Neither the rite of election, nor the parish’s rite of sending constitute the moment of decision for the catechumens. Indeed, the rite presumes serious deliberation (the word is used three times) prior to the celebrations.
122. Within the rite of election the bishop celebrant or his delegate declares in the presence of the community the Church’s approval of the candidates. Therefore to exclude any semblance of mere formality from the rite, there should be a deliberation prior to its celebration to decide on the catechumens’ suitableness. This deliberation is carried out by the priests, deacons, godparents and representatives of the local community. If circumstances suggest, the group of catechumens may also take part. The deliberation may take various forms, depending on local conditions and pastoral needs. During the celebration of election, the assembly is informed of the decision approving the catechumens.
What does your parish do? How many places include the assessment of the catechumens themselves? Note that the rite calls for a fairly wide collaboration, not the clergy alone.
