catecúmenos

Catecúmenos, or catechumens, are individuals in Christian communities who are in a period of instruction and formation before receiving the sacraments of initiation. The term comes from the Greek katecheumenos, meaning “one who is instructed,” and is closely related to katecho, “to instruct.” In the early Church, the catechumenate was a formal process of stages and teachings designed to prepare adults for baptism, usually completed at the Easter vigil.

Historically, the catechumenate was the primary path for those who sought baptism. It involved systematic instruction in Christian doctrine, moral living, and the responsibilities of belonging to the community. Liturgical rites accompanied the process, including renunciations of Satan and profession of faith, along with exorcisms or blessings. Catechumens were present at worship but did not receive the Eucharist until baptism.

In the contemporary Western Church, the catechumenate has been incorporated into the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). This framework typically includes periods such as inquiry, the catechumenate, purification and enlightenment, and the celebration of the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil, followed by mystagogy after baptism. Eastern Christian churches maintain a parallel catechumenate with similar aims, though rites and timing can differ.

Today, catecúmenos usually refer to adults or older children preparing for baptism; infant baptism is often handled separately in many communities. Across traditions, the catechumenate remains a recognized phase of formation, emphasizing instruction, faith formation, and entry into full communion with the Church.