This glossary of Catholic terms necessarily offers very simple definitions of terms for realities that are often very complex. If you would like more information on any of these items, we encourage you to look to the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
abortion. The deliberate termination of a pregnancy by killing the unborn child. The Roman Catholic church considers such direct abortion a grave contradiction of the moral law and a crime against human life.
absolution. An essential part of the sacrament of Penance in which the priest pardons the sins of the person confessing.
abstinence. The avoidance of a particular kind of food as an act of penance or spiritual discipline; in Catholicism, the avoidance of meat on certain days.
Advent. The four-week liturgical season during which Christians prepare themselves for the celebration of Christmas.
amen. A Hebrew word meaning "let it be so" or "let it be done." As a conclusion to prayer, it represents the agreement by the person praying to what has been said in the prayer.
angel. Based on a word meaning "messenger;' a personal and immortal creature, with intelligence and free will, who constantly glorifies God and serves as a messenger of God to humans in order to carry out God's saving plan.
Annunciation. The biblical event in which the angel Gabriel visits the virgin Mary and announces that she is to be the mother of the Savior.
Anointing of the Sick. One of the seven sacraments, sometimes known as "the sacrament of the dying;' in which a gravely ill or dying person is anointed by the priest and prayed over by him and attending believers. One need not be dying to receive the sacrament.
Apostles. The general term apostle means" one who is sent," and can be used in reference to any missionary of the church during the New Testament period. In reference to the twelve companions chosen by Jesus, also known as "the Twelve;' the term refers to those special witnesses of Jesus on whose ministry the early church was built, and whose successors are the bishops.
apparition. An appearance to people on Earth of a heavenly being Christ, Mary, an angel, or a saint. The New Testament includes stories of multiple apparitions by Jesus between Easter and his Ascension into heaven.
Ascension. The "going up" into heaven of the risen Christ forty days after his Resurrection.
Assumption of Mary. The dogma that recognizes that the body of the Blessed Virgin Mary was taken directly to heaven after her life on Earth had ended.
atheism. The denial of the existence of God.
Baptism. The first of the seven sacraments, by which one becomes a member of the church and a new creature in Christ; the first of the three sacraments of initiation, the others being Confirmation and the Eucharist.
Beatitudes. The teachings of Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount in which he describes the actions and attitudes that should characterize Christians, and by which one can discover genuine meaning and happiness. (See also the section on Catholic beliefs and practices for a list of the Beatitudes.)
Bible. The collection of Christian sacred writings, or Scriptures, accepted by the church as inspired by God, and composed of the Old and New Testaments.
bishop. Based on a word for “overseer,” one who has received the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders, is a member of the "college" of bishops, and is recognized as a successor of the Apostles. When he serves as head of a diocese, he is often referred to as the ordinary or local bishop.
Blessed Sacrament. Another name for the Eucharist, especially for the consecrated bread and wine when they are reserved in the tabernacle for adoration or for distribution to the sick.
Body of Christ. A term which may be used to designate the human body of Jesus, his risen body, his body in the Eucharist, or the entire church, which is also referred to as the Mystical Body of Christ.
brothers. See religious life.
canonization. The official proclamation by the pope that a deceased member of the church is to be recognized as a saint and may serve as a model of the Christian ideal for all believers; also the name of the process by which one is found worthy of such recognition.
cardinal virtues. Based on the Latin word for "pivot:' four virtues that are viewed as pivotal or essential for full Christian living: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. (See also each term for a specific definition.)
catechesis. Based on a word meaning "to echo:' the process of education and formation of Christians of all ages, by which they are taught the essentials of Christian doctrine and are formed as disciples of Jesus. Those who serve as ministers of catechesis are called catechists. In a parish, the director of programs of catechesis is often called the director of religious education.
catechism. A popular summary, usually in book form, of Catholic doctrine about faith and morals and commonly intended for use within programs of formal catechesis. The currently official and most authoritative Catholic catechism is called the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
catechumenate. The name of the full process, as well as of one formal stage within the process, by which persons are prepared for full initiation into the church. The process is commonly reserved for adult converts to Catholicism. The person preparing for initiation is known as a catechumen.
cathedral. Based on a word for" chair:' the official church of the bishop of a diocese, at which he is recognized as the chief pastor. The bishop's "chair" symbolizes his teaching and governing authority within the diocese.
celibacy. The state or condition of those who have chosen or taken vows to remain unmarried in order to devote themselves entirely to service of the church and the Kingdom of God. (See also vows.)
charism. A special gift or grace of the Holy Spirit given to an individual Christian, commonly for the benefit and building up of the entire church.
charity. The theological virtue by which we love God above all things and, out of that love of God, love our neighbor as ourselves.
chastity. The virtue by which people are able successfully and healthfully to integrate their sexuality into their total person; recognized as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Also one of the vows of the religious life. (See also the section on Catholic beliefs and practices for a list of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.)
chrism. Perfumed oil, consecrated by the bishop, which is used for special anointings in Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. It signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Christ. See Jesus Christ.
