In
ecclesiology, a
catechumen (; via
Latin catechumenus from
Greek κατηχούμενος
katēkhoumenos, "one being instructed", from κατά
kata, "down" and ἦχος
ēkhos, "sound") is a person receiving instruction from a
catechist in the principles of the
Christian religion with a view to
baptism. The title and practice is most often used by
Anglican,
Lutheran,
Methodist,
Orthodox,
Reformed/Presbyterian, and
Roman Catholic Christians.
Ecumenical organisations such as the North American Association for the Catechumenate are helping to, across several
denominations, "shape ministries with adult seekers involving an extended time of faith formation and a meaningful experience of adult baptism at
Easter."