Contemporary Issues Vocab 3/5/24

apostolic succession

The uninterrupted passing on of apostolic preaching and authority from the Apostles directly to all bishops. It is accomplished through the laying on of hands when a bishop is ordained in the Sacrament of Holy Orders as instituted by Christ.

Archbishop

The chief shepherd of an archdiocese, who also bears indirect responsibility for one or more neighboring dioceses within his metropolitan territory.

Atonement

Reparation for wrong doing of sin and reconciliation with God, accomplished for human kind by Christ’s sacrifice.

Auxiliary bishop

a bishop who assists a diocesan bishop in his responsibilities.

Cardinal

a member of the college responsible for electing new popes.

code of canon law

the gathering of ecclesiastical rules in a single book. It contains almost 200 individual rules, called canons.

college of bishops

The assembly of bishops, headed by the Pope, that holds the teaching authority and responsibility in the Church.

crozier

ceremonial shepherd’s staff, which represents the bishop’s call to care for Christ’s flock.

deacon

those ordained to serve the bishops and priests in ministry to the people of God.

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.

Diocesan bishop

the chief shepherd of a diocese.

Episcopate

The position or office of a bishop

Incardinated

placed under the authority of a particular bishop or the superior of a religious community.

liturgy of the hours

also known as the divine office, the official, public, daily prayer of the catholic church.

magisterium

the church’s living teaching office, which consists of all bishops, in communion with the pope, the Bishop of Rome.

miter

a unique, pointed hat that a bishop wears during liturgical ceremonies, is a symbol of the bishop’s governing authority.

presbyterate

the name given to priests as a group, especially in a dioceses; based on the Greek word presbyter, which means “elder”.

providence

the guidance, material goods, and care provided by God that is sufficient to meet our needs.

sanctify/sanctification

to make holy

successors

a person who succeeds, or comes after, another as office holder. Bishops led by the pope, are successors of the Apostles.