The RCIA consists of 4 periods or stages:

1. Inquiry – the individual is here to ask questions, get some basic understanding of the foundations of our faith in a classroom setting, begin to make friends and build community, begin to build a relationship with God in prayer. This period culminates in the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens once the individual is ready to move forward in the process.
2. Catechumenate– the individual has been accepted into the Order of Catechumens and is officially asking to become part of the Catholic Church, this stage includes more directed teachings on the Sacraments especially Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. This period lasts about a year and culminates with the Rite of Election.
3. Purification and Enlightenment – the individual spends about 6 weeks deepening their prayer life, directed by the team, as they work with the promptings of the Holy Spirit to change their lives toward Christ who leads us to the Father in heaven. This period culminates with the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation typically at the Easter Vigil Mass (a special Mass the Saturday evening prior to Easter Sunday).
4. Mystagogy – the individual recognizes the need to fulfill their mission as fully initiated Catholic Christians and the focus during this time is how to live as part of the parish community through ministry and also continue to learn about their faith and the Church.