unit 4 religion vocab

Apostolic succession

The uninterrupted passing on of apostolic preaching and authority from the Apostles directly to all bishops. It is accomplished through the laying on of hands when a bishop is ordained in the Sacrament of Holy Orders as instituted by Christ. The office of bishop is permanent, because at ordination a bishop is marked with an indelible, sacred character.

Archbishop

The chief shepherd of an archdiocese, who bears indirect responsibility for the smaller neighboring

Atonement

Reparation for wrongdoing or sin and reconciliation with God, accomplished for humankind by Christ’s sacrifice.

Auxiliary bishops

: Assists a diocesan bishop in his responsibilities.

Cardinal

A member of the college, or assembly, responsible for electing new popes. Cardinals are appointed by the Pope.

Code of canon law

The name given to the official body of laws that provides good order in the visible body of the Church.

 

College of bishops

The assembly of bishops, headed by the Pope, that holds the teaching authority and responsibility in the Church.

Crozier

 A ceremonial shepherd’s staff that represents the bishop’s call to care for the flock of Christ.

 

Deacon

One who is ordained for service and ministry, but not for ministerial priesthood, through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Deacons are ordained to assist priests and bishops in a variety of liturgical and charitable ministries.

diaconate

: The vocation and ministry of a deacon.

 

Diocese

Also known as a “particular” or “local” Church, the regional community of believers, who commonly gather in parishes, under the leadership of a bishop. At times, a diocese is determined not on the basis of geography but on the basis of language or rite.

 

Diocesan bishop

The chief shepherd of a diocese.

Episcopate

The position or office of a bishop.

Incardinated

Placed under the authority of a particular bishop or the superior of a religious community.

Liturgy of the hours

Also known as the Divine Office, the official, public, daily prayer of the Catholic Church. The Divine Office provides standard prayers, Scripture readings, and reflections at regular hours throughout the day.

Magisterium

The Church’s living teaching office, which consists of all bishops, in communion with the Pope, the Bishop of Rome.

Miter

A unique, pointed hat that the bishop wears during liturgical ceremonies. It is a symbol of the bishop’s governing authority.

Presbyterate

The name given to priests as a group, especially in a diocese; based on the Greek word presbyter which means “elder.”

Providence

The guidance, material goods, and care provided by God that is sufficient to meet our needs.

Sanctify, sanctification

To make holy; sanctification is the process of becoming closer to God and growing in holiness, taking on the righteousness of Jesus Christ with the gift of sanctifying grace.

Successors

A successor is a person who succeeds, or comes after, another as office holder. Bishops, led by the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, are the successors of the Apostles.