6.2 Vocabulary Cards

Liturgy

A common prayer ceremony.

Apostolic Succession

The unbroken lineage of Popes and Bishops from the time of Jesus to the modern day.

Christian

The general term that applies to anyone who believes Jesus is the Christ (i.e., the Messiah, the chosen one, the savior).

Catholic

Refers to those Christians who belong to the Church Jesus established by professing the same faith as the Apostles (the Apostles' Creed) and following their successors (the Pope and Bishops). It also means "universal."

Orthodox

A term referring to the Greek Orthodox Church that split from the Roman Catholic Church in 1054 A.D.

Great Schism

The separation of the western Roman Catholic Church and the eastern Greek Orthodox Church as a result of the term "Filioque" in Nicene Creed. It occurred in 1054 A.D.

Protestant Reformation

A religious movement of the 16th century with the goal of reforming the Catholic Church. It had two key figures: Martin Luther and King Henry VIII. Luther was frustrated with the state of the Church and nailed his 95 Theses to a church's door. He broke off and founded the Protestant religion of Lutheranism. King Henry VIII established the Church of England (Anglicanism) after the Pope said he couldn't keep divorcing and killing his wives.

"Protestant" refers to Christians who protest against the Catholic Church, do not share the same beliefs, and do not follow the Pope or Bishops.

One

The fullness of Truth is contained in the Catholic Church, in whom the Body of Church is united to each other and to Jesus Christ.

Holy

The Holy Spirit leads and guides the Church. The Church's sacramental life also helps us to grow in holiness.

Catholic (Mark of the Church)

All people are called by God to be one in His church. The faith is for everyone. Catholic means "universal" → God's one Church spread throughout the world.

Apostolic

The Church is built upon St. Peter (the first Pope), the Apostles (the first bishops), and their successors.

Fast

A period of not eating. We fast during Ash Wednesday (the start of Lent) and Good Friday (the day Jesus died). A fast consists of one meal and two small snacks that together do not comprise a whole meal.

Abstain

The avoidance of certain foods. During Fridays in Lent, we must not consume meat. Catholics may choose same other penance on other Fridays throughout the year.

Chapel

A sacred place where liturgies take place but without a permanent Sunday Mass community.

Church

A sacred place for liturgies with a permanent Sunday Mass community.

Cathedral

A church containing the "cathedra" or "chair" from which a bishop governs his diocese.

Basilica

A large, beautiful church (sometimes but not always cathedrals) that the Pope has recognized and designated for special liturgical purposes.

Cathedra

The chair of the bishop located in a cathedral from which he governs his diocese.

Pope

Successor of St. Peter; Bishop of Rome; Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church. The Pope exercises a primacy of authority as Vicar of Christ and shepherd of the whole Church. He receives the divine assistance promised by Christ to the Church.

Cardinal

A member of a special college that elects the Pope (the college of cardinals). This person assists the Pope in administering the Church. They are lower than the Pope.

Bishop

From the Greek for "overseer." By divine institution, he succeeds the Apostles through the Holy Spirit, who is given to him. He is constituted a pastor in the Church, the teacher of doctrine, the priest of sacred worship, and the minister of governance. They are lower than the cardinals.

Diocese

A portion of the People of God that is entrusted to a bishop to be nurtured by him, with the cooperation of his priests, in such a way that, remaining close to its pastor and gathered by him through the Gospel and the Eucharist in the Holy Spirit, it constitutes a particular Church. In this Church, the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church of Christ truly exists and functions.

Priest

A term derived from the Greek word presbyteros. In the Church, a priest is a baptized and confirmed male who ordained to be a co-worker with his bishop, to preside at public liturgies, to celebrate the Sacraments and assist his bishop in priestly service to the People of God.

Deacon

From the Greek word for "servant"; one who has been ordained to the third degree of Holy Orders, ordained not to priesthood but for ministry and service.

Laity

All the faithful, except those in Holy Orders and those in the state of religious life specially approved by the Church. They carry out, for their own part, the mission of the whole Christian people in the Church and in the world.

Pontiff

Means "bridge builder." This title for the Pope states that he is responsible for maintaining the bridge between Jesus and His Church.

Vicar of Christ

Papal title first used by Pope Innocent III in place of "Vicar of St. Peter." "Vicar of Christ" emphasized his understanding of the Pope as the representative of Christ himself.

Conclave

From the Greek for "with key"; the gathering of the world's cardinals for the election of a new Pope, which takes place in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican behind closed doors.

Papal Infallibility

The guarantee that the Pope and the Magisterium would be infallible, or "free from error," in their public teachings on matters of faith and morals. It is made possible by the work of the Holy Spirit in the Church. Hence, the papacy preserves the truth of God that liberates Church members from error.

Church Suffering (Penitent)

The souls in purgatory.

Church Militant

The souls fighting the good fight on earth.

Church Triumphant

The souls in Heaven rejoicing, waiting for us to join them.