Catechumen: A person who wants to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church, after starting the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults as an inquirer. Catechumens will receive the sacraments of initiation: baptism, first Eucharist and confirmation.

Candidate: A baptized Christian who wants to be a member of the Catholic Church or a Catholic who has not received all the sacraments of initiation. These individuals are not baptized again. RCIA helps them understand the teachings and practices of the church. They receive other sacraments of initiation as appropriate.

The Rite of Election: The enrollment of names of those seeking baptism at the approaching Easter Vigil. The names are recorded and they are called “the elect.” Candidates receive the “Call to Continuing Conversion.”

Easter Vigil: Lent is a period of prayer, study and spiritual direction. On Holy Saturday, the catechumen receives the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and first Eucharist. Candidates state the profession of faith. In addition, they receive first Eucharist and/or confirmation.