Christian Doctrine, Moral Principles, and Social Teachings: Key Concepts for Catechists and Students

Catechist

A person called by God to the ministry of the education and formation of Christians by teaching others the essentials of Christian doctrine and forming them as disciples of Jesus Christ

Vocation

A call from God to all members of the Church to embrace a life of holiness. Specifically, it refers to a call to live the holy life as an ordained minister, as a vowed religious (sister or brother), in a Christian Marriage, or in single life

Civil Authorities

Leaders of public groups that are not religious institutions, particularly government leaders

Solidarity

Union of one's heart and mind with all people. Solidarity leads to the just distribution of material goods, creates bonds between opposing groups and nations, and leads to the spread of spiritual goods such as friendship and prayer

Civil Disobedience

Deliberate refusal to obey an immoral demands from civil authority or an immoral civil law

Johannine Writings

The Gospel of John and the three letters of John

Reparation

Making amends for something one did wrong that caused harm to another person or led to loss

Conscience

The 'interior voice' of a person, a God-given sense of the law of God. Moral conscience leads people to understand themselves as responsible for their actions, and prompts them to do good and avoid evil. To make good judgements, one needs to have a well-formed conscience

Detraction

Unnecessarily revealing something about another person that is true but is harmful to his or her reputation. It is a sin against the Eighth Commandment

Calumny

Ruining the reputation of another person by lying or spreading rumors. It is also called slander and is a sin against the Eighth Commandment

Adulation

Excessive flattery, praise, or admiration for another person

Sacred Art

Art that evokes faith by turning our minds to the mystery of God, primarily through the artistic depiction of Scripture, Tradition, and the lives of Jesus, Mary, and the saints

Parables

Stories rooted in daily life that use symbolism or allegory as a teaching tool that usually have a surprise ending

Mammon

An Aramaic word meaning wealth or property

Commutative Justice

This type of justice calls for fairness in agreements and contracts between individuals. It is an equal exchange of goods, money, or services

Plagiarism

Copying someone else's words or ideas without permission or giving proper credit to the person

Social Doctrine

The body of teaching by the Church on economic and social matters that includes moral judgements and demands for action in favor of those being harmed

Corporal works of mercy

Charitable actions that respond to people's physical needs and show respect for human dignity. The traditional list of seven works includes feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick, visiting the prisoners, and burying the dead

Conciliar

Something connected with an official council of the Church, normally an ecumenical council such as the Second Vatican Council

Envy

Resentment or sadness because of another person's good fortune. It is one of the capital sins and contrary to the Tenth Commandment

Greed

The desire to accumulate earthly goods beyond what we need. It is one of the capital sins and contrary to the Tenth Commandment

Providence

The guidance, material goods, and care provided by God that is sufficient to meet our needs

Poverty of Heart

The recognition of our deep need for God and the commitment to put God above everything else in life, particularly above the accumulation of material wealth

Almsgiving

Freely giving money or material goods to a person who is needy, often by giving to a group or organization that serves poor people. It may be an act of penance or of Christian charity