Catholic Words

Catholics have a special way of describing things and a clear way of communicating the many aspects of their Faith and what it means to them. Here you can find some of the more important "Catholic Words" and what they mean. This section will be frequently updated.

"Catechumen" and "Candidate"
These are two common words used to describe two different individuals who are in different stages of their personal journey of Faith.

Simply put, a Catechumen is someone who is studying to become a Catholic. Sometimes, catechumens have only received Baptism, but often, they are unbaptized and have not received any Sacraments. In any case, the catechumen has gone through an initial period of "Inquiry" and has made the decision to go further in prayer and study so that, at a future Easter Vigil, he or she will receive Baptism (if they are not yet Baptizeds), Confirmation and Holy Eucharist and, hence, be fully accepted into the Catholic Faith. In addition to these three "Sacraments of Initiation," Catechumens typically also receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation ("Confession" which, along with the "Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick," is one of the two "Sacraments of Healing")) around the same time they receive the Sacraments of Initiation.

A Candidate (more properly called a "Confirmation Candidate") is a Baptized and practicing Catholic who is studying to receive his or her Confirmation to complete the "Sacraments of Initiation." A Candidate would have been Baptized, received both the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Communion, and attended Sunday Mass regularly.

Most Holy Redeemer Parish has programs for both Catechumens and Candidates. More information is available by calling the Parish Office at 732-566-9334 or emailing the office at [email protected].