National Statutes for the Christian Initiation of Adults Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate Norm 1 The evangelization of unbaptized persons during the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate will lead them through Scripture, prayer, and friendly conversation to an encounter with the person of Jesus Christ as the fullness of God’s revelation. Norm 2 Early in the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate, a parochial minister will meet inquirers individually to hear of their “first faith” (see The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults [OCIA] 42), discern the continuing impact of their encounter with the Lord, and discuss any issues (e.g., an irregular marriage) that could affect their eventual celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation. Period of the Catechumenate Norm 3 The term “catechumen” is to be strictly reserved for the unbaptized who have entered the catechumenate and who are joined to the Church in a special way while they strive to lead a life of faith, hope, and charity (CIC c. 206 §1). Norm 4 Ordinarily, a person who has entered the catechumenate is to remain in it from at least the Easter Time of one year until the beginning of the Easter Time of the next year; preferably it should begin before Lent in one year and extend until Easter of the following year. Norm 5 §1. As a general rule, the preparation of catechumens for the Sacraments of Initiation takes place in a parochial setting or its equivalent. §2. Catechumens prepared at a center, school, prison, or other institution are to be introduced into the Christian life of a parish or similar community, insofar as possible from the very beginning of the catechumenate, so that after their Initiation and Mystagogy they will not find themselves isolated from the ordinary life of the Christian people.
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