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Guides for easy pronunciation Clear definitions Look It Up!

Annunciation (uh-nuhn-see-AY-shuhn) The Angel Gabri- el’s announcement of the Incarnation to Mary at Naza- reth. At Mary’s consent, the Son of God became man in her through the power of the Holy Spirit. The feast of the Annunciation is March 25, nine months before . See Incarnation

Cross-references Illustrations

“Look It Up! is a much-needed answer to the challenge of rebuilding a common language of faith among the Catholic people. Children and their parents and catechists will find this book to be a helpful resource.” —Most Reverend Richard J. Malone Bishop of Portland, Maine Janet L. Alampi “In Look It Up! Janet Alampi has compiled an invaluable resource for Catholic parents, teachers, converts, and kids of all ages. Hundreds of words and phrases that are particular to our Catholic faith and tradition are defined and presented in an easy-to- use dictionary format. From “Abba” to “zucchetto,” Look It Up! is a resource every Catholic can use.” —Danielle Bean, senior editor of Faith & Family magazine and author of Mom to Mom, Day to Day: Advice and Support for Catholic Living

“Look It Up! is a great boon for parents and teachers whose children wonder if an is the wife of an apostle and ask why cardinals, and not other birds, gather in Rome for a papal election. This book explains Catholic words clearly, correctly, and in a way that children can understand. Every home and school should have a copy as a basic reference.” Over 600 Definitions —Sr. Mary Kathleen Glavich, s n d , religious educator, and author

Janet Alampi has served as managing editor of The Catholic Transcript, the archdiocesan for Catholic Kids newspaper of Hartford, Connecticut and is currently the Director of Religious Education for St. Gabriel Parish in Windsor, Connecticut. She is also the mother of two teenagers who $12.95$9.95 have asked innumerable questions about Catholic terminology over the years. and Their Parents and Teachers Janet L. Alampi www.pauline.org

LookItUp-cover.indd 1 11/29/07 10:47:35 AM LookItUp-inside.indd 4 11/26/07 4:44:44 PM Abba adultery A A

Abba (AH-buh) The Aramaic (the lan- account of the early Church believed guage Jesus spoke) word for “father.” to be the continuation of Saint Luke’s Jesus called God “Abba.” . It describes important events abbey (AB-ee) The home of monks or such as the Ascension, , the nuns. The leader of monks is an ab- conversion of Saul, and the miracles bot; the leader of nuns is an abbess. See worked through the apostles. monastery. actual grace (AK-choo-uhl) See grace, ac- abortion (uh-BOR-shuhn) The deliberate tual. destruction of a fetus, which is an un- actual sin See sin, actual. born child. A.D. Abbreviation of the Latin phrase absolution (ab-suh-LOO-shuhn) The for- anno Domini (in the year of the Lord), giveness of sin through the sacrament which be written before or after a of Reconciliation when we are truly year to identify it as a year following the sorry. The priest says the words of ab- birth of Jesus (dated as 0). solution in the name of Jesus, who died Adam The name of the first man as given so that our sins would be forgiven. We in the book of Genesis. See Eve. are pardoned through the power Jesus entrusted to the Church. See general adoption, supernatural (uh-DOP-shun, absolution. soo-per-NACH-er-uhl) The spiritual bond between God and human beings, abstinence (AB-stuh-nuhns) Doing with- who are brothers and sisters of Christ. out, usually in a spirit of penance. The We become members of God’s family Church requires that Catholics over the through Baptism. age of fourteen abstain from meat on and all Fridays of . adoration (ad-uh-RAY-shuhn) Worship; See fasting. the greatest honor, given only to God. Honor given to Mary is not adoration. acclamation (ak-luh-MAY-shun) The It is called hyperdulia. Honor given to people’s short prayer in response to the saints and angels is called dulia. word of God or after the priest’s prayer during . adultery (uh-DUHL-tuh-ree) Sexual inter- course between a married person and Acts of the Apostles (uh-POS-uhls) An someone other than his or her spouse.

