What is the difference between a catechumen and a candidate in RCIA?

What is the difference between a catechumen and a candidate in RCIA?

• A. A catechumen is unbaptized; a candidate is baptized in another Christian tradition seeking full communion (and, if appropriate, prepares for Confirmation and Eucharist).
• B. A catechumen is baptized; a candidate is unbaptized.
• C. Both are unbaptized; they follow different rites.
• D. A catechumen becomes a priest-in-training.

Answer: (A)

A catechumen has not yet been baptized and begins the journey toward baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist within the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. A candidate has already been baptized in another Christian tradition and comes to the Catholic Church to be received into full communion; they do not need baptism again and typically prepare for and receive Confirmation and the Eucharist as appropriate after their reception. This distinction explains why the statement that a catechumen is unbaptized and a candidate is baptized elsewhere seeking full communion is the correct description.

A catechumen has not yet been baptized and begins the journey toward baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist within the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. A candidate has already been baptized in another Christian tradition and comes to the Catholic Church to be received into full communion; they do not need baptism again and typically prepare for and receive Confirmation and the Eucharist as appropriate after their reception. This distinction explains why the statement that a catechumen is unbaptized and a candidate is baptized elsewhere seeking full communion is the correct description.