During the period of precatechumenate, those interested in joining the Catholic Church are considered “inquirers.” Their draw to the truth and beauty of Catholic teaching has moved them to desire to know more about the Catholic faith—both its doctrines and its practice. This is a time for inquirers to receive preliminary instruction in the gospel message and Church teaching. It is the start of their journey and the beginning of faith formation and foundation.

The Period of the Catechumenate begins with The Rite of Acceptance. During this rite, the parish community welcomes the catechumens—those seeking baptism as well as the other sacraments of initiation--and candidates—those who have been baptized into another Christian faith and seeking full communion with the Catholic Church—into the official period of preparation. During this ritual, catechumens and candidates receive the sign of the cross on all their senses, their hands, and their feet as a symbol of the rededication of themselves to Christ and the Christian journey. They publicly express their intention to follow Christ and respond to God’s call. The period of the catechumenate is a time for deeper instruction and learning about Church teaching and tradition. The candidates encouraged in developing their prayer and spiritual lives. "This catechesis leads the catechumens not only to an appropriate acquaintance with dogmas and precepts but also to a profound sense of the mystery of salvation in which they desire to participate."[3]

There are two important rites that take place during the period of the catechumenate: the “Rite of Sending” and the “Rite of Election (those unbaptized)” or “Call to Continuing Conversion (those already baptized).” These rites mark the end of the period of the Catechumenate. 
The intention of these Rites is one in which The Church as a whole, represented by the Bishop acknowledges the readiness of the catechumen or candidate and officially sends them forth to receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil.

The period of Purification and Enlightenment coincides with the season of Lent and is the final period preceding the initiation of the elect and candidates into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. During this period, the elect and candidates joins the rest of the Church in penance and sacrifice as they prepare themselves spiritually reflecting especially upon the process of purification and conversion.
On the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent, the elect undergo three “scrutinies.” These are rites meant to encourage self-reflection, repentance, spiritual healing and deeper conversion. The scrutinies are oriented toward a strengthening of the elect in their resolve to leave behind sinful ways and commend themselves entirely to the love of God and new life in Jesus Christ.
This period is concluded with reception of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. This is not the end but the beginning of their new life I Christ!

This is translated from the Greek words meaning “to lead through the mystery” This final period following the celebration of the sacraments of initiation. It is a time of reflection during which the new Catholics can meditate upon their initiation and seek to deepen their understanding of the Christian faith and way of life through the new experience of being fully practicing members of their Catholic community.