The Catechumenate Period may extend over several years or may be shorter, varying with each individual's growth in faith, the questions they encounter, and the guidance they receive from God on their spiritual journey. During this period, catechumens discern God's message in the Scriptures, the life changes required to align with God's call, and the significance of Baptism in the Catholic faith. When both the catechumen and the pastoral team, including the priest, discern readiness for a faith commitment to Jesus within the Catholic Church, the catechumen may request baptism and partake in the Rite of Election. Catechumens hold a unique bond with the Church even before baptism.

The Rite of Election involves registering the names of catechumens preparing for baptism at the upcoming Easter Vigil. Usually, on Lent's first Sunday, catechumens, alongside their sponsors and families, convene at the cathedral. There, they publicly declare their baptismal intent to the bishop, and their names are inscribed in a book, designating them as the Elect.

Lent's duration serves as the final Purification and Enlightenment phase before the Easter Vigil. It is a time of intense preparation through prayer, study, and spiritual guidance for the Elect, supported by the parish communities' prayers. The Sacraments of Initiation are conferred during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday, fully integrating the Elect into the Catholic Church through Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist.

Post-initiation, the newly baptized individuals engage in ongoing formation and education during the Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy, lasting at least until Pentecost. In this phase, they reflect on their Easter Vigil experiences and continue their spiritual and communal integration.