Vocabulary - Unit 6: Holy Orders

Apostle

From the Greek for 'one sent forth'; refers to the Twelve chosen by Jesus and others like Sts. Matthias, Paul of Tarsus, and Barnabas.

Apostolic Succession

The handing on of ecclesiastical authority from the Apostles to their successors, the bishops, through the laying on of hands.

Bishop

From the Greek for 'overseer'; a Pastor in the Church, a teacher of doctrine, a priest of sacred worship, and a minister of governance.

Cardinal

A member of a special college that elects the pope and deals with issues of major importance.

Celibacy

The state of remaining unmarried for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven to serve God and His people.

Chastity

The moral virtue that integrates sexuality in a person's life, leading to proper relationships.

College of Bishops

The body of bishops united with the Pope as their head, originating from the community of the Twelve Apostles.

Common Priesthood of the Faithful

The participation in the priesthood of Christ shared by all faithful through Baptism.

Deacon

From the Greek for 'servant'; one ordained for ministry and service, not to priesthood.

Diocese

A portion of the People of God entrusted to a bishop, nurturing the community through the Gospel and the Eucharist.

Episcopal College

All bishops collectively in communion with the pope.

Fathers of the Church

Great theologians following the time of the Apostles, from whom the Patristic age is named.

Holy Orders

The Sacrament of Apostolic Ministry by which the mission of Christ continues in the Church.

Minister (Ministry)

A servant or attendant.

Minister of the Holy Communion (extraordinary)

Lay persons or non-ordained religious assisting ordinary ministers in distributing Holy Communion.

Minister of the Holy Communion (ordinary)

Bishops, priests, and deacons responsible for the distribution of Holy Communion.

Obedience

Submission to the authority of God, requiring adherence to divine law.

Ordination

The rite conferring the order of bishop, priest, or deacon through the imposition of hands.

Poverty

The condition of want experienced by the poor, signifying humility and detachment from worldly things.

Presbyterate

From the Greek for 'elders'; the office of presbyter (priesthood), one of the three degrees of Holy Orders.

Priest

A member of the order of presbyters, ordained to assist his bishop and preside at public liturgies.

Religious

One who professes poverty, chastity, and obedience in a recognized institute.