Religion

Universal Call to Holiness

The belief that all people are called to strive for holiness and closeness to God in their lives.

Human Dignity

The inherent value and worth of every human being, rooted in the creation in God's image.

Holiness

Spiritual purity and dedication to God's will, achieved through virtuous living.

Grace

God's free and undeserved gift of divine assistance to help humans respond to his call.

Catholic

Refers to the universal nature of the Church, embracing all people and cultures.

Sanctity/Sanctification

The process of becoming holy and set apart for God.

Hierarchy of the Catholic Church

The structured leadership and authority within the Church, from the Pope to bishops, priests, and deacons.

Apostolic Succession

The uninterrupted passing on of apostolic preaching and authority from the Apostles to their successors, the bishops.

Laity & Clergy

The distinction between the faithful who are not ordained (laity) and those ordained as bishops, priests, or deacons (clergy).

Magisterium

The teaching authority of the Church, exercised by the Pope and bishops in communion with him.

Infallibility

The belief that under certain conditions, the Pope and the Magisterium cannot err when teaching matters of faith and morals.

Vocation

A call from God to live a life of holiness and service, often associated with specific roles like marriage, priesthood, or religious life.

Marks of the Church

Essential characteristics that distinguish the Church as founded by Jesus Christ.

One

Unity in faith, worship, and governance.

Holy

Set apart for God's purposes and sanctified by Christ.

Apostolic

Founded on the Apostles and their teachings.

Canonization Process

Official recognition by the Church that a person is in heaven and worthy of public veneration.

Venerable

A step in the canonization process recognizing heroic virtue.

Servant of God

The first official step toward canonization, recognizing a person's life of holiness.

Beatification

Declaration by the Pope allowing public veneration of a deceased person.

Sainthood

Full recognition of a person's holiness and intercessory power in heaven.

Saints/Communion of Saints

All the faithful, living and dead, united in Christ.

St. Francis

Founder of the Franciscan Order, known for his humility and love for nature.

Francis renounces his father

Symbolic act of renouncing wealth and privilege for a life of poverty and service.

Wolf of Gubbio

Story illustrating Francis's ability to reconcile nature and humanity.

Francis and the Leper

Act of charity and humility, embracing and caring for those shunned by society.

San Damiano Chapel

Where Francis received his mission from God to 'rebuild my Church.'

Prayer of St. Francis

Famous prayer asking to be an instrument of God's peace.

Stigmata

Miraculous phenomenon where a person bears the wounds of Christ.

4 Franciscan Values

Poverty, humility, simplicity, and prayer.

St. Clare

Disciple of Francis, founder of the Poor Clares.

Palm Sunday Conversion

Decision to dedicate her life to Christ after hearing Francis preach during Palm Sunday.

Meaning of her name

'Clear' or 'bright,' reflecting her purity and clarity of purpose.

The Poor Clares

Franciscan order of women devoted to prayer and contemplation.

Monstrance

Sacred vessel used to display the consecrated Eucharistic host.

Blessings and Adoration

Praising God for his goodness and greatness.

Petition

Requesting God's help or intercession.

Intercession

Praying on behalf of others.

Thanksgiving

Gratitude for God's blessings.

Praise

Acknowledging God's attributes and actions.

Creed

Statement of beliefs, such as the Nicene Creed.

Vocal

Spoken prayers.

Meditation

Reflective prayer, contemplating God's presence.

Contemplative

Silent prayer, resting in God's presence.

Purple

Used in Advent and Lent for penance and preparation.

White/Gold

Used in Christmas and Easter for joy and celebration.

Green

Used in Ordinary Time for growth and renewal.

Red

Used on Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Pentecost, and feasts of martyrs, symbolizing the Holy Spirit and sacrifice.

Rose (Pink)

Used on Gaudete (Advent) and Laetare (Lent) Sundays for joy within penitential seasons.

Advent

Four-week season preparing for Christ’s birth.

Christmas

Celebrates Jesus’ birth and incarnation.

Ordinary Time

Focuses on Jesus’ teachings and public ministry.

Lent

Forty-day season of fasting, prayer, and repentance before Easter.

Easter Triduum

Three days remembering Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

Easter

Fifty-day celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.

Pentecost

Marks the coming of the Holy Spirit and the Church’s mission.

Reconciliation

Confession and forgiveness of sins.

Anointing of the Sick

Healing and spiritual comfort for the sick and suffering.

Matrimony

Marriage covenant.

Holy Orders

Ordination to deacon, priest, or bishop.

Baptism

Entry into the Christian community.

Communion

Reception of the Eucharist.

Confirmation

Strengthening of baptismal grace.

Introductory Rite

Opening prayers and hymns to gather the congregation.

Greeting/Gathering

Priest's welcome and call to worship.

Dismissal/Concluding Rite

Final blessings and sending forth to live the Gospel.

Liturgy of the Word

Scripture readings and homily.

Gospel

Reading from one of the four Gospels.

Homily

Sermon explaining the Scripture readings.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Preparation and consecration of bread and wine.

Consecration

Moment when bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.

Real Presence

Belief in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist.