Sacraments Final

Actual Graces

God’s help given for specific moments to do good and avoid sin.

Deposit of faith

The full truth Jesus gave to the Church, in Scripture and Tradition.

Efficacious

Something that actually produces the effect it symbolizes.

Intercession

Praying on behalf of someone else.

Liturgical Year

The Church calendar celebrating Jesus’ life and saving work.

Paschal Mystery

Jesus’ passion, death, resurrection, and ascension.

Popular piety

Devotions outside the liturgy, like rosaries or novenas.

Ritual

Set pattern of actions and words in worship.

Sacramentals

Holy signs or blessings that prepare us to receive grace.

Sanctifying grace

God’s life in us that makes us holy.

Symbol

A visible sign representing a deeper meaning.

Triduum

Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday/Easter Vigil.

Anamnesis

Remembering in a way that makes the event present.

Eastern Catholic Churches

Churches with Eastern traditions in full unity with Rome.

Holy Spirit

The third Person of the Trinity who guides the Church.

Liminal

A transitional or “in-between” state of change.

Liturgy

The Church’s official public worship.

Prayer

Lifting the mind and heart to God.

Redemption

Christ freeing humanity from sin.

Sacramental economy

How Christ’s grace comes to us through the sacraments.

Tradition vs tradition

“Tradition” = Apostolic teaching; “tradition” = local/custom practice.

Trinity

One God in three Persons: Father, Son, Holy Spirit.

Charism

A special gift of the Holy Spirit for service.

Discernment

Prayerfully determining God’s will.

Evangelization

Sharing the Gospel with others.

Rite of election

Ceremony when catechumens become “the elect.”

Scrutinies

Prayers for purification of the elect during Lent.

Advocate

Name for the Holy Spirit meaning helper or defender.

Common priesthood of the faithful

All baptized people sharing in Christ’s mission.

Elect

Catechumens chosen for Baptism at Easter.

Mystagogy

Post-Easter reflection on the mysteries received.

RCIA

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

Sacred Chrism

Consecrated oil used in Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.

Sponsor

Mentor who guides someone preparing for a sacrament.

Fruits/Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Gifts help us live holy lives; fruits show the results.

Laying on of hands

Gesture calling down the Holy Spirit.

Eucharistic Adoration

Prayer before the consecrated Eucharist.

Dismissal

Being sent forth at Mass to spread the Gospel.

Passion

Jesus’ suffering before and during the crucifixion.

Logos

Title for Jesus meaning “the Word.”

Passover

Jewish feast remembering God freeing Israel from Egypt.

Absolution

Priest’s words forgiving sins.

Mortal sin

Serious sin that breaks our relationship with God.

Penitent

Person confessing sins.

Venial sin

Lesser sin that weakens but doesn't break our relationship with God.

Concupiscence

Human tendency to sin.

Examination of conscience

Reflecting on one’s actions before Confession.

Reparation

Making amends for sin.

Viaticum

Eucharist given to someone near death.

Deacon

Ordained minister serving through charity, preaching, and assisting at liturgy.

Annulment

Declaration that a valid marriage never truly existed.

Presbyterium

Body of priests who assist the bishop.

Bishop

Successor of the apostles who leads a diocese.

Ordination

Sacramental act making a man a deacon, priest, or bishop.

Priest

Ordained minister who celebrates sacraments and shepherds the Church.