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Adultery breaks the marriage vows by age of reason The point at which a person which a person promises to love his or can tell right from wrong and be held her partner only and forever. It is for- responsible for his or her actions. The bidden by the sixth commandment. age of reason is usually reached by the Advent The liturgical season, lasting ap- end of the seventh year. Once a Catho- proximately four weeks, during which lic has reached the age of reason, he or the Church prepares for Jesus’ coming. she is required to participate at Mass on Advent means “coming.” The season of Sundays and holy days, and to obey oth- Advent ends with Christmas, the cel- er Church laws. The child is also eligible ebration of Jesus’ birth, his coming in to receive Holy . history. During Advent we also reflect agnostic (ag-NOS-tik) Someone who isn’t on Jesus’ coming to us every day in sure whether or not God exists. mystery as well as on his Second Com- (AG-nuhs DAY-ee) Latin for ing in majesty at the end of time. “Lamb of God.” See Lamb of God. Advent wreath (reeth) agony of Christ The awful mental suf- A circle of evergreen fering that Jesus felt in the Garden of branches (symbol- Gethsemane on the night before he died izing God’s life that as he prayed that the Father’s will be has no end) and done. Jesus’ anguish was so great that four candles, often he sweat blood. But his prayer strength- decorated with bows, ened him, and through his passion, that represent the weeks of Advent. death, and resurrection, Jesus saved the Three candles are purple and one is world. pink. If the candles are white, the bows are purple and pink. On each Sunday of A long, white robe Advent an additional candle is lit and that is worn by min- prayers are said. The pink candle is lit isters of the on the Third Sunday to express joy that during the eucharis- Christmas is near. tic celebration and other liturgical func- advocate (AD-vuh-kit) A person who tions. pleads for another’s cause. In the Gos- pel of John, Jesus calls the Holy Spirit All Saints’ Day November 1, a feast and the Advocate. The Holy Spirit stands up a in the United for us as a powerful friend and helps us States (except when it falls on a Satur- to follow Jesus and his teachings. Mary, day or Monday). This feast honors all the Mother of God, is also our advo- saints, whether they have been officially cate. canonized or not. Its eve is ,

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a name derived from Hallowed (Holy altar (AWL-ter) The holy table upon which A Ones) Eve. the sacrifice of Mass is offered and All Souls’ Day November 2, a day when around which Catholics pray for those who have died. God’s people Mass is offered for the intention of free- gather to share ing those who might still be in purga- the eucharistic tory. meal. The al- tar stands for (al-lay-LOO-yuh) A prayer that Christ. The relics of saints are often expresses joy in the greatness of God. placed in or under the altar. The word is Hebrew for “Yahweh be praised!” and occurs often in the . The cloth that covers the Catholics sing “Alleluia” before and af- altar. ter a brief verse, right before the proc- A person lamation of the Gospel during the Mass. who assists the priest During Lent the Alleluia is not said. at the altar during Almighty (awl-MY-tee) Able to do all Mass or who helps in things; possessing all powers. Only God other liturgical ser- is almighty. vices. alms Gifts of money or goods made to altar stone A flat piece of stone that con- needy people in a spirit of Christian tains relics and is embedded in the charity. Almsgiving, along with fasting altar. and prayer, is a practice that character- ambo (AM-boh) The izes the season of Lent. lectern from which Alpha and Omega (AL-fuh and oh-MAY- the word of God is guh) The first (alpha) and last (omega) proclaimed. letters of the Greek alphabet. In Revela- ambry (AM-bree, also spelled aumbry) tion 22:13, Jesus is the Alpha and Ome- Wall cupboard in the sanctuary of the ga, the first and the last, the beginning church in which holy oils are kept. and the end. He is everything from eter- amen A Hebrew word that means “yes!” nity to eternity. or “truly.” Saying “Amen” after a prayer The alpha and is an expression of one’s faith and one’s omega are used agreement with the prayer. in Church art and are also angels (AYN-jels) Powerful beings created by God who have high intelligence and carved into the Alpha & Omega . free will and, like God, are pure spirit. They praise and serve God, sometimes

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acting as his messengers. Although requirements for a true marriage was angels have no bodies, they can as- lacking. For example, if the marriage sume bodies when appearing on earth. wasn’t freely entered into, it would be According to tradition, some angels invalid. An annulment is declared only turned against God and became fallen after a thorough investigation. Persons angels. Tradition also holds that there who have been granted an annulment are nine choirs of angels with different are free to marry again. tasks. See guardian angels, archangel, devils, cherubim, seraphim.

