Confirmation 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

Bishop

With Baptism and the Eucharist, one of the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation. Through an outpouring of the special Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Confirmation perfects and strengthens the graces received in Baptism and gives a unique outpouring of the Spirit of Christian witness

Confirmation, Sacrament of

With Baptism and the Eucharist, one of the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation. Through an outpouring of the special Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Confirmation perfects and strengthens the graces received in Baptism and gives a unique outpouring of the Spirit of Christian witness

Discernment

From a Latin word meaning “to separate or to distinguish between,” the practice of listening for God’s call in our lives and distinguishing between good and bad choices.

Evangelization

The proclamation of the Gospel through word and witness

Sacred Chrism

Perfumed olive oil consecrated by the bishop that is used for anointing in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.

Vocation

A universal call from God, rooted in our Baptism, to all members of the Church to embrace a life of holiness. Specifi-cally, it refers to a call to live the holy life as an ordained minister, as a vowed religious (sister or brother), or in a Christian marriage. Single life that involves a personal consecration or commitment to a public, permanent, celibate gift of self to God and one’s neighbor is also a vocational state.