RCIA

This is called the Period of Purification and Enlightenment. This period tends to correspond with Lent and is intended to be a period of increased introspection and coming closer to God. The aim of this period is to eliminate what is weak and sinful, and affirm what is holy. During this period the Elect undertake a number of Rites, including the Scrutinies and Presentations:

• First Scrutiny (3rd Sunday of Lent)
• The Presentation of the Creed (3rd Week of Lent)
• Second Scrutiny (4th Sunday of Lent)
• Third Scrutiny (5th Sunday of Lent)
• The Presentation of the Lord’s Prayer (ideally the 5th Week of Lent
• Preparation Rites on Holy Saturday

The Candidates meanwhile prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation with an optional Penitential Rite Scrutiny. This takes place on the 2nd Sunday of Lent.

At the Easter Vigil the celebration of three Sacraments takes place. The Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist (Holy Communion).

The Elect celebrate all of these while the Candidates (having already been baptized) only celebrate Confirmation and the Eucharist. The Elect now called Neophytes, and are considered to be full members of the Christian faithful.

These Rites can also be celebrated outside of the Easter Vigil, however, this should be exceptional for the unbaptized. The circumstances for the baptized candidates are more flexible.

The Third Step
The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation is the Rite undertaken by the Elect (unbaptized).

The Rite of Reception of Baptized Christians into the full Communion of the Catholic Church is the Rite undertaken by the Candidates (baptized).

This is known as the Thrid Step.

Where there are both Elect (unbaptized) and Candidates (baptized) in a Parish there is the option of a combined Rite at this stage. This Rite is formally know as: The (Combined) Celebration at the Easter Vigil of the Sacraments of Initiation and of the Rite of Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church.