This stage is the beginning of the Baptism and Confirmation class where the person engages in instruction about the Christian faith.

At St. Paul's, this stage is the beginning of the course: Growing in God's Mission (GiGM). GiGM is a new, dynamic and interactive confirmation course for Episcopal youth that focuses on the commitment to God's call to mission. GiGM engages youth in exploring and responding to their faith in meaningful ways to embrace their Baptisms, deepen their relationship with Christ, and to be sent forth to: pray and worship, proclaim the Gospel, and promote justice, peace, and love. And all of this is accomplished through language, activities, and media that meets youth where they are. Through GiGM, youth grow in faith and discover their role in mission as Christians in the Episcopal/Anglican tradition.

Entry into the catechumenate is by a public liturgical act during a principal Sunday liturgy. To this stage belong regular association with the worshiping community (e.g. regular attendance at Sunday worship services) and the practice of life in accordance with the Gospel (including service to the poor and neglected), encouragement and instruction in the life of prayer, and basic instruction in Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.

At St. Paul's, the Catechumenate begins on the First Sunday of Advent with the Entry into the Catechumenate (one becomes a Catechumen) at the Sunday worship service. Each person to be admitted a catechumen is presented by a sponsor at the 1 Advent worship service. The sponsor will support the catechumen in the journey toward baptism through conversation and prayer. At this point, the catechumens are added to the Prayers of the People and Intercessory prayer lists and are prayed for by name as they continue their preparation toward baptism. Catechumens attend the Ash Wednesday service to begin the observance of Lent and to mark that the Catechumenate is nearing completion and to prepare to be enrolled as a Candidate for Baptism on the First Sunday of Lent.

Instruction continues in GiGM as well as some additional guidance provided by the Clergy with respect to the nature of baptism, Holy Scripture, and prayer (details are arranged in consultation during Stage One).

As the catechumens near completion of instruction for baptism they are officially enrolled as Candidates for Baptism. Enrollment happens on the First Sunday in Lent with a public liturgical rite during the Sunday morning worship service. During this rite, the catechumens are prayed for and they write their names in the book of Baptism Candidates and their sponsors join them in signing the book.

On the Third Sunday in Lent the Candidates for Baptism receive a copy of the Apostles' Creed (Christian statement of baptismal faith and basis of the Baptismal Covenant) and on the Fifth Sunday in Lent the Candidates for Baptism receive a copy of the Lord's Prayer (a sign of the way in which our Lord has taught us to pray).

The Candidates for Baptism conclude specific training with the Rector on the nature of Baptism and continue with GiGM.

The Candidates for Baptism attend the Holy Week services to complete the observance of a Holy Lent and to prepare for their entry into Christianity with their Baptisms at the Great Vigil of Easter.

Following Baptism, the newly baptized complete GiGM and are now also prepared to be confirmed by the Bishop during his visitation.