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Holy Communion

A mutual exchange of love between God and his people, much like the covenantal love celebrated between a husband and wife in marriage; a name given to the reception of the Eucharist.

New Covenant

The new and everlasting covenant won for us by Christ’s Paschal Mystery; fulfills centuries of prophecies and God's promises for the forgiveness of sins.

Fidelity

Faithfulness, loyalty, and continuing support.

Communion

Intimate and mutual exchange in friendship, derived from the Latin 'communio,' meaning 'sharing in common'.

Consummation

The point at which something is finalized or completed.

Atone

To make an offering of penance as an expression of sorrow for an offense; to make amends or reparations.

Memorial

Something that aims to keep a memory alive; the Eucharist Acts as a memorial of Christ’s Passover.

Manna

A miraculous food, 'bread from Heaven,' that God provided Israel in the desert.

Bread of Life Discourse

Jesus’ teaching in John 6 that He is the Bread of Life, which He gives for the life of the world.

Anamnesis

A prayer recited during the Eucharistic prayers that recalls significant events in the life of Jesus.

Eucharistein

Greek word meaning 'to give thanks,' from which the word Eucharist is derived.

Sacred Mysteries

Profound, divine truths about God and salvation that exceed human understanding.

Mystical

Having a spiritual quality through a connection with God that transcends ordinary understanding.

Last Supper

The last meal Jesus shared with His Apostles before His crucifixion, during which He instituted the Eucharist.

Eternal

Without beginning or end; not constrained by time.

Real Presence

The unique presence of Christ in the Eucharist under the appearances of bread and wine.

Transubstantiation

Describes the changing of bread and wine during Mass into the Body and Blood of Christ.

Substance

The essential nature of something; in theology often refers to what exists beneath the appearances.

Transcendent

Beyond the limits of ordinary experience.

Liturgy of the Word

The first part of the Mass where the Scriptures are proclaimed and teachings are given.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

The second part of the Mass where the Body and Blood of Christ are received.

Apostolic Succession

The transmission of apostolic preaching and authority from the Apostles to their successors, the bishops.

Ministerial Priesthood

The ordained priesthood that acts in the person of Christ according to the authority given by Him.

Sanctoral Cycle

The celebration of certain saints throughout the Church year.

Sacramentals

Sacred signs of God’s grace that prepare us to receive grace and cooperate with it.

Epiousios

Greek for 'daily bread' in the Lord’s Prayer, means 'super substantial' or 'super essential.'

Schism

A division caused by differences in belief; a refusal of submission to Church authority.

Ecumenical

Referring to efforts to restore unity among all Christians.

Holy Week

The last week of Lent leading up to and including Triduum and Easter Sunday.

Beatific Vision

The immediate knowledge of God experienced in Heaven by the angels and saints.