Catholic Dictionary
Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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INITIATION OF ADULTS
Preparation of adults especially in mission countries for baptism and reception into the Church. According to the directives of the Congregation for Divine Worship (1972), the process is done in four stages: 1. initial period of inquiry, instruction, and evangelization; 2. catechumenate as a period of progressive formation in the faith, which includes being signed with the cross, blessings, exorcisms, and introduction into the Church for celebration of the Word of God; 3. immediate preparation from the beginning of Lent to Easter Vigil, when the sacraments of initiation are received, i.e., baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist; 4. full entrance into the community of the faithful during the Easter season.
