Q. 1. What is the catechumenate programme and its purpose?

A. 1. The word "catechumenate" means "the entire Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process." More specifically, it involves "the second phases of RCIA, the period of formal instruction."

The catechumenate is a time of formation, where the catechumens are gradually introduced to the Catholic faith. The idea is that the catechumens agree to follow the life of Christ. The process of the chatecumenate was reestablished as the normative process for an adult or child of the correct age to become Catholic.

The period of Inquiry is officially called the period of evangelization. People in this period are called inquirer's. During the period of Inquiry, the inquirer listens to the Good News, learns about the Catholic faith, and discerns a call to live the Gospel life as a Catholic.

Those who request admission to the Catechumenate Programme must do so freely. They must lead a life in harmony with the Gospel and the Church, and, if married, they must be in a marital state recognised by the Catholic Church.

The adults wishing to become members of the Church are normally instructed in a catechumenate programme in their parish.

The content of the instruction is to be in accord with the 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church, so that catechumens are introduced into the beliefs, liturgy, life of faith and the apostolic work of the Church.

It is the responsibility of the parish priest to ensure that the duration of the programme and the contents of the instruction are adequate for each individual.

Catechists and sponsors, who assist the catechumens on his/her spiritual journey towards the Catholic faith, must have an adequate knowledge of the Catholic faith and lead a life in accordance with Church teaching.