HRE20 Religion: Unit 2 - The Church

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering Church hierarchy, history, sacraments, prayer, Marian doctrines, and sainthood based on HRE20 Unit 2 Religion notes.

Catholic Church

A worldwide organization of Christians organized into dioceses and parishes, led by the Pope, that serves society through education, social services, charitable work, and advocacy for human dignity.

Apostolic Tradition

The teaching that the current-day church is founded on the apostles and their witness to Jesus, maintaining connection to its origin while carrying its mission into new contexts, with bishops succeeding the apostles.

The Body of Christ

An image of the Church where Christ is the head and all baptized members are equal, possessing different skills and responsibilities to serve.

Church as Institution

An image of the Church that highlights its structure as an organized community with established leadership.

Church as Advocate

An image of the Church that focuses on speaking out publicly for human dignity and the common goal.

Church as Teacher

An image of the Church that interprets sacred scripture and instructs followers in Catholic beliefs.

Church as Servant

An image of the Church modeled on following Jesus' example through acts of love and care for others.

Church as Transformer

An image of the Church that seeks to actively transform individuals, communities, and society through the message of the gospel.

Pentecost

Known as the Church's birthday; the event where the Holy Spirit was given to the disciples, transforming them into courageous witnesses who created a new community to spread the gospel.

Holy Spirit

The third person of the Holy Trinity, sent by Jesus to assist and guide the Church as the spiritual presence of God.

St. Paul

A former persecutor of Christians who converted after encountering Jesus on the way to Damascus, spread the gospel across Europe, and authored foundational New Testament letters.

Sacraments

Outward signs of inward grace instituted by Christ for the sanctification of believers.

Sacraments of Institution

The foundational sacraments that initiate individuals into Church life: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.

Sacraments of Healing

Sacraments dedicated to spiritual and physical restoration: Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick.

Sacraments of Service of Communion

Sacraments directed toward the salvation and service of others: Marriage and Holy Orders.

Baptism

The first sacrament, which cleanses original sin, welcomes the individual into the Christian community, and enables them to receive other sacraments.

Eucharist

The sacrificial banquet (also known as Holy Communion or thanksgiving) commemorating the Last Supper, where believers receive the body and blood of Christ to become the Body of Christ.

Reconciliation

Also called penance or confession; a sacrament of healing involving sincere sorrow for violating one's relationship with God and the desire to be restored to communion with Him.

Confirmation

A sacrament administered through the laying on of hands and anointing with Chrism oil, which confers the Holy Spirit and strengthens the promises made at Baptism.

Holy Orders

The sacrament of ordained ministry conferred through the laying on of hands and a consecration prayer when a baptized man is ordained to serve as a deacon, priest, or bishop.

Adoration

A type of prayer that exalts and honors the greatness of God.

Intercession

A type of prayer offered on behalf of the needs of others.

The Rosary

A traditional devotional prayer to Mary in which Catholics meditate on key events in the life of Jesus while reciting prayers such as the Creed, Our Father, and Hail Mary.

Veneration

Special honor and devotion given to Mary and the saints who are holy and set apart for God, distinct from worship which is reserved for God alone.

Immaculate Conception

The Catholic doctrine declaring that Mary was conceived and born full of grace, living her entire life without sin.

Perpetual Virginity

The Catholic doctrine affirming that Mary remained a virgin throughout her entire life.

The Assumption of Mary

The Catholic doctrine stating that at the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken up body and soul into heaven.

Hierarchy of the Catholic Church

The holy governance structure of the Body of Christ, arranged from top to bottom as: Pope, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, Priests & Deacons, and the Laity (The People of God).

Bishop

An ordained successor of the apostles (from the Greek for 'supervisor') who oversees a diocese and is responsible for multiple parishes and priests.

Priest

An ordained minister who receives Holy Orders, administers sacraments, manages masses, and oversees a specific local parish and its members.

Deacon

An ordained minister who assists priests and bishops in preaching, sacramental duties, and charitable work, including reading the Gospel at Mass.

Diocese

A regional district or group of local Catholic parishes placed under the pastoral care and governance of a bishop.

Lay Faithful

The baptized non-ordained members of the Church who possess equal dignity to the ordained and are called to act as holy witnesses of Christ in the everyday world.

Council of Nicaea

A council of Christian bishops convened in 325 AD that rejected Arianism and affirmed that Jesus is 'of the same substance' and equal to God.

Arianism

A fourth-century heresy asserting that Jesus Christ was more than human but not fully equal to God.

Four Marks of the Catholic Church

The four definitive characteristics of the Church identified as One (united under Christ), Holy (expressing God's love), Catholic (universal), and Apostolic (founded on the apostles).

Venerable

The title granted to a deceased person during the first stage of the canonization process after a formal examination confirms they lived a life of heroic virtue.

Blessed

The title conferred during the second stage of canonization after further scrutiny of the person's life and the verification of two performed miracles.

Communion of Saints

The spiritual union and fellowship connecting all members of the Church: the faithful living on earth, the souls undergoing purification in purgatory, and the saints in heaven.