Absolution
Act by which a priest, acting as the agent of Christ, grants forgiveness of sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Adoration
Refers to the external acts of reverent admiration or honor given to a thing or person.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Prayer to Christ, who is recognized as being truly present in the Sacrament. During Adoration, the Blessed Sacrament is displayed for the people.
Amen
Hebrew word meaning truly, it is true. As concluding word of prayers it expresses assent to and acceptance of God’s will.
Apostle - Apostolic - Disciple
Literally “one sent.” Normally this refers to the 12 men chosen by Jesus to be the bearers of his teachings to the world. The term “apostolic” generally refers back to the 12 apostles. In the Church it characterizes certain documents, appointments or structures initiated by the Pope or the Holy See. The term “disciple” refers to one who follows the teachings of Jesus.
Apostolate
The ministry or work of an apostle. In Catholic usage, a term covering all kinds and areas of work and endeavor for the service of God and the Church and the good of people.
Apostolic Nunciature
The offices of the Holy Father’s representative to a country or to the Church in that country.
Archbishop
Title given automatically to bishops who govern archdioceses.
Archdiocese
The chief diocese of an ecclesiastical province.
Auxiliary Bishop
A bishop assigned to a Catholic diocese or archdiocese, to assist a residential bishop.
Basilica
A church to which special privileges are attached. It is a title of honor given to various kinds of churches.
Beatification
Final step toward canonization of a saint.
Bishop
The chief priest of a diocese. Bishops are responsible for the pastoral care of their dioceses. In addition, bishops have a responsibility to act in council with other bishops to guide the Church.
Brother
A man who is a member of a religious order, but is not ordained or studying for the priesthood.
Catholic Campaign for Human Development
The US Catholic bishops’ domestic anti-poverty program. Started in 1970, it is funded through an annual collection in Catholic parishes.
Cana Conference
A Catholic family movement, originally designed to aid married couples and families in their spiritual and interpersonal relationships. The program is now divided into Pre-Cana, for couples engaged to be married, and Cana Conferences, programs for married people.
Canon
Greek for rule, norm, standard, measure. Designates the Canon of Sacred Scripture, the list of books recognized by the Church as inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Canon Law
The codified body of general laws governing the Church.
Canonization
A declaration by the Pope that a person who died a martyr or practiced Christian virtue to a heroic degree is in heaven and is worthy of honor and imitation by the faithful. Verification of miracles is required for canonization (except for martyrs).
Cardinal
Cardinals are appointed by the Pope and constitute the senate of the Church. They aid the Pope as his chief counselors.
Catechesis
Religious instruction and formation for persons preparing for baptism (catechumens) and for the faithful in various stages of spiritual development.
Catechetical
Referring to catechesis.
Catechetics
From the Greek meaning “to sound forth,” it is the procedure for teaching religion.
Catholic
Greek word for universal. First used in the title Catholic Church in a letter written by St. Ignatius of Antioch to the Christians of Smyrna about 107 A.D.
Catholic Relief Services
Overseas aid agency established by Catholics in the United States.
Celebrant
The one who presides at the celebration of the Eucharist.
Celebrator
Used only to describe a participant in a nonreligious celebration.
Chancellor
The chief archivist of the official records of a diocese. Also a notary and secretary of the diocesan curia.
Charisms
Gifts or graces given by God to persons for the good of others and the Church.
Chor bishop
In the Maronite rite and the Greek Orthodox Church an auxiliary bishop may be called a chor bishop. When used in other Eastern Catholic rites it is an honorary term for a close assistant of a bishop, usually the equivalent of a vicar general.
Christ
The title of Jesus, derived from Greek translation Kyrios of the Hebrew term Messiah, meaning the Anointed of God.
Church
The universal Church that is spread throughout the world; the local Church is that of a particular locality, such as a diocese. The Church embraces all its members—on earth, in heaven and in purgatory.
Clergy
Collective term referring to male persons who administer the rites of the Church through Holy Orders.
Cloister
Part of a convent or monastery reserved for use by members of the order that live in that facility.
