Structure of the Church (ch. 4)

bishops

One who has received the fullness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders and is a successor to the Apostles; takes care of a particular geographical area; is a sign of unity in his diocese and a member of the College of Bishops; refers to role granted after receiving the third degree of ordination

diocese

a particular geographical area of the Church overseen by a bishop

discipleship

ordering one's life by listening to and following a teacher

Holy Spirit

Third person of the Trinity whose actions help the human aspects of the Church put us in touch with its divine component

ecumenism

to enter into conversation with other Christian communities aimed at restoring unity; the work of Catholics and other Christians aimed at restoring unity among Christians

Pope

Bishop of Rome and the successor of Peter; pastor of the whole world who is entrusted with the job of care of the souls of all the members of the Church

Peter

first bishop of Rome

Great Commisison

when Jesus tells the Apostles to go and make all people his disciples

laity

name for all non-ordained faithful

priestly role of laity

to worship God by the way we live (actions and prayer)

prophetic role of laity

to announce the Good News of Jesus Christ through our words and actions

kingly role of the laity

to be a servant king like Jesus through caring and serving others, especially those in need

poverty, chastity and obedience

evangelical counsels

evangelical counsel

public vows or promises of poverty, chastity and obedience

vow of chastity

a promise to remain unmarried and celibate; keeps them free to dedicate all their efforts to bringing Christ to the world

vow of poverty

a promise to live simply; means to own nothing of their own

vow of obedience

to listen attentively to God's will; obeying the Laws of God and the Church; following the rules of their religious order or community

consecrated religious

men and women who dedicate their lives to Jesus by living a religious vocation in the Church

stigmata

marks resembling the wounds on the crucified body of Christ

St. Catherine of Siena

Convinces the Pope to move back to Rome; first layperson named a Doctor of the Church

Doctor of the Church

A title officially bestowed by the Church on those saints who are highly esteemed for their theological writings, as well as their personal holiness.

Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions

Vatican Council II document that the Church deeply respects other religions and emphasizes that we can know the fullness of God's Revelation only through the Catholic Church

degrees of ordination

diaconate (deacon); presbyterate (priest) and episcopate (bishop)

St. Stephen

one of the first seven deacons; died for his faith; is the first Christian martyr

deacon

called to serve as Jesus did; special role of service to the poor; refers to role granted after receiving the first degree of ordination

transitional deacon

hose who are ordained a deacon in preparation for becoming a priest; refers to role granted after receiving the first degree of ordination

permanent deacon

Those who are ordained to serve permanently as a deacon. A deacon may be married but can not remarry should his wife die.

Priest, Prophet, King

As members of the Body of Christ, we join in his three-fold mission as:

priest

an ordained minister of the Catholic, Orthodox, or Anglican Church having the authority to perform certain rites and administer certain sacraments; refers to role granted after receiving the second degree of ordination

chi rho

symbol for Christ; comes from the first two letters of Christ in Greek