The state, position, or period of being a catechumen; the rank or status of one undergoing catechetical instruction.
From 'catechumen' plus the noun suffix '-ship' (state or condition), similar to how 'apprenticeship' describes the state of being an apprentice.
Catechumenship was a real social status in early Christian communities—catechumens sat in different parts of the church, wore special clothing sometimes, and were under special rules, making them visibly different from full members.
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