Catechumens and Candidates: What is the difference?

With Easter just days away, many have heard the terms candidates and catechumens brought up during Mass or mentioned in the church bulletin. Some wonder what the difference is. Aren’t they the same? The short answer is no. Here is a breakdown

Candidates and Catechumen are the people, who, traditionally, have gone through the Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA) and will be entering the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass.

CANDIDATES

The candidates are those who wish to be brought into full communion with the Catholic Church and have already been Baptized.

They will receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion during the Easter Vigil Mass.
*. This also may include people who are already Catholic but were not Confirmed in their youth and wish to receive the Sacrament as adults.

CATECHUMEN

These are the people who wish to be Baptized and convert to the Catholic faith. They will receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist at the Easter Vigil Mass.

Let's pray for all of the thousands of Candidates and Catechumen who will be entering the Catholic Church in a few weeks!