Church as a sacrament
Ecumenical Council: Where all the Bishops get together to discuss issues of the Church.
Martyr: He or she gives their life to the Church. They are willing to lay down their lives, just as Christ did.
Gnosticism: The belief that only some will be saved by a secret knowledge, that there are 2 goods, and that our human nature is evil.
Vicar of Christ: Peter is the Vicar of Christ, as are all succeeding Popes. This means they act in the person of Christ with the Holy Spirit working through them.
Keys to the Kingdom: There is a Heaven on earth. Jesus knows that he will die and rise, and ascend into Heaven. Jesus made sure he gives the task to someone who will surely outlive him, who knows Jesus is, and who can be a witness of the amazing things he did. This is Peter.
Ekklesia: A Greek word which means assembly or to call out of.
Infallibility: God’s word is incapable of error, since God is perfect, so is His revelation of himself.
Bishop: They possess the fullness of Holy Orders, as they have the full authority as Christ gave the 12. Can confer the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Are assigned to a diocese and archdiocese in which he is the pastor of the entire flock there, and he represents Christ’s authority for that particular area. He is the visible source of unity.
Priest: The Priesthood is also called the presbyterate. Acts in persona Christi. They are obedient to the bishop of their diocese and also act as their representative.
Deacon (Holy Orders): They receive their role through the sacrament of Holy Orders as well, but instead of being ordained for priestly ministry, they are ordained for the priestly of service.
Transitional will become a priest, not married
Permanent can be married
Protestantism: Abuses in the Church were a real problem, and Martin Luteher wanted to see it fixed. This led to attacks on the Church’s teaching worship, and structure, and less about legitimate problems.
Roman Curia: Administrative or governing body of the Catholic Church.
Conclave: Gathering of the Cardinals in the Catholic Church who meet to elect a new Pope, taking place in a closed or locked room.
Magisterium: Jesus gave the Church his authority to teach, and that teaching authority of the Pope and Bishops.
Sacrament: Efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us.
Diocese: The group of Churches that a bishop supervises.
Parish: A local community of believers within a large geographical area. Usually overseen by a priest or pastor, and serves as the primary unit of organization for Catholic worship, pastoral care, and community life.
Separated Brethren: Those who initially separated are called “schismatics” and those we were born into these communities are called our “separated brethren.”