The Sacraments of Ministry - Vocab

Presbyters

Priests or members of the order of the priesthood who are coworkers with the bishop and servant to God’s people, especially in celebrating the Eucharist.

Bishop

A successor to the Apostles who governs the local Church in a given diocese, a bishop receives the fullness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

Sacrament of Holy Orders

The Sacrament of apostolic ministry at the Service of Communion whereby Christ, through the Church, ordains men through the laying on of hands.

Sacrament of Matrimony

a sacrament in the Christian Church that sanctifies the union of a man and woman in marriage, emphasizing the importance of love, fidelity, and mutual support.

Diaconate

The sacrament that ordains deacons in the Christian Church, allowing them to serve in various capacities, including assisting bishops and priests.

Celibacy

A lifestyle choice in which an individual refrains from marriage and sexual relations, often associated with religious vows and the commitment to serve God and the Church.

Polygamy

The practice of marrying multiple spouses simultaneously, often seen in certain cultures and religions.

Annulment

The declaration by a church that a marriage was never valid or legally binding, allowing the individuals to remarry within the Church.

Apostolic Succession

the uninterrupted transmission of spiritual authority from the Apostles through successive popes and bishops.

Collegiality

The principle that bishops collectively share responsibility for the Church's mission and governance, acting in unity with the Pope.

Charism

a special grace or gift of the Holy Spirit given to individuals for the good of the Church.

Ordination

The sacramental process through which a person is consecrated as a bishop, priest, or deacon, receiving the grace and authority to perform sacred duties.

Pope

The Bishop of Rome as head of the Roman Catholic Church

Cardinals

senior ecclesiastical leaders in the Catholic Church who advise the Pope and may elect a new Pope.

Episcopate

The office or dignity of a bishop in the Christian Church, particularly within the hierarchy of the Catholic Church.

Vocation

a calling to a particular profession or religious life, often seen as a divine invitation to serve in a specific ministry.

Vows

sacred promises made by individuals to live a life of devotion, often in the context of religious communities.

Clergy

the body of people ordained for religious duties, especially in the Christian Church, responsible for leading worship and providing spiritual guidance.

Laity

non-ordained members of a religious community, often involved in supporting the clergy and participating in church activities.