The diocesan bishop, as shepherd of the diocese, presides over the entire process of initiation. It is his responsibility not only to regulate the implementation of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults in the diocese, but to promote the formation of candidates and catechumens.
In the early Church, it was the bishop who welcomed the new members into the community. The bishop continues this role of guidance and support indirectly and directly.
Indirectly, he does so through the competent leadership he appoints in parishes and diocesan offices that function to serve the implementation of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and which provide adequate care and formation for catechumenate teams and for those enrolled in the initiation process.
Directly, the bishop presides at the rite of election and the celebration of the sacraments of initiation (when possible), and brings the neophytes (newly initiated) together during the Easter season to celebrate the Eucharist together.