College of Cardinals
The College of Cardinals is made up of the cardinals of the Church, who advise the Pope, assist in the central administration of the Church, head the various curial offices and congregations, administer the Holy See during a vacancy, and elect a new Pope.
Collegiality
The shared responsibility and authority that the whole college of bishops, headed by the Pope, has for the teaching, sanctification and government of the Church.
Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM)
Organization of major superiors representing communities of men religious in the United States.
Confession
Part of the sacrament of penance or reconciliation, not a term for the sacrament.
Confirmation
One of the three sacraments of initiation, along with Baptism and Eucharist.
Contemplative
A religious man or woman who devotes his/her entire life in the cloister to prayer and reflection.
Convent
In common usage, the term refers to a house of women religious.
Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR)
Organization of major superiors approved by the Holy See for the purpose of assisting the individual institutes of the members, transacting common business, and fostering suitable coordination and cooperation with the conferences of bishops and also with individual bishops.
Cross/Crucifix
An object is a crucifix only if it depicts Christ on a cross, otherwise it is a cross.
Deacons/Diaconate
The diaconate is the first order or grade in ordained ministry. Any man who is to be ordained to the priesthood must first be ordained as a transitional deacon. Deacons serve in the ministry of liturgy, of the word, and of charity. The Permanent Diaconate is for men who do not plan to become ordained priests. The program is open to both married and unmarried men.
Dean/Vicar
The title of a priest appointed by the bishop to aid him in administering the parishes in a certain vicinity, called a “deanery.” The function of a dean involves promotion, coordination, and supervision of the common pastoral activity within the deanery or vicariate.
Diocesan Curia
The personnel and offices assisting the bishop in directing the pastoral activity, administration and exercise of judicial power of the diocese.
Diocese
A particular church; a fully organized ecclesiastical jurisdiction under the pastoral direction of a bishop as local Ordinary.
Dispensation
An exemption from Church law.
Eastern-Rite (Oriental) Church
Term used to describe the Catholic churches which developed in Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa. They have their own distinctive liturgical and organizational systems. Each is considered equal to the Latin rite within the Church.
Ecclesiastical
Refers to official structures or legal and organizational aspects of the Church.
Ecumenism/Interdenominational/Ecumenical Movement
A movement for spiritual understanding and unity among Christians and their churches. The term also is extended to apply to efforts toward greater understanding and cooperation between Christians and members of other faiths.
Ecclesial
Having to do with the Church in general or the life of the Church.
Encyclical
A pastoral letter addressed by the Pope to the whole Church.
Episcopal
Refers to a bishop or groups of bishops as a form of Church government, in which bishops have authority.
Eschatology
Doctrine concerning the last things: death, judgment, heaven and hell, and the final state of perfection of the people and the kingdom of God at the end of the world.
Evangelical
Refers to Christians who emphasize the need for a definite commitment to faith in Christ and a duty by believers to persuade others to accept Christ.
Evangelist
A preacher or revivalist who seeks conversions by preaching to groups.
Evening Prayer
Evening Prayer, most commonly known as Vespers, is the official prayer that marks the end of the day. It consists primarily of sung psalms and other readings from Scripture.
Exarch/Exarchy
A church jurisdiction, similar to a diocese, established for Eastern-rite Catholics living outside their native land. The head of an exarchy, usually a bishop, is an exarch.
Excommunication
A penalty of censure by which a baptized person is excluded from the communion of the faithful for committing and remaining obstinate in certain serious offenses specified in canon law. Even though excommunicated, that person still is responsible for fulfillment of the normal obligations of a Catholic.
Focolare
A lay movement started in Trent, Italy by Chiara Lubich in 1943, now claiming more than a million followers. Its aim is world unity though the living witness of Christian love and holiness in the family and in small communities.
Free Will
The faculty or capability of making a reasonable choice from among several alternatives.
God
The infinitely perfect Supreme Being, uncaused and absolutely self-sufficient, eternal, the Creator and final end of all things. The one God subsists in three equal Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Grace
A free gift from God to human beings, grace is a created sharing in the life of God. It is given through the merits of Christ and is communicated by the Holy Spirit. Grace is necessary for salvation.
Hierarchy
In general, the term refers to the ordered body of clergy, divided into bishops, priests, and deacons. In Catholic practice, the term refers to the bishops of the world or of a particular region.
