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Catholic Terms and Definitions Catholic Terms and Definitions Sometimes we use words that are not familiar to everyone, especially if they have not been raised in the Catholic faith. Let’s take the mystery out of the communication. Below are some of the terms we might use when discussing faith and religion. Advent The four-week season prior to Christmas; a time of preparation for the Feast of Christ’s birth. Baptism The first of the seven Sacraments that is recognized by the Catholic Church. Baptism is a ceremony in which an individual is welcomed as a member of the Church. Children are typically baptized shortly after birth, but often older children or adults will choose to be baptized. Bishop A man that is ordained by the Catholic Church to oversee all the parishes in a specific area. Bishop Luc Bouchard is the Bishop of St. Paul; the communities of Morinville and Legal fall in the Diocese of St. Paul. Archbishop Richard Smith is the Archbishop of Edmonton, of which St. Albert is a part. Blessed Sacrament Another name for the Eucharist, the bread and wine that are reserved after mass. Catechism A summary of what the Church teaches about faith and morals. The Church has an official Catechism of the Catholic Church, summarized in book form. Catechist One who teaches others about the Catholic faith; religious education teachers, for example Communion of saints The spiritual union of all those who believe in Christ and, through Christ’s death and resurrection, have been saved from sin and death; includes those who have died and those who are still living Confession Telling one’s sins to a priest; part of the sacrament of Reconciliation Confirmation The sacrament, usually received between Grades 6 and 8, when a child receives a special blessing of the Holy Spirit. Usually, the Bishop of the area leads the ceremony and anoints the children with the holy oil. Everyone present prays for the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: courage, knowledge, understanding, wisdom, reverence, awe and wonder, and right judgment. Conscience That God-given part of our inner being that helps us know what is morally wrong or right. Deacon The third degree of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The higher degrees or positions are those of priest and bishop. Deacons are ordained to assist priests and bishops in a variety of ministries. Permanent deacons do not seek the priesthood and can be married Devotion An activity or practice that expresses one’s love for God. It is not a necessary part of the Catholic faith, but a means of prayer. The Rosary and the Stations of the Cross are examples. Doctrine An official teaching of the Church, for example, the Apostles Creed or the Church’s teaching on the Virgin Mary and her role in God’s plan Dogma Those teachings that are recognized as central to Church teaching, such as our belief that Mary ascended to heaven, body and soul, upon her death. Evangelization Telling others about Jesus Christ, his life and teachings, using words as well as teaching by example Genuflection Touching one knee to the ground as a sign of reverence (respect) before the Blessed Sacrament, that is, the bread that has become Jesus’ Body. Holy Communion Another name for the Eucharist: the Body and Blood of Christ, usually received at mass Holy Orders One of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, by which members of the Church are ordained for permanent ministry in the Church as bishops, priests, or deacons Immaculate Conception The Catholic teaching that the Blessed Virgin Mary was free from sin from the moment of her conception Laity All members of the Church, except for those ordained as priests, bishops, and deacons Lent The season of forty days that begins with Ash Wednesday (usually in February) and ends with Holy Thursday. With an emphasis on prayer, fasting, and giving to those in need, it is a time of preparation for Easter. Liturgical year The year-long cycle of religious feasts and seasons that are celebrated, beginning with the season of Advent each year Liturgy Literally means ‘public work of the people’; it refers to the gathering of the faithful for public worship; includes the celebration of the Mass Lord’s Prayer Another name for the Our Father Mass Another name for the Eucharist, celebrated daily in our local churches, but most importantly on Saturday evenings and Sundays, when the faithful gather for public worship Original sin The sin by which the first humans (Adam and Eve) disobeyed God and thereby lost their original holiness Parish A specific community of believers who are guided by a priest; e.g. Holy Family parish Paschal Mystery The term that refers to the entire process of God’s plan of salvation by which God redeemed humanity from sin in and through Jesus’ life, death, Resurrection and Ascension into glory Pope The head of the Catholic Church; the bishop of Rome elected by other bishops; often called the Holy Father or the Holy See. Priest The second degree or order in the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The priest serves the parish community by assisting the bishop in teaching, governing and presiding over the community’s worship. Reconciliation One of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church; also known as the Sacrament of Penance or the Sacrament of Confession Repentance An attitude of sorrow for a sin committed and a desire not to sin again; turning away from sin and towards God Rosary A popular devotion to Mary, the Mother of God; also refers to the circle of stringed beads that help us keep track of the prayers that are part of this devotion Sacrament Refers to the seven signs or ways by which we receive God’s grace, instituted by Christ; includes Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, and Holy Orders Scriptures Sacred writings; refers to the writings in the bible that are recognized as the Word of God Tabernacle The box-like container in a church where the consecrated bread – the Body of Christ – is kept in reserve for the sick and the dying, and for adoration Trinity Refers to the Three Persons in One God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; the Christian mystery that is at the core of our faith Vocation A call from God to all members of the Church to live a life of holiness; refers as well to a call to live the holy life as an ordained minister (bishop, priest, deacon), a religious (sister or brother), a married person, or a single person. .
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