CH.1 Church Vocabulary Words

Apostolic Succession

The handing on of the preaching and authorship of the Apostles to their successors, the bishops, through the laying on of hands, as a permanent office in the Church

Martyr

Someone who has been killed because of his or her faith. To be martyred is to be killed for one’s faith. Martyrdom is the death or suffering of a martyr

Disciples

Followers of Christ.

Apostles

Those sent forth to be Christ’s ambassadors to continue his work.

Kingdom of God

The reign or rule of God, which began with the coming of Jesus Christ and exists in its perfect form at the end of time

Real Presence

Catholics believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist

Magisterium

official teaching office of the Church

Ecclesiology

The study of the Church

Ecclesia

The Latin word “Church” means “call out of.” Meaning “assembly”

Church

A group(assembly) of Christians. “The Catholic Church” refers to those in union with Rome(the Pope).

Koinonia

Greek word meaning “community”(communion) or fellowship, describing the early church community of sharing and love.

Diakonia

Greek word meaning “Service”. Early church members who distributed goods to poor widows were called deacons(servants).

Great Commissioning

The instructions given to the Apostles by Jesus in Matthew 28:16-20 spread the Gospel, baptize all nations in the name of the F.S.H

Pentecost

The day when the Holy spirit descended on the Apostles and gave them power to preach with conviction the message that Jesus is risen and is Lord of the universe.(50 days after Easter)

Sacred Tradition

Referred to as Apostolic tradition. The living transmission of the Church’s Gospel message is found in the Church’s teaching, life, and worship.

New Covenant

Open-ended contract(promise, agreement) of love between God and human beings. Jesus’s Death and Resurrection sealed God’s New Covenant of love for all time.

Council(vs Synod)

Church councils are formal meetings of bishops and representatives of several churches who are brought together to regulate points of doctrine or discipline. Similarly, a synod is an assembly of clergy and sometimes also the laity in a diocese or other division of a particular church.

Marks of the Church

The four essential characteristics of the Church, which are One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic.

Creed

A formal statement of Christian beliefs, especially the Apostles’ Creed or the Nicene Creed. The Nicene Creed is a statement or belief widely used in Christian liturgy. Originally adopted in the city of Nicara by the First Council of Nicaea in 325

Images of Church

The body of Christ, Vine and Branches, and the Bride of Christ