Holy See
1) The diocese of the Pope, Rome. 2) The Pope himself or the various officials and bodies of the Church’s central administration— the Roman Curia — which act in the name and by authority of the Pope.
Host, The Sacred
The bread under whose appearance Christ is and remains present in a unique manner after the consecration of the Mass.
IHS
In Greek, the first three letters of the name of Jesus.
Immaculate Conception
Catholic dogma concerning Mary and the name of a feast in her honor celebrated Dec. 8. It refers to the belief that Mary was without sin from the moment she was conceived.
Indulgence
The remission before God of the temporal punishment due for sins already forgiven.
Intercommunion
The agreement or practice of two Ecclesial communities by which each admits members of the other communion to its sacraments.
Jesus
The name of Jesus, meaning Savior in Christian usage, derived from the Aramaic and Hebrew Yeshua and Joshua, meaning Yahweh is salvation.
Keys, Power of the
Spiritual authority and jurisdiction in the Church, symbolized by the “keys” to the kingdom of heaven. Christ promised the keys to St. Peter and future heads of the Church.
Knights of Columbus
Fraternal organization for Catholic men. Knights of Columbus engage in religious and charitable projects in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the Philippines.
Layman, Woman, Person
Any Church member who is neither ordained nor a member of a religious order. When the Second Vatican Council spoke of the laity, it used the term in this more common meaning.
Lay Ministries
These are ministries within the Church that are carried out by laypersons. Included are altar servers, Eucharistic ministers and lectors.
Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR)
Organization of major superiors, who represent more than 90 percent of the active women religious in the United States.
Liturgical Colors
Colors used in vestments and altar coverings to denote special times in the Church year. Green is used in ordinary time, red denotes solemn feast days, purple denotes penitential times and white is used for joyful occasions including Christmas, Easter and some saints’ feast days.
Liturgy of the Hours
This is the preferred term in the Latin rite for the official liturgical prayers sanctifying the parts of each day.
Mary
The central point of the theology of Mary is that she is the Mother of God. In traditions since apostolic times, the Church and the faithful have accorded to Mary the highest forms of veneration. She is celebrated in feasts throughout the year, and in devotions such as the rosary and litany and is hailed the patroness of many countries, including the United States.
Matrimony
The Roman, Orthodox and Old Catholic churches consider matrimony a sacrament and refer to it as the Sacrament of Matrimony. This is a marriage contract between baptized persons.
Metropolitan
The archbishop of an archdiocese in a province. He has limited supervisory powers and influence over the other dioceses and bishops in the province.
Military Ordinariate (Archdiocese for the Military Services, U.S.A.)
Nonterritorial diocese for U.S. Catholics and their dependents who are in the military or affiliated with the armed forces.
Minister
From the Latin word for “servant,” in the ecclesiastical sense a minister is (1) an ordained cleric or (2) one who has the authority to minister to others.
Miracles, Apparitions
Generally “miracle” is used to refer to physical phenomena that defy natural explanation, such as medically unexplainable cures. An apparition is a supernatural manifestation of God, an angel or a saint to an individual or a group of individuals.
Monastery
An autonomous community house of a religious order, which may or may not be a monastic order. The term is used more specifically to refer to a community house of men or women religious in which they lead a contemplative life separate from the world.
Monk - Friar
A man who belongs to one of the monastic orders in the Church, such as Basilians, Benedictines, Cistercians and Carthusians.
Monsignor
An honorary ecclesiastical title granted by the Pope to some diocesan priests. In the United States, the title is given to the vicar general of a diocese. In Europe, the title also is given to bishops.
National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB)
Episcopal conference of U.S. bishops. The membership is comprised of diocesan bishops and their auxiliary bishops. The conference decides matters of ecclesiastical law and issues policy statements on political and social issues. Newman Apostolate An apostolate to the Catholic college and university community, now commonly known as “campus ministry.”
Nun
1) Strictly, a member of a religious order of women with solemn vows; 2) in general, all women religious, even those in simple vows who are more properly called sisters.
