catechist

/'kætikist/

Thân thiện

A catechist teaches a small group of children in a church hall.

Definition

Noun: 1. A religious instructor: A person who teaches the principles of a religion, particularly Christianity, often in preparation for baptism or confirmation, typically using a catechism (a book of questions and answers). 2. A teacher of catechumens: Specifically, one who instructs catechumens (people receiving instruction in preparation for Christian baptism or church membership).

Usage

• The primary role of a catechist is to provide formal religious education.
• A catechist often works within a church or parish community.
• The instruction given by a catechist is typically structured and based on a catechism.

Examples

• The parish trained several volunteers to serve as catechists for the new confirmation class.
• As a catechist, her duty was to prepare the children for their First Communion.
• The catechist used a simple question-and-answer method to explain the tenets of the faith.

Advanced Usage

• Lay catechist: A catechist who is not an ordained member of the clergy but a trained member of the laity.
  • The church relies heavily on dedicated lay catechists to run its Sunday school programs.

Variants and Related Words

• Catechism (noun): A summary of the principles of Christian religion in the form of questions and answers, used for religious instruction.
  • The children memorized passages from the catechism.
• Catechesis (noun): Religious instruction given to a person in preparation for Christian baptism or confirmation; the process of catechizing.
  • The period of catechesis lasts for several months.
• Catechize (verb): To instruct someone in the principles of a religion, especially by using a catechism.
  • The priest would catechize the new converts every Wednesday.

Synonyms

• Religious instructor
• Doctrine teacher
• Catechetical teacher

Notes on Meaning

• The term is strongly associated with Christian, particularly Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox, traditions of formal religious education.
• While the core meaning involves preparation for baptism, a catechist may also instruct those preparing for other sacraments like confirmation or simply provide ongoing religious education.

Học thuật

Noun

1. one who instructs catechumens in preparation for baptism (especially one using a catechism)