HCAP

Catechesis

Teaching and formation in the Catholic faith.

Evangelization

Proclaiming the Gospel and inviting people to Jesus Christ.

Evangelizing Catechesis

Catechesis focused on encounter, conversion, discipleship, and mission.

Kerygma

The core proclamation of the Gospel.

Catechist

A person who teaches and witnesses the Catholic faith.

Accompaniment

Walking with someone in their faith journey.

Discipleship

Following Jesus as a committed learner and witness.

Conversion

Turning toward God and away from sin.

Missionary Disciple

A follower of Christ sent to evangelize others.

Formation

Ongoing growth in faith, character, and holiness.

Mystagogy

Deepening understanding of the mysteries and sacraments after receiving them.

Apprenticeship in Faith

Learning Christianity by practicing it with others.

Domestic Church

The family as the first place of faith formation.

Ecclesial

Related to the Church.

Inculturation

Expressing the Gospel within different cultures without changing truth.

Directory for Catechesis

Official Church guide for catechesis.

Catechetical Accompaniment Process (CAP)

Collaborative process for evaluating catechetical materials.

Profession of Faith

What Catholics believe.

Celebration of the Christian Mystery

Sacraments and liturgy.

Life in Christ

Moral life and virtue.

Prayer

Relationship and communication with God.

Creed

Formal statement of Catholic beliefs.

Sacrament

Visible sign instituted by Christ to give grace.

Liturgy

Public worship of the Church.

Moral Life

Living according to God’s will.

Virtue

Habitual disposition to do good.

Grace

God’s free gift of divine life.

Communion

Unity with God and the Church.

Christology

Study of Jesus Christ.

Ecclesiology

Study of the Church.

Divine Revelation

God revealing Himself to humanity.

Trinity

One God in three Persons.

Incarnation

God becoming man in Jesus Christ.

Paschal Mystery

Jesus’ passion, death, resurrection, and ascension.

Salvation

Deliverance from sin and death.

Redemption

Christ saving humanity.

Sanctification

Becoming holy.

Covenant

Sacred relationship established by God.

Deposit of Faith

The fullness of revealed truth entrusted to the Church.

Magisterium

Teaching authority of the Church.

Doctrine

Official Church teaching.

Dogma

Essential revealed truth that must be believed.

Sacred Tradition

Teachings passed down through the Church.

Sacred Scripture

The Bible.

Baptism

Sacrament initiating Christian life.

Eucharist

Body and Blood of Christ.

Penance/Reconciliation

Sacrament of forgiveness.

Confirmation

Sacrament strengthening the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Holy Orders

Sacrament of ordained ministry.

Matrimony

Sacrament of marriage.

Anointing of the Sick

Sacrament for healing and spiritual strength.

Sacramental Preparation

Formation before receiving sacraments.

Eucharistic Devotion

Reverence and worship of the Eucharist.

Liturgical Year

Church calendar cycle.

Solemnity

Highest-ranking feast day in the Church.

Feast Day

Day honoring a mystery, saint, or event.

Holiness

Life united with God.

Vocation

God’s call for one’s life.

Discernment

Seeking God’s will.

Mercy

God’s loving compassion.

Charity

Christian love.

Humility

Truthful dependence on God.

Reverence

Deep respect for holy things.

Witness

Living in a way that points others to Christ.

Communion of Saints

Spiritual unity of all believers.

Doctor of the Church

Saint recognized for profound teaching.

Cognitive Goals

Knowledge and understanding goals.

Behavioral Goals

Action and practice goals.

Interior Life Goals

Heart, desire, and spiritual disposition goals.

Affective Dimension

Emotional and spiritual aspect of learning.

Cognitive Dimension

Thinking and understanding aspect of learning.

Behavioral Formation

Developing habits and actions aligned to faith.

Organic Formation

Whole-person integrated growth.

Developmental Stages

Age-related phases of growth and learning.

Ongoing Formation

Lifelong faith development.

Faith Seeking Understanding

Desire to understand what one believes.

Encounter with Christ

Personal relationship with Jesus.

Chief Catechist

Bishop’s role as primary teacher of the faith.

Ecclesia Domestica

Latin term meaning "Domestic Church."

Catechumenal Inspiration

Formation modeled after the catechumen process.

Evangelii Nuntiandi

Church document on evangelization.

Catechesi Tradendae

Church document on catechesis.

Dei Verbum

Vatican II document on Divine Revelation.

Gaudium et Spes

Vatican II document on the Church in the modern world.

Lumen Gentium

Vatican II document on the nature of the Church.

USCCB

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.