The Catechumenate is a process by which people who desire to join the Church have to go through. In this process the people are taught about the Faith and prepare for the Sacraments of Initiation. Most of these new members or initiated into the Church at the Easter Vigil. Today, the Catechumenate is referred to as an age-old way of entering the faith. The process can last from a couple of months to many years and involves Bible studies, public rites in worship, and meditation over God and vocations.
The Rite of Baptism involves pouring water on the person’s head and saying “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”. At times, the person’s head is immersed in the water, also symbolizing a cleansing of sins by rising out of the water and into a new life. The rite of Baptism also includes a recommitment of everyone who is present’s baptismal promises. The candle symbolizes the light of Christ (when it is lit) and the white garment worn by the priest symbolizes new life in Christ. The water also symbolizes a sharing in the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ.
In the Latin Rite, the three Sacraments of Initiation are given simultaneously on adults or teens who are baptized at the Easter Vigil. For infants, Confirmation and Eucharist are temporarily put aside until they have reached the age of reason, or around 7 years old. At times, Confirmation is administered through Catholic schools or parish organizations during middle school or high school. Baptism is necessary for salvation since the grace received from it makes the Baptized united in a communion with Christ the Savior.
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