Christmas. The feast day on which Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus; also refers to the liturgical season that immediately follows Christmas Day.
church. In common Christian usage, the term church is used in three related ways: (1) the entire people of God throughout the world; (2) the diocese, which is also known as the local church; and (3) the assembly of believers gathered for celebration of the liturgy, especially the Eucharist. In the creed, the church is recognized as one, holy, catholic, and apostolic-traits which together are referred to as "marks of the church."
Commandments. In general, a norm or guide for moral behavior; commonly, the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses. Jesus summarized all the commandments within the twofold or Great Commandments to love God and neighbor. (See also the section on Catholic beliefs and practices for a list of the Ten Commandments.)
communion of saints. The spiritual union of all those who believe in Christ and have been redeemed, including both those who have died and those who are still living.
Confirmation. With Baptism and the Eucharist, one of the three sacraments of initiation. Through an outpouring of special gifts of the Holy Spirit, Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism by confirming or "sealing" the baptized persons' union with Christ and by equipping that person for active participation in the life of the church.
conscience. The "interior voice" of a person, a God-given internal sense of what is morally wrong or right. Conscience leads people to understand themselves as responsible for their actions, and prompts them to do good and avoid evil. (See also examination of conscience; prudence.)
contemplation. A form of wordless prayer in which one is fully focused on the presence of God; sometimes defined as "resting in God," a deep sense of loving adoration of God.
council of the church. An official assembly of church leaders, often for the purpose of discernment and decision making about particular issues. When represented by and concerned with the entire church, it is called ecumenical, from a word meaning "the whole wide world." Councils can also be regional or local.
covenant. In general, a solemn agreement between human beings or between God and a human being in which mutual commitments are recognized. Also called a testament. In the Bible, two covenants are central: (1) the Covenant between God and the ancient people of Israel established in God's Sinai Covenant with Moses; also called the Old Testament or Old Covenant; and (2) the New Covenant established by Jesus through his sacrificial death and Resurrection; also called the New Testament. The term testament has come to be associated primarily with the sacred Scriptures that record the history and meaning of the two biblical covenants.
creed. An official profession of faith, usually prepared and presented by a council of the church and used in the church's liturgy. Based on the Latin credo, meaning "I believe;' the two most familiar Catholic creeds are the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed. (See also Apostle's Creed in the section on Catholic prayers and devotions.)
deacon, diaconate. The third degree or level of the sacrament of Holy Orders after that of bishop and priest. Deacons are ordained to assist priests and bishops in a variety of ministries. Some are ordained deacons as one stage of their preparation for eventual priesthood. Others do not seek priesthood but commit to lifelong ministry to the church. The latter are known as permanent deacons.
devil, demon. A fallen angel, one created naturally good but who sinned against God by refusing to accept God's reign. The term devil refers to Satan, Lucifer, or the Evil One, the chief of the fallen angels; demons refers to agents of the Evil One. In the New Testament, Jesus and his disciples are seen" casting out demons" as a sign of the ultimate victory of good over evil.
diocese. Also known as a "particular" or "local" church, the regional community of believers, who commonly gather in parishes, under the leadership of a bishop. At times, a diocese is determined not on the basis of geography but on the basis of language or culture.
disciple. A follower of Christ. Based on a word for pupil or student, used both to designate those who learned from and followed Jesus in New Testament times ("the disciples") as well as those who commit to follow him today.
doctrine. An official teaching of the church based on the revelation of God by and through Christ.
dogma. Those teachings that are recognized as central to church teaching, defined by the magisterium, and accorded the fullest weight and authority. (See heresy.)
Easter. The day on which Christians celebrate Jesus' Resurrection from the dead; considered the most holy of all days and the climax of the church's liturgical year. (See also Triduum.)
ecumenism. The movement to restore unity among the Christian churches and, ultimately, of all humans throughout "the whole wide world" (the literal meaning of the word).
encyclical. A letter written by the pope and sent to the whole church and, at times, beyond the church to the whole world; commonly focused on church teaching regarding a particular issue or currently important matter.
