Initiated in the slums of Palomeras Altas in Madrid during the 1960s by Kiko Argüello, Carmen Hernández, and Father Mario Pezzi, the Neocatechumenal Way is one of the most dynamic—and controversial—post-conciliar movements in the Catholic Church. At its core, the Way is not merely a series of meetings or a prayer group; it is defined as a “post-baptismal catechumenate.” The genius of its structure lies in its (Steps). These steps are not arbitrary phases but a gradual, pedagogical journey designed to lead an adult Catholic from an initial, often nominal faith to a mature, kerygmatic conversion. The pasos —specifically the Pre-catechumenate , the Catechumenate , and the Election leading to the Communities in Mission —form the backbone of a process that seeks to rebuild Christian initiation.

In this final step, the "Renunciation of Satan" and the "Profession of Faith" take on a radical intensity. It mirrors the crossing of the Jordan River. The members, having been purified through the desert of the catechumenate, now fully embrace their baptismal priesthood. They renew their vows with a profound awareness of what they are saying.

The first stage of the journey is the , often called the “Pre-Kerygma” or “First Steps.” This phase serves as an initial shock to the modern, secularized conscience. During this period, which lasts several months, participants (often called catecúmenos even before official enrollment) listen to the first announcement of the Gospel—the Kerygma. The structure of this step focuses on God’s love manifested in the Paschal Mystery of Christ. Through testimonies, the liturgy of the Word, and community meals, the individual is invited to confront their own sinfulness not as a psychological defect but as a rupture with God. The goal of this paso is to provoke a “metanoia” (change of heart), leading the person to decide whether to continue or leave. It is a time of purification of the intentions, culminating in the Passo ceremony where the candidate formally requests admission into the Catechumenate.

Tras las catequesis, se realiza una convivencia de fin de semana donde nace formalmente la comunidad.