An unbaptized person preparing for full initiation into the Catholic Church by study, reflection, and prayer is called a

• A. Catechumen
• B. Convert
• C. Candidate
• D. Novice

Answer: (A)

In the Catholic tradition of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, an unbaptized person preparing for full initiation through study, reflection, and prayer is called a catechumen. This period, the catechumenate, centers on learning the faith and growing in prayer as they prepare to receive Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. A baptized person who is joining the Catholic Church would be called a candidate, not a catechumen, because baptism has already taken place. A convert is a broader term for someone who becomes Catholic after being baptized elsewhere, and a novice refers to someone entering a religious order, not the initiation process into the Church.