All persons (whether they are unbaptized persons seeking the rites of initiation, or if they are baptized persons seeking full communion with the Roman Catholic Church) are free to enter the Inquiry Process.

Inquirers who are in need of a Declaration of Nullity from their previous marriage are free to enter the catechumenate. HOWEVER, THEY CANNOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THE RITE OF ELECTION OR THE RITE OF CALLING TO CONTINUING CONVERSION UNTIL THE DECLARATION OF NULLITY IS GRANTED BY THE TRIBUNAL.

Pastoral staffs should uncover the need for a Declaration of Nullity through personal interviews early in the process. The Pastor, Parochial Vicar, or Deacon should be involved from the very beginning in cases concerning those parties in need of a Declaration of Nullity from a previous marriage.

Inquirers seeking a Declaration of Nullity who are received into the catechumenate must clearly understand at the outset that there is a possibility that the process of annulment may not be concluded by the feast of Easter. THIS IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARISH, NOT THE TRI'BUNAL!

A catechumen or a candidate who is separated or divorced, and who is NOT now invalidly re-married nor intends to remarry, is not in need of a Declaration of Nullity in order to be accepted for the Rite of Election or the Rite of Calling to Continuing Conversion, and consequently, the sacraments of initiation. However, this person is in need of a Declaration of Nullity before he or she can set a wedding date and be married in the Church. Without the Declaration of Nullity, which cannot be pre-supposed, any person is bound to a life of perpetual chastity.