosen by the Catechumen or Candidate, approved by the pastor, who guides the Catechumen or Candidate after the Rite of Election.

Mystagogy – The period after the Easter Vigil where the Catechumens and Candidate, now Neophytes are integrated into the parish community and enter into a deeper understanding of their new sacramental life.

Period of Purification and Enlightenment – The period between the Rite of Election and the Easter Vigil where Catechumens and Candidates engage in deep reflection and discernment on their life, relationship with God, and call to faith.

Pre-Catechumenate – The period of RCIA before the Rite of Acceptance when people inquire into the Catholic Church without commitment.

RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, it is the process by which adults come into full communion with the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church.

Rite of Acceptance – The Rite through which the Church welcomes un-baptized adults into the Order of Catechumens where they will seek entrance into the Church. A modified Rite may be used to welcome baptized but un-catechized Christians as Candidates seeking full communion with the Catholic Church.

Rite of Election – The Rite at the beginning of Lent where Catechumens and Candidates are presented to the Bishop prior to their receiving the sacraments.

Sponsor – A faithful Catholic who guides a Catechumen or Candidate from the Rite of Acceptance to the Rite of Election.