After the Roman Empire became Christian, this period of preparation was shortened, but it is still a necessary time during which the individual can be properly instructed in the Catholic faith and given ample opportunities to live that faith. It is to be noted that in the case of infant baptism, both in the early Church and today, the entire period of the catechumenate takes place after baptism. It is the responsibility of the community to help educate and rear this child as a true Christian. Baptism is the outward, visible form, which serves as a vehicle for entry into the Ctn Faith. To seek baptism is to acknowledge that human existence is not in order and needs to be reoriented.
Baptism also includes the moment of justification or righteousness.
Justification implies being accepted, finding an identity, and counting as someone. Through baptism we are accepted, incorporated, delivered from the isolation of meaninglessness and placed within a community of faith. Baptism is also the form under which begins the work of sanctification. To be baptized means normally to receive the Spirit, to be made holy. Baptism also includes the moment of election.