Term
Catechumenate
A period of preparation for baptism involving long-term training in doctrine and morals, followed by intensive preparation including exorcism, fasting, and a vigil before baptism on Easter.
Filed underEcclesiologyChurch History
Definition
A period of preparation before baptism that is divided into two parts under the heading of the Two Ways from the Didache. Part one was the long-term preparation, lasting up to three years, when candidates were trained in Christian doctrine and morals. Part two was the intensive preparation, when those accepted for baptism were exorcised daily, fasted on the two days before Easter, kept an all-night vigil consisting in the reading of scripture and instruction, and were finally baptized on Easter morning.
Connections
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- Part of
- See also
- exorcismTerm
Sources
- 1.J. G. Davies The New Westminster Dictionary of Liturgy and Worship. 1st American ed.. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1986). 150Original citation: Davies, J. G. The New Westminster Dictionary of Liturgy and Worship. 1st American ed. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1986, 150.
Last revised August 14, 2026