Phase I: Inquiry

The first phase is called the Inquiry Period or, more formally, the Pre-Catechumenate. This is a period in which interested persons explore their own faith and focus on Jesus and His message to discover if full membership in the Catholic Church will deepen their understanding and experience of discipleship.

Do all inquirers become Catholic? No. Some choose, during Pre-Catechumenate, to look elsewhere for religious meaning. The Inquirer is always free to continue their search in some other tradition. During this period of search the Inquirers are asked, "Do you wish to continue?"