Global Every Term rev

Humility

The virtue by which a person is grounded in truth and recognizes their dependence on God.

Blessing

An invocation of God’s favor and protection; can be a ritual act or a spoken prayer.

Adoration

The act of paying honor or worship to God, recognizing His supreme authority and glory.

Petition

A request made to God, asking for divine intervention or assistance in personal needs or desires.

Intercession

The act of praying for the needs of others, asking God to respond to those requests.

Doxology

A short hymn or expression of praise to God, often used in worship.

Meditation

Focused contemplation, reflecting deeply on God's word or presence.

Contemplation

An intense form of prayer seeking a direct experience or union with God, characterized by silence and stillness.

Spirituality

The personal experience and practice of one’s faith through prayer, study, and service.

Mysticism

A spiritual belief emphasizing personal, direct experiences of the divine.

Incarnation

The mystery where God became human in the person of Jesus Christ while remaining fully divine.

Theotokos

A title for Mary meaning “God-bearer” or “Mother of God.”

Disciple

A student or learner who follows the teachings of Jesus.

Apostle

One of the twelve chosen disciples commissioned by Jesus to spread the Gospel.

Passion

The suffering and death of Jesus Christ, including the events leading to the crucifixion.

Paschal Mystery

The passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.

Mass

The central act of Catholic worship where the Eucharist is celebrated.

Magisterium

The teaching authority of the Church, consisting of the pope and bishops.

Body of Christ

Refers to both the physical body of Jesus and the Church as His mystical body.

Catholic Church

The universal Church founded by Christ, led by the pope.

Papacy

The office of the pope, the bishop of Rome and spiritual leader of the Church.

Marks of the Church

The four attributes of the Church

Catechism

A summary of the principles of Christian faith used for instruction.

Apostolic Succession

The uninterrupted transmission of spiritual authority from the Apostles to current bishops.

Ecumenism

The movement aimed at promoting unity among different Christian denominations.

Laity

Non-ordained members of the Church who participate in its mission.

Religious Life

A vocation of living out the Gospel through communal life in a religious community.

Assumption of Mary

The belief that Mary was taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her life.

Immaculate Conception

The doctrine that Mary was conceived without original sin.

Efficacious

Referring to sacraments that actually confer the grace they signify.

Disposition

The interior attitude and readiness of a person to receive God’s grace.

Sacrament

An outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace (e.g., Baptism, Eucharist).

Grace

The free and undeserved gift from God that allows participation in divine life.

Sacramentals

Sacred signs (like holy water) that prepare us to receive the sacraments more fully.

Sacred Chrism

Blessed oil used in Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.

Baptism

The sacrament of initiation using water to symbolize purification and entry into the Church.

Sacramental Character

A permanent spiritual mark imprinted on the soul by Baptism, Confirmation, or Holy Orders.

Confirmation

The sacrament that strengthens Baptismal grace and seals the individual with the Holy Spirit.

Eucharist

The sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood, commemorating the Last Supper.

Consecration

The part of the Mass where bread and wine are transformed into Christ’s Body and Blood.

Liturgy of the Word

The part of the Mass focused on Scripture readings and reflection.

Eucharistic Liturgy

The part of the Mass centered on the celebration of the Eucharist.

Transubstantiation

The doctrine that the substance of bread and wine becomes the actual Body and Blood of Christ.

Venial Sin

A lesser sin that does not completely separate a person from God’s grace.

Mortal Sin

A grave sin that leads to total separation from God’s grace; requires confession.

Act of Contrition

A prayer expressing sorrow for sins and asking for mercy.

Penitent

A person repenting for sins and seeking reconciliation.

Confessor

A priest who hears confessions and offers absolution.

Absolution

The act of being forgiven for sins, pronounced by a priest.

Contrition

Genuine remorse for sin, necessary for a valid confession.

Repentance

Feeling sorrow for wrongdoing and seeking to amend one’s life.

Penance

Actions taken (prayers or service) to express repentance for sin.

Holy Orders

The sacrament through which the mission of the Apostles continues (deacons, priests, bishops).

Bishop

A high-ranking official who oversees a diocese and its members.

Deacon

An ordained minister who assists bishops and priests in pastoral and liturgical duties.

Priest

An ordained minister who presides over sacraments, especially the Eucharist.

Annulment

A Church declaration that a marriage was not valid according to its teachings.

St. Ulric

Bishop of Augsburg known for pastoral care and clerical reform; first saint to be canonized by a Pope.

Holiness

The state of being devoted to God and consecrated.

Communion of Saints

The spiritual union of all Christian members, living and dead.

Universal Call to Holiness

The doctrine that all people are called to follow Christ and become saints.

Canonization Process

The formal Church procedure for declaring a deceased person a saint.

Conversion

A profound change of heart toward God.

Saint

A person acknowledged as holy; specifically one canonized after death.

Sin

An act against divine law.

Miracle

A supernatural event attributed to divine intervention.

Positio

A document summarizing the life and virtues of a candidate for sainthood.

Beatification

The step in canonization where one miracle is verified and the person is called "Blessed."

Vox Populi

"The voice of the people"; public acclaim for someone's holiness.

St. Peter

The first Pope and leader of the Apostles; "The Rock" of the Church.

St. Paul

The "Apostle to the Gentiles" who wrote many New Testament Epistles.

St. Stephen

The first Christian martyr (protomartyr).

Martyrdom

The act of dying for one’s faith.

Epistle

Letters written by Apostles to early Christian communities.

Gentile

A non-Jewish person.

Council of Jerusalem

Early Church meeting that decided Gentiles did not have to follow all Jewish laws.

Sanhedrin

The Jewish assembly that opposed early Christian leaders.

Persecution

Systematic hostility or oppression directed at Christians.

Evangelization

The act of preaching the Gospel to convert others.

Agape

Selfless, unconditional Christian love.

Faith, Hope, Grace

Core theological virtues central to Christian belief.

St. Justin Martyr

An early apologist who defended the faith through writing.

St. Ignatius of Antioch

Bishop who wrote letters urging Church unity before being martyred.

St. Maximilian Kolbe

Modern martyr who took the place of a stranger in an Auschwitz starvation cell.

St. Jose Sanchez del Rio

A young Mexican martyr who refused to renounce his faith during the Cristero War.

Blessed Miguel Pro

Jesuit priest martyred in Mexico; famous for shouting "Viva Cristo Rey!"

Martyr

Someone who suffers persecution or death for religious beliefs.

Roman Persecution

Systematic oppression faced by Christians in the Roman Empire.

Apologetics

The theological defense of Christian doctrines.

Obedience

Following God’s word as a fundamental aspect of holiness.

St. Benedict

Founder of Western Monasticism; wrote the "Rule of St. Benedict."

St. Anthony of Egypt

The "Father of Monasticism" who lived as a hermit in the desert.

St. Dominic

Founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans).

Abbot

The spiritual and administrative head of a monastery.

Asceticism

Severe self-discipline and avoiding indulgence for spiritual growth.

Moderation

Practicing restraint and temperance in spiritual life.

Monasticism

A communal religious way of life guided by prayer and service.

St. Ignatius of Loyola

Founder of the Jesuits; author of the "Spiritual Exercises."

St. Teresa of Avila

Mystic, reformer of the Carmelites, and Doctor of the Church.

St. John of the Cross

Mystic and poet; wrote about the "Dark Night of the Soul."