The nine choirs of angels are: seraphim, cherubim, thrones, dominions, virtues, powers, archangels, princi- Annunciation (uh-nuhn-see-AY-shuhn) palities, and angels. The Angel Gabriel’s announcement of the Incarnation to Mary at Nazareth. At Mary’s consent, the Son of God became man in her through the power of the Angelus (AN-juh-luhs) A prayer honoring Holy Spirit. The feast of the Annuncia- Mary and the Incarnation, traditionally tion is March 25, nine months before prayed in the morning, at noon, and in Christmas. See Incarnation. the evening. The Angelus takes its name anointing (uh-NOINT-ing) Pouring from its first word in Latin, angelus, blessed oil on persons, places, or things, which means “the angel.” See Incarna- to make them holy. Israelites anointed tion. their priests, prophets, and kings. anger An emotion that can be either good Anointing with oil is used in celebrat- or bad. Anger is a capital sin when it ing the sacraments of Baptism, Confir- leads to the desire for revenge or ac- mation, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy tions that harm a person. Anger is just Orders. See oils, holy. if it leads to good changes through law- Anointing of the Sick A sacrament ad- ful means. ministered by a priest or bishop to those annulment (uh-NUHL-munt) A Church who are seriously ill, elderly, or in dan- decree stating that two people were ger of death. Through the blessed oil not actually married because one of the of the sick and the words of this sacra- ment, God offers spiritual healing, the

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forgiveness of sin, strength to cope with witnesses to the , A the condition, peace, and sometimes preachers of the Gospel, and leaders of physical healing. This sacrament was his Church. Today’s bishops are their formerly called Extreme Unction. successors. The twelve apostles are Pe- antichrist Jesus Christ’s ultimate enemy. ter, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, According to Scripture, the antichrist James, Philip, Bartholomew (or Natha- will appear shortly before the Second nael), Matthew, Simon, Jude (Thadde- Coming of the Lord. us), and Matthias, who replaced Judas Iscariot, the betrayer. Saint Paul is antiphon (AN-tuh-fon) A short verse, usu- called the Apostle to the Gentiles. ally from a psalm or other part of the Bible. An antiphon is said or sung be- Apostles’ Creed A prayer from the first fore and/or after a psalm or in between centuries of the Church that is a state- its verses. ment of belief, summarizing the teach- ings of the apostles. The Apostles’ Creed Apocalypse (uh-POK-uh-lips) See Revela- has twelve articles (parts) that contain tion, Book of. the main beliefs of Christianity. It is Apocrypha (uh-POK-ruh-fuh) On the one handed on as a gift during the Rite of hand, writings that are not included Christian Initiation of Adults. in the Bible because the Church con- Apostleship of Prayer (uh-POS-uhl-ship) cluded they were not divinely inspired, A worldwide Catholic organization that for example, the Gospel of Thomas. On promotes prayer to the of the other hand, the Jesus. Members daily pray the Morning includes some books in the Bible that Offering for the two intentions the pope Protestants do not, and they call those assigns for each month. books the Apocrypha. apostolate (uh-POS-tl-it) Work that the apostasy (uh-POS-tuh-see) The rejection followers of Jesus do today to carry on of Christian faith by a baptized person the mission he entrusted to his apos- who had freely believed. tles—the salvation of the world. apostle (uh-POS-uhl) apostolicity (uh-pos-tl-IS-i-tee) One of One who is sent and the four identifying characteristics, or who represents and marks, of the true Catholic Church. It acts on the authority has three meanings: (1) The Church is of the sender. The founded on the apostles and shares in term is usually ap- the mission Jesus gave them. (2) The plied to the twelve pope and bishops—who are lawful suc- men that Jesus chose cessors of the apostles—have the same as his closest followers. These became special authority and responsibilities

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that Jesus entrusted to the first apostles. (ahrch-BISH-uhp) The bish- (3) Led by the hierarchy, the Church op of an archdiocese, who usually has teaches today what Jesus handed on to some authority over bishops in nearby the apostles to teach. dioceses. Apostolic See (ap-uh-STOL-ik) See Holy archdiocese (arch-DY-uh-sees) A territory See. headed by an archbishop that is the pri- apparition (ap-uh-RISH-uhn) A vision of mary diocese in a group of dioceses that Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, another form a Church province. See diocese. saint, or an angel. In the Bible, angels ark In the Book of Genesis, the large boat often appeared to people. Today, the that Noah built to save himself, his fam- Church carefully investigates claims ily, and pairs of that an apparition has taken place and animals during never declares that it be believed. the great flood. Popular approved sites of Marian appa- God sent forty ritions are Lourdes, Fatima, and Guada- days of rain to lupe. wipe out other Aramaic (ar-uh-MAY-ik) The language life on earth because of sin. The ark is a spoken by Jesus and most of the Jews symbol of the Church, which saves us. during Jesus’ life. The New Testament See deluge. contains several Aramaic words and ark of the covenant (KUHV-uh-nuhnt) phrases. The portable wooden box that Moses archangel (AHRK-ayn-juhl) A high-rank- built to hold the stone tablets contain- ing angel whom God sends to deliver ing the commandments. The ark was important messages to people during lined with gold in- key times in salvation history. For side and out, and on example, the Archangel Gabriel an- the top were two nounced to Mary that God had chosen angels facing each her to become the mother of the Savior. other. To the Israel- In the Bible we read that the Archan- ites, the ark was the gel Michael and his angels battled with throne of God and a sign of his presence Satan. He is the champion of loyalty with them in their desert wanderings to God and the protector of the People and in the first Temple, where the ark of God. The story of the Archangel Ra- was kept in the holy of holies. phael, who brought healing to the blind articles of faith (AHR-ti-kuhls) State- man Tobit and accompanied Tobit’s son ments of belief about truths revealed by on his journey, is also found in the Bi- God. ble.

