The journey for the unbaptised unfolds in the following way:
1. Period of Evangelisation and Precatechumenate (Inquiry)
- First Step – Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens
2. Period of the Catechumenate
- Rite of Election
(Although there is no mention of the Rite of Election in part II of the RCIA which deals with initiation of children who have reached catechetical age, it is recommended that the children be invited to attend the Cathedral for the Rite of Election on the first Sunday of Lent.)
3. Period of Purification and Enlightenment
- Second Step: Penitential Rite (Scrutiny)
- Third Step – Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
4. Period of Mystagogy