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Glite Dictionary
catechumenate

catechumenate

9.9
A time of learning and preparation before baptism in the Christian church
  • noun
  • /ˌkætɪˈkjuːmənɪt/
translation icon : catecumenado
  • The catechumenate involves several months of learning about the Christian faith before baptism.

Examples

  • The answer emerged only gradually: a rite patterned after the demanding process of adult conversion known as the catechumenate.

    Academic text (2008)

  • (n40) Pope Innocent I (402-417) briefly described the rite in Rome, actually part of the Lenten catechumenate: "As to those performing public penance.

    Academic text (2008)

  • Admittedly, ecumenical engagement around the subjects of the catechumenate and baptism, while still challenging, was far less problematic than that which tackled what was seen by many to be the more pressing issue: the theology, practice, and ecclesiology of the Eucharist.

    Academic text (2013)

  • Catholic, Anglican, and Protestant liturgical scholars regularly reviewed each other's revised texts, and ecumenical partnerships were formed (for example, through the North American Association for the Catechumenate) as the different churches shared insights about the reclamation and implementation of a catechumenate.

    Academic text (2013)

  • During the catechumenate, participants engage in discussions and activities to deepen their understanding of Christianity.

  • Many individuals find the catechumenate to be an enriching experience that prepares them for their baptism.

Synonyms

catechesis
vscatechumenate
  • Specialized
3 9.9

Religious teaching for people preparing for baptism or confirmation

is the overall period of instruction and preparation rather than just the teaching
catechetical instruction
vscatechumenate
  • Formal
9.9

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

focuses on the whole preparatory process, not only the question and answer teaching method

Surface Forms

catechumenate singular
catechumenates plural

Morphology

catechumenate = catechumen (transparent) = catechumen + ate

Formed from the noun 'catechumen' plus the suffix '-ate' indicating a period or state related to catechumens; the relation is predictable if the learner knows 'catechumen'.

Etymology

Catechumenate comes from an old Greek word meaning 'to teach' and is related to catechumen and catechism. It means the time when new members were taught and prepared before baptism, so the origin explains its modern sense as a period of teaching before joining the church.