Apostolic succession

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

Celibacy

It is a choice to "skip" the marriage of earth to devote oneself entirely to the marriage of heaven.

Church discipline 

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

Communion of saints

We are connected with those of have died and are still being purified in purgatory

Contemplative

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

Contemplative prayer

"A gaze of faith, fixed on Jesus" and the mysteries of his life (CCC 2715). It is placing oneself in God's presence and resting there in his love.

Continence

Maintaining control of one's desires, appetites, and passions, rather than being controlled by them. Furthermore, continence as a virtue involves directing one's passions toward the true, good, and beautiful.

Eschatological sign

A sign that points toward the final stage of humanity (eschaton = end times) in the total fulfillment of heaven.

In persona Christi

A Latin phrase meaning "in the person of Christ"; it describes the identity and actions of a priest, particularly when he celebrates the sacraments and preaches the Word of God.

Nuns

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

Spousal meaning of the body 

This is the call that God has stamped into our bodies as male and female to love as he loves, through a sincere and total gift of self

Ontological 

Concerning the very essence or nature of a being. One of the ontological realities about humans is our sexuality. Being a male or female is an essential part of human nature.

Ordinatio sacerdotalis

An apostolic letter was written by John Paul II in 1994 regarding the reservation of the priesthood for men alone

Religious sisters

Women celibates who generally live in convents and dedicate themselves to active ministry wherever there is a need.

Vacation

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