Opus Dei
Literal translation: the work of the Lord. A personal prelature dedicated to spreading through society an awareness of the call to Christian virtue, awareness, and witness in one’s life and work. Members are not of a religious order, do not take vows, but sometimes live in community.
Ordain - Ordination
The proper terms in Catholic usage for references to the conferral of the sacrament of Holy Orders on a deacon, priest or bishop.
Order, Congregation, Society
A religious order is the title loosely applied to all religious groups of men and women. A society is a body of clerics, regular or secular, organized for the purpose of performing an apostolic work. A congregation is any group bound together by common rules.
Ordinary
Diocesan bishops, religious superiors, and certain other diocesan authorities with jurisdiction over the clergy in a specific geographical area, or the members of a religious order.
Papal Infallibility
The end result of divine assistance given to the Pope through which he is prevented from the possibility and liability of error in teachings involving Church dogma and articles of faith.
Papal Representatives
The three types of representatives of the Roman Pontiff are:
1) Legate - An individual appointed by the Pope to be his personal representative to a nation, international conference, or local church. The legate may be chosen from the local clergy of a country.
2) Apostolic Nuncio - In the United States, the papal representative is sent by the Pope to both the local church and the government. His title is Nuncio. Although he holds the title of ambassador, under U.S. law he is not accorded the special privilege of being the dean of the diplomatic corps. In countries where he is dean of the diplomatic corps, his title is Apostolic Nuncio.
3) Permanent Observer to the United Nations - The Apostolic See maintains permanent legates below the ambassadorial level to several world organizations. Since the Papal Legate does not enjoy the right to vote within the organization, his title at the United Nations is that of Observer.
Parish
A specific community of the Christian Faithful within a diocese, which has its own church building and is under the authority of a pastor who is responsible for providing the faithful with ministerial service. Most parishes are formed on a geographic basis, but they may be formed along national or ethnic lines.
Parish Coordinator
A deacon, religious, or lay person who is responsible for the pastoral care of a parish. The parish coordinator is in charge of the day-to-day life of the parish in the areas of worship, education, pastoral service and administration.
Pastor
A priest in charge of a parish or congregation. He is responsible for administering the sacraments, instructing the congregation in the doctrine of the Church and other services to the people of the parish.
Pastoral Associate
A member of the laity who is part of a parish ministry team.
Pastoral Council
A group of members of the parish who advise the pastor on parish matters; also called a Parish Council.
Pectoral Cross
A cross worn on a chain about the neck of bishops and abbots as a sign of office.
Pontiff/Pontifical
Pontiff is used as an alternative form of reference to the Pope. Pontifical has to do with the Pope.
Prayer
The raising of the mind and heart to God in adoration, thanksgiving, reparation and petition. The official prayer of the Church as a worshipping community is called liturgy.
Presbyterial Council
Also known as the priests’ council, this is the principal consultative body mandated by the Code of Canon Law to advise the diocesan bishop in matters of pastoral governance. It consists of bishops and priests serving the diocese.
Primacy
Papal primacy refers to the Pope’s authority over the whole Church.
Proselytize
To bring one to another’s viewpoint whether in religion or other areas.
Province
1) A territory comprising one archdiocese called the metropolitan see and one or more dioceses called suffragan sees. The head of an archdiocese, an archbishop, has metropolitan rights and responsibilities over the province. 2) A division of a religious order under the jurisdiction of a provincial superior.
Purgatory
The state or condition in which those who have died in the state of grace, but with some attachment to sin, suffer for a time before they are admitted to the glory and happiness of heaven.
Relics
The physical remains and effects of saints, which are considered worthy of veneration inasmuch as they represent people who are with God.
Religion
The adoration and service of God as expressed through divine worship and acts of faith in daily life.
Religious Movements
Groups of people, both lay and clerical, who band together to promote a certain belief or activity.
Religious Priest/Diocesan Priest
Religious priests are professed members of a religious order or institute. Religious clergy live according to the rule of their respective orders. In pastoral ministry, they are under the jurisdiction of their local bishop, as well as the superiors of their order. Diocesan, or secular, priests are under the direction of their local bishop. They commit to serving their congregations and other institutions.
