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catechumenate

noun
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cat·​e·​chu·​men·​ate | \ -nə̇t \
plural -s

Definition of catechumenate

1a : the status of a catechumen
b : the duration of this status
2 : the body of catechumens
3 : the institution by which catechumens are prepared for church membership through a course of religious instruction

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“Catechumenate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catechumenate. Accessed 19 Jan. 2021.

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