CHAPTER 3 TERMS

Catechumenate• Greek for “study or instruction”

• 2 or 3 year period of study about Jesus and the Christian faith.

Catechumen• Unbaptized people who are preparing to receive all of the

Sacraments of Christian Initiation.

• RCIA-C

• RCIA

Catechists• Teachers of the faith.

• Ordained ministers and lay people.

• The help make Christian disciples.

RCIA• Right of Christian Initiation for Adults

• The process by which people are brought into the Church.

Scrutinies • Prayer service in which the Church prays for and over the

elect.

• The prayers ask for God to strengthen the catechumen’s faith.

Baptism of Blood• The belief that martyrs receive forgiveness for their sins

without having been baptized.

Baptism of Desire• The belief that catechumens who die before receiving the

Sacrament of Baptism receive God’s forgiveness and mercy.

Exorcism• A powerful prayer to prepare for Baptism.

• It asks for God’s help to overcome the power of Satan and evil.

Oil of Catechumens• Olive oil that is blessed by a bishop at the Chrism Mass

on or around Holy Thursday.

• Holy Thursday?

• It gives them wisdom and strength in their journey toward Baptism.