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catechesis

catechesis

3 9.9
Religious teaching for people preparing for baptism or confirmation
  • noun
  • /ˌkætəˈkiːsɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : catequesis
  • The diocese emphasizes the importance of effective catechesis for new converts to the faith.

Examples

  • The church offers weekly classes for catechesis to prepare children for their baptisms.

  • Many parents seek resources to improve their child's catechesis in preparation for confirmation.

  • To overcome this, a great deal of catechesis is necessary.

    Blog text (21)
  • Truly, the first step to all the changes needed must be proper catechesis.

    Blog text (24)
  • From that point, catechesis can begin to inform, ground, and guide.

    Blog text (31)
  • There is great need for catechesis, repentance, and conversion of hearts, and there always will be.

    Blog text (30)
  • Catechesis is instruction for those who believe; parenesis seeks the further conversion of people whose Christian identity is in formation.

    Academic text (2010)
  • Benedict XVI continued his catechesis on prayer, this time dedicated to the second part of the Apocalypse.

    Blog text (33)
  • Either their childhood catechesis was nonexistent or they haven't moved beyond the simple comfort of the Baltimore catechism.

    Blog text (3)
  • Father Alan Mackey graces us with High Mass most Sundays, and his homilies always include useful catechesis.

    Blog text (5)

Synonyms

catechetical instruction
vscatechesis
  • Formal
9.9

Teaching religious beliefs by asking and answering questions, often before baptism or confirmation

is oral teaching for baptism or confirmation rather than focused question and answer
catechization
vscatechesis
  • Formal
9.9

Teaching the beliefs of a religion by asking and answering questions before a ceremony

is oral instruction mainly for baptism or confirmation rather than strict question and answer

How Detailed

mystagogy
  • Formal
9.9
catechesis
  • Specialized
3 9.9
instruction
141 1.9
reference
329 3.2
introduction
45 1.4

Surface Forms

catechesis singular
catecheses plural

Morphology

catechesis = catechism (opaque) = catech + esis

Although related to 'catechism', the formation uses Greek combining forms and a learned noun-forming element, so learners cannot reliably derive the meaning from its parts.

Etymology

Catechesis comes from Greek parts kata- ('down') and echo ('sound'), giving the image of speaking the teaching clearly and directly to someone. So a catechesis is an oral lesson that prepares people for baptism or confirmation.