There are five main stages for those wishing to enter the Church who have not been previously baptized. A preliminary stage is called inquiry, in which the candidate starts learning more about the Catholic Church. The other main steps follow:

• Order of Catechumens: Individuals are accepted through the rite of reception, in which they express their desire and intention to learn more about the Catholic faith. The catechumenate can vary depending on how much the catechumen has already learned. The purpose of the catechumenate is to provide these individuls with a foundation in Catholic teaching.
• Rite of Election: This is when the catechumens' names are written in a book of those who will receive the sacraments of initiation. After this, these individuals undergo a period of more intense period of reflection, instruction, and enlightenment.
• Scrutinies: These cheif rituals are celebrated on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent. These are rites for repentance and soul-searching. The Catechumens are also presented with the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer.
• Initiation: This occurs at the Easter Vigil. During this Mass, the catechumens receive Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist all in one night. It is a very beautiful liturgy that recalls the story of our salvation, beginning in Genesis with the story of Adam and Eve, and going all the way to the coming of Christ.
• Mystagogy: In this final stage, the new Christians are given even more instruction and are strengthened in their new-found faith. This period of instruction lasts through the Easter season to the feast of Pentecost.