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Ascension (uh-SEN-shuhn) The entry of the world. The feast of the Assumption, A Jesus into heaven forty days after his celebrated on August 15, is a holy day of resurrection when he was exalted at the obligation in the United States (except Father’s right hand where he remains in when it falls on a Saturday or Monday). B glory. The feast of the Ascension is a holy astrology (uh-STROL-uh-jee) The sin of day of obligation in the United States. foretelling the future by studying the It is celebrated either on the position of the stars. See divination. that falls forty days after , or on the nearest Sunday. The bishop of each atheist (AY-thee-ist) Someone who doesn’t diocese makes this decision. believe that God exists. Ash Wednesday The first day of Lent. atonement (uh-TOHN-muhnt) The re- On this day, blessed ashes, obtained by demptive act of Jesus that reconciled burning the palms used on the previous human beings with God. The word , are traced on the fore- means “at one” again. heads of believers in the form of a cross. auxiliary bishop (awg-ZIL-yuh-ree) See Wearing ashes has long been a sign of bishop, auxiliary. one’s sorrow for sin. The ashes and the avarice (AV-er-is) Greed, covetousness, an words said remind us of death and of the extreme desire for wealth. This capital importance of contrition and penance. sin is committed when a person values assumption (uh-SUHMP-shuhn) The tak- material goods above everything else, ing up of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, including the welfare of others. body and soul, into heaven at the end of Ave Maria (AH-vay muh-REE-uh) The her earthly life. She is already enjoying Latin words for “Hail Mary.” the state that awaits the other faithful members of the Church at the end of B

Babel, Tower of (BAB-uhl) A structure 11:1–9 tells this story, which is intended that Noah’s descendants built. Genesis to explain the origin of nations and lan-

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guages. God confused the languages of Baptism of blood The sacrament of sal- the people and they scattered to differ- vation (the removal of sin and granting ent parts of the earth. of sanctifying grace) that is received by balm The fragrant resin from certain trees someone who dies for the Catholic faith that is mixed with oil to make chrism. before he or she is able to be baptized with water. banns The public announcement—in speech or writing—that a couple has Baptism of desire The sacrament of sal- decided to marry. The purpose of the vation that is received by someone who banns is to find out whether there is intends to seek God and do God’s will any impediment to the marriage. Banns and is sorry for sin but who is unable to are usually published three times in the be baptized with water. parish bulletin. baptismal font Baptism (BAP-tiz-uhm) The first and most (bap-TIZ-muhl) necessary sacrament of initiation that A basin or pool that makes us children of God and members is used for bap- of the Church and gives us the right to tisms. receive the other sacraments. It unites baptistery (BAP-tuh- us to Christ and, through his death and stree) A building resurrection, makes us heirs of heaven. separate from the At Baptism, a person is freed of original church or the part sin as well as any personal sin, and is of the church that given sanctifying grace, the theological is used for baptisms. virtues, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. basilica (buh-SIL-i-kuh) An especially The sacrament consists of pouring wa- important church. Major basilicas are ter on a person or immersing him or her located in Rome; minor basilicas are while saying, “I baptize you in the name found there and elsewhere. of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” In an emergency, anyone B.C. Abbreviation for “before Christ.” The can baptize. See theological virtues. years before the birth of Jesus (dated as 0) are preceded or followed by “B.C.” Baptism, conditional (kuhn-DISH-uh- nl) Baptism that is administered when beatification (bee-at-uh-fi-KAY-shuhn) there is doubt about whether a person The last step before a person is declared has been validly baptized. The minister a saint. The pope beatifies a person af- prefaces the words of Baptism with “If ter his or her writings, teaching, and you are not yet baptized.” life are carefully studied and found to be worthy, and after a miracle has been worked through the person’s interces-

