What is a catechumen?
A catechumen is a teenager or adult who is preparing to receive the sacraments of Christian initiation: Baptism, the Eucharist, and Confirmation. This process corresponds to a period known as the catechumenate. In this article, learn the key things to know about catechumens. At the end of this article, we invite you to explore our articles on the sacraments and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Why does a catechumen seek baptism?
A catechumen who seeks baptism and wishes to enter the catechumenate generally does so for several reasons. Here are two examples, the first being the most common.
- The catechumen has had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ: for example, someone told them about Christ, or they had a personal experience themselves.
- The catechumen is soon to be married in the church but has not been baptized.
The catechumenate includes various celebrations in the church: the rite of acceptance, the rite of election, the scrutinies, and baptism.
Who are the catechumens?
Catechumens may be:
- People from a Christian cultural background who simply have not received the sacrament of baptism
- People from non-Christian backgrounds, such as Islam. Some Catholic organizations focus on Islam, such as the Ismérie Mission in France, which is tasked with proclaiming Christ to Muslims and accompanying converts into the Church.
- People who do not belong to any religion and who have grown up in an atheist or agnostic environment
- People who have turned to the occult or spiritualism and who are subsequently discovering God
- People from all social backgrounds
- People of all ages: there are catechumens as young as 20 and as old as 70.
How should we welcome catechumens?
Welcoming catechumens involves, above all, listening attentively to their life stories, their questions, and their journey of faith. Furthermore, it is important to provide them with practical support in the life of the Church and the parish, gradually integrating them into the community.
How is a catechumen supported?
A catechumen can be accompanied by various people:
- The parish priest
- The diocesan catechumenate office
- Mentors
- Their godparents
- Parishioners
Is a catechumen who dies before baptism saved?
Yes, a catechumen who dies before baptism is saved.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “For catechumens who die before their Baptism, their explicit desire to receive it, together with repentance for their sins, and charity, assures them the salvation that they were not able to receive through the sacrament.” (CCC 1259)
What is the name given to a catechumen who has just been baptized?
A catechumen who has just been baptized is called a neophyte.
What can a catechumen bring to the Church?
As a new convert, a catechumen often brings:
- A real breath of fresh air to the Church
- A new sense of vitality
- Questions—not only about the catechumen’s conversion, but also about our own baptism and our journey as baptized believers.
I’m an adult, and I want to be baptized—what should I do?
Contact your parish or diocese
An adult who has not been baptized and who wishes to receive the sacrament of baptism must first:
- Get in touch with their local parish—that is, the parish closest to where they live
Or
- Contact the diocese: simply type “Diocese + the name of the largest city in your region” into Google to find the website and contact information for your diocese.
Enter the catechumenate
Next, an adult who wishes to receive the sacrament of Baptism must undergo a period known as the catechumenate. This period generally lasts between one and a half and two years.
Let’s pray for the catechumens with Hozana
With Hozana, let us pray for all catechumens and for those who have not yet encountered Christ. Hozana offers a variety of prayer suggestions, such as:
- These , and many others.
