re glossary

Mission

To be sent forth from one person to another to effect a beneficial change (e.g. sending forth the Apostles to preach the Gospel, baptise and teach).

Chastity

Moderating one's desires and imitating Christ to live in a celibate way.

Spiritual Discernment

The ability to recognise or understand something, someone, or some course of action more fully and deeply than ever before.

Apostolic Succession

The spiritual gifts and responsibilities Bishops receive, through which Jesus personally leads the Church, have been passed down the generations over the past two thousand years.

Work

Any way that a human being participates in God's creative activity. This may be paid activity or unpaid activity.

Prophet

Someone who speaks out on behalf of the poor and powerless. They speak the word of God and act or write under the influence of God to make His will known.

Spiritual Sacrifice

Any words or actions that are motivated by the desire to please God.

Sacrament

A visible sign instituted by Jesus in which Grace is communicated to the soul.

Covenant

A binding promise or commitment made between God and His people.

Celibate Love

A choice to love unselfishly and unconditionally in single life, so that they are able to respond to the needs of all people. Having a strong relationship with Christ and therefore shaping relationships with others.

Original Sin

The sin committed by Adam, and the sin that was then passed on to every human being when they are born, with the exception of Christ and his mother Mary.

Christian Vocation

To put others first, speak out on behalf of the poor and powerless and to exercise stewardship over creation just as Jesus did.

Vocation

A calling from God to a distinct state of life, in which the person can reach holiness.

Monastic Life

People who are dedicated to a religious way of life. Often separated from the secular world, unless in a missionary order.

Holy Orders

The sacrament of the laying on of a Bishop's hands to confer the grace and spiritual power to heal others.

Procreation

Parents cooperating in God's creation of children. Parents are responsible for the care and development of their children.