catechumenal

1 9.9

Of lessons and activities that prepare people for baptism into a church

adjective
/ˌkætɪˈkjuːmənl/

: catecumenal

In many congregations, the catechumenal period includes regular meetings to discuss spirituality and faith before baptism.
catechumenal process

Examples

Many churches offer catechumenal classes for adults.
The church offered a catechumenal program for adults preparing for baptism.
During the catechumenal period, participants learned about the core beliefs of Christianity.
A catechumenal class is often required before joining the congregation.
The catechumenal process is essential for new believers.
During the catechumenal process, candidates learn about the core beliefs and practices of the Christian faith.
The church offers a catechumenal program designed to guide new members through the preparation for baptism.

Synonyms

baptismal

vscatechumenal

9 6.7

Relating to a baptism ceremony

is about preparing people for that ceremony rather than the ceremony itself

catechetical

vscatechumenal

Specialized

1 9.9

Relating to religious teaching using questions and answers

focuses on preparing people for ritual entry into the church

catechistic

vscatechumenal

Formal

1 9.9

A way of teaching that uses strict question-and-answer to help students remember facts

focuses on preparing people for church entry rather than resembling doctrine

catechetic

vscatechumenal

Specialized

9.9

Teaching Christian beliefs using questions and answers, often in church classes

focuses on preparing people for ritual entry rather than general teaching

catechismal

vscatechumenal

Formal

9.9

About questions and answers used to teach Christian beliefs

focuses on preparing people for church entry rather than summarizing doctrine

Surface Forms

catechumenal positive

Morphology

catechumenal = catechumen (semi-transparent) = catechumen + al

The adjective is formed regularly from the noun 'catechumen' with '-al', but the base word is a specialized religious term.

Etymology

Catechumenal comes from catechumen, a word for a person being taught, and from the Greek root katecheo meaning 'to teach by word of mouth' and shared with catechism. So catechumenal describes the lessons, the period, or the people preparing for baptism and joining a church.