terms

Breviary

A liturgical book used by priests and deacons for the Liturgy of the Hours.

Celibacy

The renunciation of marriage for a more devout practice of chastity, observed by ordained individuals and those in consecrated life.

Chasuble

Outer vestment worn by bishops or priests during Eucharistic liturgy, with colors corresponding to liturgical seasons.

Clergy

Term for ordained men, derived from a Greek word meaning "lot."

Dalmatic

Outer liturgical vestment of a deacon, sometimes worn by bishops at solemn liturgies.

Deposit of Faith

Body of saving truth entrusted by Christ to the Apostles and passed down by the Church's Magisterium.

Diocese

Geographic area of the Church led by a bishop and comprising parishes.

Discern

Perceive differences between options, especially in the context of faith to listen for the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Ecumenical Council

Assembly of bishops worldwide in union with the pope, the highest authority in the universal Church.

Episcopal College

Unity of all ordained bishops globally, with the pope as its head.

Imprimatur

Bishop's approval for printing a religious text in agreement with Church teaching.

Infallibility

Gift of the Church, allowing the pope and bishops in union to definitively proclaim doctrines of faith or morals.

Mandate

Official appointment from the pope designating a priest as a bishop.

Nuncio

Archbishop serving as the Vatican delegate for a nation.

Ordinand

Individual receiving the Sacrament of Holy Orders at any level.

Ordinary Bishop

Diocesan bishop, the pastoral and legal representative of the diocese.

Seminary

Institution for training priesthood candidates.

Stole

Long, narrow fabric band worn by deacons and priests in different styles.

Synod of Bishops

Group advising the pope on specific issues, usually composed of bishops from around the world.

Vicar

One who acts as a substitute or representative, such as bishops as vicars of Christ in the Church.