Religion

Term,Definition

Universal Call to Holiness,"The belief that all people are called to strive for holiness and closeness to God in their lives."

Human Dignity,"The inherent value and worth of every human being, rooted in the creation in God's image."

Holiness,"Spiritual purity and dedication to God's will, achieved through virtuous living."

Grace,"God's free and undeserved gift of divine assistance to help humans respond to his call."

Catholic,"Refers to the universal nature of the Church, embracing all people and cultures."

Sanctity/Sanctification,"The process of becoming holy and set apart for God."

Hierarchy of the Catholic Church,"The structured leadership and authority within the Church, from the Pope to bishops, priests, and deacons."

Apostolic Succession,"The uninterrupted passing on of apostolic preaching and authority from the Apostles to their successors, the bishops."

Laity & Clergy,"The distinction between the faithful who are not ordained (laity) and those ordained as bishops, priests, or deacons (clergy)."

Magisterium,"The teaching authority of the Church, exercised by the Pope and bishops in communion with him."

Infallibility,"The belief that under certain conditions, the Pope and the Magisterium cannot err when teaching matters of faith and morals."

Vocation,"A call from God to live a life of holiness and service, often associated with specific roles like marriage, priesthood, or religious life."

Marks of the Church,"Essential characteristics that distinguish the Church as founded by Jesus Christ."

One,"Unity in faith, worship, and governance."

Holy,"Set apart for God's purposes and sanctified by Christ."

Catholic,"Universal, embracing all people and cultures."

Apostolic,"Founded on the Apostles and their teachings."

Canonization Process,"Official recognition by the Church that a person is in heaven and worthy of public veneration."

Venerable,"A step in the canonization process recognizing heroic virtue."

Servant of God,"The first official step toward canonization, recognizing a person's life of holiness."

Beatification,"Declaration by the Pope allowing public veneration of a deceased person."

Sainthood,"Full recognition of a person's holiness and intercessory power in heaven."

Saints/Communion of Saints,"All the faithful, living and dead, united in Christ."

St. Francis,"Founder of the Franciscan Order, known for his humility and love for nature."

Francis renounces his father,"Symbolic act of renouncing wealth and privilege for a life of poverty and service."

Wolf of Gubbio,"Story illustrating Francis's ability to reconcile nature and humanity."

Francis and the Leper,"Act of charity and humility, embracing and caring for those shunned by society."

San Damiano Chapel,"Where Francis received his mission from God to 'rebuild my Church.'"

Prayer of St. Francis,"Famous prayer asking to be an instrument of God's peace."

Stigmata,"Miraculous phenomenon where a person bears the wounds of Christ."

4 Franciscan Values,"Poverty, humility, simplicity, and prayer."

St. Clare,"Disciple of Francis, founder of the Poor Clares."

Palm Sunday Conversion,"Decision to dedicate her life to Christ after hearing Francis preach during Palm Sunday."

Meaning of her name,"'Clear' or 'bright,' reflecting her purity and clarity of purpose."

The Poor Clares,"Franciscan order of women devoted to prayer and contemplation."

Monstrance,"Sacred vessel used to display the consecrated Eucharistic host."

Blessings and Adoration,"Praising God for his goodness and greatness."

Petition,"Requesting God's help or intercession."

Intercession,"Praying on behalf of others."

Thanksgiving,"Gratitude for God's blessings."

Praise,"Acknowledging God's attributes and actions."

Creed,"Statement of beliefs, such as the Nicene Creed."

Vocal,"Spoken prayers."

Meditation,"Reflective prayer, contemplating God's presence."

Contemplative,"Silent prayer, resting in God's presence."

Purple,"Used in Advent and Lent for penance and preparation."

White/Gold,"Used in Christmas and Easter for joy and celebration."

Green,"Used in Ordinary Time for growth and renewal."

Red,"Used on Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Pentecost, and feasts of martyrs, symbolizing the Holy Spirit and sacrifice."

Rose (Pink),"Used on Gaudete (Advent) and Laetare (Lent) Sundays for joy within penitential seasons."

Advent,"Four-week season preparing for Christ’s birth."

Christmas,"Celebrates Jesus’ birth and incarnation."

Ordinary Time,"Focuses on Jesus’ teachings and public ministry."

Lent,"Forty-day season of fasting, prayer, and repentance before Easter."

Easter Triduum,"Three days remembering Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection."

Easter,"Fifty-day celebration of Christ’s Resurrection."

Pentecost,"Marks the coming of the Holy Spirit and the Church’s mission."

Reconciliation,"Confession and forgiveness of sins."

Anointing of the Sick,"Healing and spiritual comfort for the sick and suffering."

Matrimony,"Marriage covenant."

Holy Orders,"Ordination to deacon, priest, or bishop."

Baptism,"Entry into the Christian community."

Communion,"Reception of the Eucharist."

Confirmation,"Strengthening of baptismal grace."

Introductory Rite,"Opening prayers and hymns to gather the congregation."

Greeting/Gathering,"Priest's welcome and call to worship."

Dismissal/Concluding Rite,"Final blessings and sending forth to live the Gospel."

Liturgy of the Word,"Scripture readings and homily."

Gospel,"Reading from one of the four Gospels."

Homily,"Sermon explaining the Scripture readings."

Liturgy of the Eucharist,"Preparation and consecration of bread and wine."

Consecration,"Moment when bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ."

Real Presence,"Belief in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist."