30 The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults These steps are marked by three liturgical rites: the first by the Rite for Entrance into the Catechumenate (nos. 41-74), the second by Election (nos. 118-137), the third by the celebration of the Sacraments (nos. 206-243). 7. The steps leading to, or preparing for, “periods” of inquiry and maturation are: a) The first period, which calls for inquiry on the part of an individual, is dedicated by the Church to evangelization and “precatechumenate,” and ends with entrance into the order of catechumens; b) The second period, which begins with entrance into the order of catechumens and can last several years, is taken up with catechesis and the rites associated with it, and ends on the day of Election; c) The third period, a much shorter one, which normally coincides with the Lenten preparation for the Paschal Solemnities and Sacraments, is designated for purification and enlightenment and includes the rites belonging to this period. d) The final period, which lasts for the whole of Easter Time, is given to “Mystagogy,” that is to gaining experience and spiritual fruits, and to spending time in the company of the faithful and forming stronger links with them. These, then, are the four consecutive periods: “precatechumenate,” marked by initial evangelization (nos. 36-40); “catechumenate,” set aside for the presentation of an integral catechesis (nos. 75-117); “purification and enlightenment” for the acquisition of a more intense spiritual preparation (nos. 138-205); and “Mystagogy,” marked by new experience, both of the Sacraments and of the community (nos. 244-251). 8. Furthermore, since the Initiation of Christians is nothing other than their first sacramental participation in the Death and Resurrection of Christ, and since also the time of purification and enlightenment usually falls in Lent2 and “Mystagogy” in Easter Time, 2 Cf. Second Vatican Council, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 109. 7 8
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