Vocab chapter 9

Apostolic succession

A line of priestly power and authority originating from Christ and handed down through the apostles to the present through their successors, the bishops.

Celibacy

A choice to "skip" earthly marriage to devote oneself entirely to the marriage of heaven.

Church discipline

A practice or norm established by the Church that is firm and should be followed but could be changed by the church in the future.

Communion of saints

Connection with those who have died and are being purified in purgatory.

Contemplative

A person who chooses a life focusing on an interior life of prayer and intercession for the Church.

Contemplative prayer

"A gaze of faith, fixed on Jesus" and the mysteries of his life, placing oneself in God's presence and resting in his love.

Continence

Maintaining control of desires, appetites, and passions, directing them towards the true, good, and beautiful.

Eschatological sign

A sign pointing towards the final stage of humanity in the total fulfillment of heaven.

In persona Christi

Latin for "in the person of Christ," describing the identity and actions of a priest, especially during sacraments and preaching.

Nuns

Contemplative women celibates living in monasteries, dedicated to a life of prayer for the Church.

Spousal meaning of the body

God's call stamped into our bodies as male and female to love as He loves, through a total gift of self.

Ontological

Concerning the essence or nature of a being, such as human sexuality.

Ordinatio sacerdotalis

Apostolic letter by John Paul II in 1994 regarding the reservation of the priesthood for men alone.

Religious sisters

Women celibates living in convents, dedicating themselves to active ministry where needed.

Vocation

A call from God to live a life of holiness in a particular manner and state of life.