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sion. Once beatified, a person is called Benediction (ben-i-DIK-shun) A blessing, Blessed and can be publicly honored in in particular the act of blessing people Church celebrations. See canonization. with the Holy Eucharist after exposition beatific vision (bee-uh-TIF-ik) The clear of the . See exposi- B knowledge of God enjoyed by those who tion of the Blessed Sacrament. are in heaven and see God face to face (BETH-li-hem) A town in Is- as he is. While on earth, we know God rael not far from Jerusalem where King through our faith and minds and cre- David and his descendant Jesus Christ ation. Those in heaven know God di- were born. Bethlehem means “House of rectly, and this bond brings complete Bread.” happiness. Beatific means causing per- Bible The collection of various kinds of fect happiness. books written by human beings under Beatitudes (bee-AT-uh-toohdz) Promises the inspiration of God, who is the au- made by Jesus that form a blueprint thor. The Bible, also known as Sacred for Christian living, a way that we can Scripture, has two major parts: the Old achieve the fullness of life and happi- Testament, composed of forty-six books, ness. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus gives and the New Testament, composed of eight Beatitudes during the Sermon on twenty-seven books. Along with Sacred the Mount. In Luke’s Gospel, he gives Tradition, the Bible is the source of four Beatitudes. See p. 82 for a list of God’s revelation to human beings. See the Beatitudes. Tradition, Sacred. See p. 87 for a list of Beelzebub (bee-EL-zuh-buhb) Another books in the Bible. name for Satan or anyone who does biretta (buh-RET-uh) A his work. In Matthew 12:24, Beelzebub ceremonial cap worn means the “prince of demons.” by priests, bishops, belief The act of faith in which a person and cardinals for spe- accepts certain truths revealed by God. cial occasions. Since Vatican II, its use has Benedictines (ben-i-DIK-tins) The reli- become less common. gious order founded by Saint Benedict in the sixth century that became the birth control See contraception. foundation of Western monasticism bishop A successor of the apostles who (the way of life for usually is the head of a diocese and monks and nuns). The presides at its cathedral. A bishop has Benedictine Rule com- received the fullness of the priesthood bines prayer and work. and can administer all the sacraments. See monk, nun. He is assisted by priests and deacons as St. Benedict, founder of the Benedictines

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he serves as Christ did—teaching, gov- a layperson. The official Book of Bless- erning, and sanctifying. The pope is the ings contains many rites for blessings. bishop of Rome. See sacramental, rite. bishop, auxiliary (awg-ZIL-yuh-ree) A Jesus shed his blood to bishop who assists the diocesan bishop redeem us from sin. See Eucharist. in caring for the people of a certain Body of Christ (1) The Eucharist. (2) A area. name for the Church (sometimes called blasphemy (BLAS-fuh-mee) Hateful, ir- Mystical Body of Christ) that highlights reverent, defiant language directed to our union with Jesus. As members of God, the Church, the saints, and holy the Church, we are joined to Jesus and things. Using God’s name to cover up to one another, forming one “body” a crime or for some other evil purpose with Jesus as the head. The Mystical is also blasphemy. Blasphemy is a grave Body includes members of the Church sin against the second commandment. on earth, in purgatory, and in heaven. blessed (1) Holy. (2) Made sacred through Bread of Life The expression Jesus used a religious rite. (3) The saints. 4) The to identify himself in John 6:35. Jesus title given by the pope to a person who told a crowd that he would give them has been beatified, the step before can- himself to eat. He was talking about the onization. Holy Eucharist, but his listeners, who Blessed Sacrament The Holy Eucharist; did not understand, murmured and the consecrated bread and wine that argued about his statements. Still, Je- have become the Body and Blood of sus said: “This is the bread that came Jesus Christ in the Mass. See Eucharist. down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But Blessed Trinity See Trinity, Holy. the one who eats this bread will live for- Blessed Virgin Mary See Mary, Blessed ever” (John 6:58). Virgin. Breviary (BREE-vee-er-ee) The book con- blessing The sacramental that asks God’s taining the Liturgy of the Hours, or Di- favor, assistance, and grace upon a per- vine Office. SeeLiturgy of the Hours. son or object. The words can be accom- brothers, religious Men in a religious panied by outstretched hands, the lay- community who make vows but are not ing on of hands, the , or ordained. the sprinkling of holy water. Blessings are usually imparted by an ordained brothers and sisters of Jesus A phrase in minister, but some can also be given by the that refers to close relatives (such as cousins) of Jesus.

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