Retreat
A period of time spent in meditation and religious exercise. Retreats may take various forms, from traditional closed forms, to open retreats which do not disengage the participants from day-to-day life. Both clergy and lay people of all ages participate in retreats. Houses and centers providing facilities for retreats are called retreat houses.
Rite of Christi an Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The norms and rituals of the Catholic Church for people who wish to join the Church. Part of the process is intended for baptized Christians who wish to become Catholics. The term is used in a general sense to refer to the process of entering the Catholic Church.
Roman Curia
The official collective name for the administrative agencies and courts, and their officials, who assist the Pope in governing the Church. Members are appointed and granted authority by the Pope.
Rome - Diocese of
The City of Rome is the diocese of the Pope, who also serves as the Bishop of Rome.
Rosary
A prayer of meditation primarily on events in the lives of Mary and Jesus, repeating the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Glory Be. Generally, the rosary is said on a physical circlet of beads.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
An organization of lay people who serve the poor through spiritual and material works of mercy. The society operates stores, rehabilitation workshops, food centers, shelters, criminal justice and other programs. Its national headquarters are in St. Louis.
Sanctuary
The part of the church where the altar is located.
Second Vatican Council
A major meeting of the Bishops of the world convened by Pope John XXIII to bring about a renewal of the Church for the second half of the 20th century. It ran from 1962 to 1965 and produced important documents involving liturgy, ecumenism, communications and other areas.
Secular Institutes
Societies of men and women living in the world who dedicate themselves to observe the evangelical counsels and to carry on apostolic works suitable to their talents and opportunities in every day life.
See
Another name for diocese or archdiocese.
Seminary
An educational institution for men preparing for the priesthood or diaconate.
Shrine
Erected to encourage private devotions to a saint. It usually contains a picture, statue or other religious feature capable of inspiring devotional prayer.
Sign of the Cross
A sign, ceremonial gesture or movement in the form of a cross by which a person professes faith in the Holy Trinity, and intercedes for the blessing of himself, as well as other persons or things.
Sister
Any woman religious, in popular speech. Strictly, the title applies to those women religious belonging to institutes whose members have not professed solemn vows, most of which were established during and since the 19th century.
Sodality
A group of laity, established for the promotion of Christian life and worship, or some other religious purpose.
Stations of the Cross
Also known as The Way of the Cross, this devotion to the suffering of Christ consists of prayers and meditations on fourteen occurrences experienced by Jesus on His way to His crucifixion and death. Each of these events is represented by a cross. Stations can be done individually, or in groups with one person leading the prayers and moving from cross to cross.
Superior
The head of a religious order or congregation. He or she may be the head of a province or of an individual house.
Synod
A gathering of designated officials and representatives of a church, with legislative and policymaking powers.
Theologate
An institution which provides the last four years of study for candidates for the priesthood.
Theology
The study of God and religion, deriving from and based on the data of divine Revelation, organized and systematized according to an academic method.
Titular Sees
Dioceses where the Church once flourished but which later died out. Bishops without a territorial or residential diocese of their own, e.g., auxiliary bishops, are given titular sees.
Tribunal
A tribunal (court) is the name given to the person or persons who exercise the Church’s judicial powers.
United States Catholic Conference (USCC)
Civil corporation and executive agency of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Vatican Congregation
A Vatican body that is responsible for an important area in the life of the Church, such as worship and sacraments, the clergy, and of saints causes.
Vatican Councils
Councils of all bishops of the Church called by the Pope. These councils usually are called to discuss specific matters of interest to the Church.
Vespers
A portion of the Church’s divine office recited each day by priests. (see Evening Prayer)
Vow
A promise made to God with sufficient knowledge and freedom, which has as its object a moral good that is possible and better than its voluntary omission.
Witness, Christian
Practical testimony or evidence given by Christians regarding their faith. They may witness their faith in all circumstances of life—by prayer and general conduct, through good example and good works, etc. – and by being and acting in accordance with Christian belief, while actually practicing the Christian faith.
Information for this glossary was taken from the following sources:
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers, New York, N.Y.
Catholic News Service Style Book on Religion, Catholic News Service, 3211 4th Street N.E., Washington D.C. 20017