Apostle: Early followers of Jesus responsible for spreading his teachings.
Ascension: Jesus' ascent to heaven 40 days post-Resurrection.
Crucifixion: Jesus' execution on a cross, symbolizes sacrifice for humanity’s sins.
Disciple: A dedicated follower of Jesus, part of the Twelve.
Epistles: Letters by Apostles, mainly Paul, addressing early Christian communities.
Filioque Clause: Controversial addition to the Nicene Creed about the Holy Spirit's procession.
Gospels: Four books recounting Jesus' life and teachings (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
Indulgences: Controversial practice of reducing punishment for sins in the Catholic Church.
Liturgy of the Word: Mass section with Scripture readings.
Martyr: One who dies for their Christian faith.
Original Sin: Inherited fallen state due to Adam and Eve’s disobedience.
Papal Infallibility: Pope's inability to err in definitive teachings on faith and morals.
Parable: Simple stories by Jesus to convey moral or spiritual lessons.
Parish: Local church community, typically led by a priest.
Purgatory: Temporary purification state for souls before entering heaven.
Resurrection: Jesus' rising from the dead after crucifixion.
Rosary: Prayer beads for meditation, significant in Catholicism.
Sacrament: Ceremonial acts that provide divine grace to believers.
Saint: A canonized individual recognized for holiness and virtue.
Sanctification: Process of becoming more holy and Christ-like.
Schism: Divisions within the Church over authority or theological disputes.
Transubstantiation: Bread and wine becoming Christ's body and blood during the Eucharist.
Trinity: Doctrine of God as three persons in one essence (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
Nicene Creed: A formal statement of faith that affirms core Christian beliefs about the nature of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, vital in Christian liturgy. Adopted in Nicaea by the first ecumenical council in 325 AD, it is a unifying profession of faith among Christians.
The Lord's Prayer: Known as the Our Father, it is a central prayer in Christian worship, recited in congregations during services, emphasizing themes of forgiveness, daily sustenance, and divine guidance.
The Bible: Comprising two major sections:
Old Testament: Covered the Jewish traditions, laws, and prophetic writings that lay the foundation for Christianity.
New Testament: Includes gospels, Acts of the Apostles, Epistles, and Revelation, detailing the life of Jesus and the early Church's growth. The canonical Gospels were written approximately 30-90 years after Jesus’ death.
Christian Prayer: Different forms include praise, intercession, petition, thanksgiving, and blessing, each with unique intentions and purposes in worship.
Fasting: A practice involving abstaining from food or specific pleasures, especially emphasized during Lent as a means of spiritual discipline and reflection.
Giving/Charity: The practice of tithing, often viewed as a commitment to give a portion (up to 10%) of one's income to the Church or charitable causes.
Pilgrimage: The act of traveling to sacred sites, often undertaken as a spiritual journey, reflecting a desire for a deeper connection with God.
Liturgy of the Word: A structured service that includes prayers, readings, and communion, highlighting the importance of worship and community in Christian life.
Early Christianity: The Church began to divide under the Roman Empire's influence, leading to differentiated authority figures with the Pope in Rome and the Patriarch in Constantinople.
The Great Schism: This pivotal divide occurred due to disputes over papal authority, including the Filioque clause, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.
Protestant Reformation: Initiated by Martin Luther's 95 Theses in 1517, this movement challenged Catholic practices, particularly the sale of indulgences, and led to the formation of various Protestant denominations, including the Lutheran Church.
Comparison of Denominations:
Orthodox: Focuses on maintaining tradition and ritual.
Roman Catholic: Emphasizes Papal authority and a sacramental worldview.
Protestant: Centers on individual faith and scripture, with less focus on formal rituals.
Ecumenism: A movement promoting unity among Christian denominations, encouraging dialogue and cooperation, aiming to heal divisions within the Church.
Vatican Councils:
Vatican I: Proclaimed papal infallibility in 1870, affirming the pope's authority in doctrinal matters.
Vatican II: Convened in 1962, focused on addressing modernity, interfaith relations, and church renewal.
Advent
Definition: The period of preparation for Christmas, marking the anticipation of Jesus' birth.
Duration: Celebrated over four weeks leading up to Christmas, beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day.
Significance: It is a time of reflection, prayer, and hope, often involving the lighting of Advent candles in church services or homes, representing the light of Christ entering the world.
Christmas
Definition: The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Date: Observed on December 25th.
Traditions: Includes church services, singing carols, exchanging gifts, and various cultural customs that celebrate the joyous birth of Jesus.
Epiphany
Definition: Commemorates the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the visit of the Magi.
Date: Celebrated on January 6th.
Traditions: In some cultures, it involves the blessing of homes with chalk and celebrations that highlight the acknowledgment of Jesus as the Son of God.
Lent
Definition: 40 days of penance and fasting observed before Easter, commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness.
Start and End: Begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, preceding Easter Sunday.
Practices: Many Christians choose to give up certain luxuries or vices or add spiritual disciplines such as prayer or service to others, reflecting on themes of repentance and humility.
Palm Sunday
Definition: Commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, as hailed by crowds waving palm branches.
Timing: Observed on the Sunday before Easter, marking the beginning of Holy Week.
Celebrations: Christians often participate in processions and the blessing of palm branches, symbolizing victory, as they prepare for the events of Holy Week that lead to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.
The Triduum
Definition: The Triduum refers to the three days leading up to Easter, a sacred time in the Christian liturgical calendar.
Components: Includes Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.
Holy Thursday: Commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples, notable for the institution of the Eucharist and the washing of the disciples' feet.
Good Friday: Observes the crucifixion of Jesus, a day of solemnity characterized by fasting, prayer, and reflection on the Passion of Christ.
Holy Saturday: Marks the time of waiting and reflection after Jesus' death before the celebration of the Resurrection.
Significance: The Triduum is regarded as the pinnacle of the liturgical year, emphasizing
Ascension
Definition: The event where Jesus ascended into heaven after his resurrection and instructed his disciples to continue his work.
Timing: Observed 40 days after Easter Sunday.
Significance: Marks the conclusion of Jesus' earthly ministry and the anticipation of the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. It signifies Christ's exaltation and the completion of his salvific mission.
Pentecost
Definition: Celebrated as the “Birthday of the Church,” marking the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles.
Timing: Occurs 50 days after Easter Sunday.
Significance: Recognizes the empowerment of the apostles to preach the Gospel, leading to the rapid growth of the Christian faith.
Baptism: The rite that marks entry into the Christian faith, often performed with water as a sign of purification and rebirth.
Reconciliation: Known as confession, involving the acknowledgment of sins and seeking forgiveness from God.
Eucharist: Commemorates the Last Supper where bread and wine are consecrated, representing the body and blood of Christ.
Confirmation: A sacrament affirming faith, often performed as a rite of passage into mature Christian belief.
Marriage: A sacred covenant between partners, blessed before God, signifying commitment and unity.
Ordination: The formal process where individuals are consecrated as clergy, receiving the authority to perform sacred duties.
Anointing of the Sick: A sacrament providing healing and blessing for those who are ill, emphasizing God’s presence in times of suffering.
Christian Morality: Focuses on character building and the impact of actions, exploring modern challenges faced by youth in faith and everyday moral decisions.