As Lent approaches, men and women who have traveled the long spiritual journey towards initiation into the Catholic Church now enter the last phase of preparation for the celebration of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.

Like real-life travelers who have moved from one location to another, these catechumens --- those who have not yet been baptized --- may experience mixed feelings: relief that the journey has been safe thus far, apprehension as they realize how different things will be from now on, gratitude for those who have been their guides, and joyful hope that their new life in this new place will bring them peace and fulfillment.

These catechumens have made their way, slowly and in stages, through the long process of Christian initiation that defines their spiritual journey. Ideally, the entire parish community has supported and sustained them with prayer, affection and tender care. Ideally, the parish vision of Christian initiation has meant that liturgical celebrations, catechetical formation and opportunities for reaching out to those in need have deeply touched the lives of catechumens. Ideally, the entire parish has modeled and exemplified the Catholic way of life that catechumens yearn to follow.

The ideal is not always possible or practical, and hardly ever predictable. Nonetheless, it is important that parishes strive to discover and then put into practice their own version of the ideal process of Christian initiation that is suited to their unique circumstances and culture.

However, the process of Christian initiation does not and should not happen in a random or haphazard fashion. Parishes that follow and implement the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) have at their fingertips the ultimate resource and source of inspiration for those seeking to find refuge in God through initiation into the Catholic Church.

The RCIA is the official liturgical rite that serves as both "teacher's guide" and ceremonial ritual to bring adults and older children to the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. It contains not only those official liturgical rites of initiation, but also has recommendations for the ways to prepare people to celebrate those rites authentically and with full and active participation.

The last part of the journey for those seeking initiation coincides with the six weeks of Lent, a time of "Purification and Enlightenment," as it is described in the RCIA (n. 138). These weeks are set aside as a time of "intense spiritual preparation" that focuses on "interior reflection." This is the time for them to look forward with eager anticipation to the waters of baptism that will bring a new life of grace, and to the anointing with chrism that signifies the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the sacrament of confirmation.

Most of all, it is the time to ponder the ways in which they have turned away from sin and embraced God's loving presence as they eagerly await the day when, at long, long last, they will come to the table of the Eucharist.

A significant milestone along the journey of initiation takes place when catechumens celebrate the Rite of Election at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, with Cardinal Roger Mahony presiding with the regional bishops. (Ordinarily, this celebration occurs on the first Sunday of Lent; this year, it will take place March 8, the second Sunday of Lent, at 3 and 6 p.m.)

At this time, catechumens are "elected" to the Easter sacraments by the words of the celebrant: "I now declare you to be members of the elect, to be initiated into the sacred mysteries at the next Easter Vigil." Catechumens now have a new name and title: "the elect."

As the elect engage in the immediate preparation for the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist, they consider ways in which they have been slowly but thoroughly immersed in the Catholic way of life as it is lived out in their parish. They ponder the conversion of heart and mind that has taken place throughout their gradual yet complete spiritual and catechetical formation.

On the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent, they celebrate the Scrutiny rites that help them, and the rest of us as we join them in prayer, to "uncover then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in their hearts … and strengthen all that is … good" (RCIA, n. 141). As they wait "with joyful hope" for the Easter sacraments, they reflect in prayer how God has led them to this time and this place, and they give thanks.

In parishes where the RCIA has been implemented as thoroughly as possible, it is evident that the elect have not been traveling alone. The entire parish has accompanied them, in prayer, in joyful support, and in gratitude for the gifts they bring through their dedication and witness. This has been a joint parish effort, not limited to a few initiation team members or to the parish leadership.

Other parishes may not yet have discovered the ways in which wholehearted commitment to an authentic process of Christian initiation can enrich and even transform parish life. In these parishes, it might be helpful to take a clear look at what gets in the way of walking the spiritual journey alongside those who seek to be formed as Catholic Christians.

Perhaps some areas such as the lack of full liturgical participation or rushed catechesis could benefit from a frank and honest assessment. Perhaps more effective ways could be found to engage the entire parish community in supporting those who are seeking Christian initiation. Perhaps parish leadership is overwhelmed by many competing responsibilities and do not view Christian initiation as a major priority.

But parishes that fully embrace the process of initiation as celebrated in the RCIA find that it is worth whatever reasonable time, effort and financial and human resources is needed. As parishioners, parish staff and initiation teams gather with the elect at the Easter Vigil and rejoice with them, they recognize the richness of the amazing transformation that has taken place in the lives of these holy people, and give fervent thanks to God for them.

But initiation is not the end of the journey for those men and women who followed their spiritual quest by having been led carefully along the way by the RCIA. As new Catholic Christians, they will join faithful believers everywhere in continuing to seek ways to bring truth, holiness, justice, love and peace to a troubled world.

The spiritual journey of initiation, then, becomes the beginning of a life-long journey of discovery as the newly baptized become members of the Body of Christ. The road ahead is theirs to explore, and they will do so with the confidence and belief that indeed God accompanies them every step of the way.

Sylvia DeVillers is a member of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission, and of Blessed Junípero Serra Church, Camarillo.