Vocations terms

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 dioceses within his metropolitan (i.e., provincial) territory.

Auxiliary bishop

Assists a diocesan bishop in his responsibilities.

Bishop

A member of the clergy who oversees and administers a diocese. A successor to the Apostles in leadership of the Church. Receives the full degree of Holy Orders and can perform all sacraments.

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.

Dalmatic

The liturgical vestment proper to a deacon. A dalmatic is shaped like a large, loose tunic with sleeves.

Deacon

From the Greek word diakonos, which means “servant.” A member of the clergy who assists the bishop and priests. Has the least degrees of Holy Orders. Can perform marriages and Baptisms.

Diaconate

The vocation and ministry of a deacon.

Diocese

Also known as a “particular” or “local” Church. The regional collection of parishes within a geographic region. Overseen by a bishop.

Diocesan bishop

The chief shepherd of a diocese.

Dogmatic theology

The study of objective truths and teachings of our faith.

Donatist heresy

Donatists believed that the sin of denying Christ made a priest or bishop not only forever unworthy but also permanently unable to administer the Sacraments. The Church responded, in part, by teaching that the validity of the Sacraments depends on the holiness of God rather than on the personal holiness of the individual priest.

Episcopate

The position or office of a bishop.

Formation

The process of coming to a richer, deeper understanding and living out of one’s faith; also used to describe the process of preparation that candidates for the priesthood and religious life undergo.

Holy See

A translation of the Latin sancta sedes, which literally means “holy seat.” The word see refers to a diocese or seat of a bishop. The Holy See is the seat of the central administration of the whole Church, under the leadership of the Pope, the Bishop of Rome.

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.

Parish

Community of the faithful within a particular local church, whose pastoral care has been entrusted to a parish priest, under the authority of the diocesan bishop.

Pastor

The priest in charge of a parish.

Presbyterate

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

Priest

From the Greek word diakonos, which means “servant.” A member of the clergy who acts in persona Christi to guide the people of God, act as mediator, and offer sacrifice. Receives most degrees of Holy Orders and can perform all sacraments except Holy Orders.

Insignia

Signs and symbols of one’s office, ministry, or vocation.

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.

Seminary

A school established for the formation of future priests.

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.

Universal Catholic Church

The collection of all faithful into the one family of God. All local parishes and dioceses under the direction of the Magisterium who recognize the authority of the Pope.

Zucchetto

The small skullcap worn by bishops under their miter.