Catholic Doctrine and Church Teachings Vocabulary

Flashcards defining core Catholic theological concepts, Church governance, doctrine, and sacraments.

Deposit of Faith

The heritage of faith contained in Sacred Scripture and Tradition.

Apostle

One who is sent as Jesus was sent by the Father.

Infallibility

The gift of the Holy Spirit that allows the Pope and bishops in union with him to definitively proclaim doctrine.

Catholic

"Universal" or "pertaining to the whole."

Cathedra

The chair of the bishop that symbolizes his teaching and governing authority.

Magisterium

The teaching authority of the Church.

Hierarchy

The governing body of the Church, made up of bishops, priests, and deacons.

Church

The assembly God has called together from the ends of the earth.

Apostolic Succession

The handing on of apostolic authority from the Apostles to their successors.

Pope

The successor of St. ✓ ras Bishop of Rome and Supreme.

Papacy

The supreme jurisdiction and ministry of the Pope as shepherd of the whole Church.

Scripture

The sacred writings of the Old and New Testaments.

Tradition

The living transmission of the Gospel message in the Church.

Catechism

A complete explanation of Catholic doctrine and beliefs.

Catechesis

An education in the faith intended to lead someone to conversion.

Doctrine

The Church's teaching in all its forms.

Dogma

A doctrine expressly taught by the Magisterium.

Sacrament

An outward, physical sign of inward, spiritual grace.

Sacramental Grace

The grace of the Holy Spirit given by Christ and proper to each Sacrament.