christian scripture church chapter 2 vocabulary

pentecost

The fiftieth day following Easter, which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and disciples.

Gentile

A non-Jewish person. In Sacred Scripture, the Gentiles were the uncircumcised, those who did not honor the God of the Torah. Saint Paul and other evangelists reached out to the Gentiles, baptizing them into the family of God.

martyr

A person who voluntarily suffers death because of his or her beliefs. The Church has canonized many martyrs as saints.

circumcision

The act, required by Jewish Law, of removing the foreskin of the penis. Since the time of Abraham, it has been a sign of God’s covenant relationship with the Jewish People

idolatry

The worship of other beings, creatures, or material goods in a way that is fitting for God alone

Sanctify

To purify or make holy.

charism

A special grace of the Holy Spirit given to an individual Christian or community, for the benefit and building up of the entire Church

religious communities

A group of men or women religious who are joined by a common charism.re

Pope

A title used by the Bishop of Rome, who is the successor of Saint Peter and shep-herd of the Universal Church.

bishop

One who has received the fullness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders and is a successor to the Apostles

diocese

Also known as a “particular” or “local” Church, the regional community of believers, who commonly gather in parishes, under the leadership of a bishop. At times, a diocese is determined not on the basis of geography but on the basis of language or rite.

apostolic exhortation

One of several types of documents that are written by the Pope. Its purpose is not to define doctrine, but to encourage people in some aspect of living the faith.

synod

A group of bishops from around the world who, at the Pope’s invitation, gather in Rome to discuss with him matters of concern to the Universal Church