Eucharist, the. Also called the Mass or Lord's Supper, and based on a word for "thanksgiving," the central Christian liturgical celebration; established by Jesus at the Last Supper. In the Eucharist, the sacrificial death and Resurrection of Jesus is both remembered ("Do this in memory of me") and renewed ("This is my body, given for you"). The Sunday celebration of the Eucharist is considered the heart of the church's life and worship, and participation in it is expected of all Catholics of the age and ability to do so.
euthanasia. A direct action, or a deliberate lack of action, that causes the death of a handicapped, sick, or dying person. Some attempt to justify it as an act of mercy intended to relieve suffering, but the Catholic church rejects that position and considers euthanasia a violation of the fifth commandment against killing.
evangelist. Based on a word for" good news," in general, anyone who actively works to spread the Gospel of Jesus; more commonly and specifically, one of the persons traditionally recognized as authors of the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
evangelization. The proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus through word and witness.
examination of conscience. Prayerful reflection on and assessment of one's own words, attitudes, and actions in light of the Gospel of Jesus; more specifically, the conscious evaluation of one's life in preparation for reception of the sacrament of Penance.
faith. I n general, the belief in the existence of God. For Christians, the gift of God by which one freely accepts God's full revelation in Jesus Christ. It is a matter of both the head (acceptance of church teaching regarding the revelation of God) and of the heart (love of God and neighbor as a response to God's first loving us). (See a/so religion.)
Fall, the. Also called the fall from grace, the biblical revelation about the origins of sin and evil in the world, expressed figuratively in the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis. (See a/so original sin.)
fasting. Refraining from food and drink as an act of spiritual discipline or as an expression of sorrow for sin; sometimes required by the church, especially during the liturgical season of Lent.
Father. The name for God used most commonly by Jesus and, therefore, held in high esteem by the church. (See a/so Trinity.)
fortitude. Also called strength or courage, the virtue that enables one to maintain sound moral judgment and behavior in the face of difficulties and challenges; one of the four cardinal virtues.
fruits of the Holy Spirit. The characteristics and qualities of those who allow themselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit. (See also the section on Catholic beliefs and practices for the traditional list of the fruits.)
fundamentalism. An interpretation of the Bible and Christian doctrine based on the literal meaning of the words and without regard to the historical setting in which the writings or teachings were first developed; the person who holds such a perspective is called a fundamentalist.
God. The infinite and divine being recognized as the source and creator of all that exists. (See a/so Trinity.)
Gospel. Most basically, "the good news" (the phrase on which the word gospel is based) of the revelation of God in and through Jesus Christ, proclaimed initially by him, then by the Apostles, and now by the church; also refers to those four books of the New Testament that focus on the person, life, teachings, death, and Resurrection of Jesus.
grace. The free and undeserved gift of God's loving and active presence in the universe and in our life.
heaven. Traditionally, the dwelling place of God and the saints, meaning all who are saved; more accurately, not a place but a state of eternal life and union with God, in which one experiences full happiness and the satisfaction of the deepest human longings.
hell. The state of permanent separation from God, reserved for those who freely and consciously choose to reject God to the very end of their life.
heresy. The conscious and deliberate rejection of a dogma of the church. (See also doctrine, dogma.)
hierarchy. In general, the line of authority in the church; more narrowly, the pope and bishops, as successors of the Apostles, in their authoritative role as leaders of the church. (See also magisterium.)
holy days of obligation. Feast days in the liturgical year on which, in addition to Sundays, Catholics are obliged to participate in the Eucharist. (See also the section on Catholic beliefs and practices for a list of holy days, as well as the precepts of the church.)
Holy Orders. The sacrament by which members of the church are ordained for permanent ministry in the church as bishops, priests, or deacons.
Holy Spirit. The third person of the Blessed Trinity, understood as the perfect love between God the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ, who inspires, guides, and sanctifies the life of believers. (See also Trinity, as well as the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit in the section on Catholic beliefs and practices.)
holy water. Blessed water used in ritual sprinklings or when making the sign of the cross as a reminder of Baptism. (See also sacramentals.)
Holy Week. In the church's liturgical year, the week preceding Easter, beginning with Palm Sunday; it culminates the annual celebration of Christ's Passion, death, and Resurrection.
hope. The theological virtue by which we trust in the promises of God and expect from God both eternal life and the grace we need to attain it; the conviction that God's grace is at work in the world and that the Kingdom of God established by and through Jesus Christ is becoming realized through the workings of the Holy Spirit among us.
Immaculate Conception. The Catholic dogma that the Blessed Virgin Mary was free from sin from the first moment of her conception.
immortality. The quality or state of unending, everlasting life; the Catholic doctrine that the human soul survives the death of the body and remains in existence, to be reunited with the body at the final resurrection; identified in the creed as belief in "the resurrection of the body and life everlasting."
Incarnation. Based on words meaning" in flesh," the mystery and church dogma that the Son of God assumed human nature and "became flesh" in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. The Incarnation means that Jesus, the Son of God and second person of the Trinity, is both fully God and fully human. (See also Trinity, Jesus Christ.)
inerrancy. The fact that the books of Scripture are free from error regarding the spiritual and religious truth that God wishes to reveal through them for the sake of our salvation. (See also inspiration.)
infallibility. The gift of the Spirit to the whole church by which the leaders of the church-the pope and the bishops in union with him-are protected from fundamental error when formulating a specific teaching on a matter of faith and morals.
initiation. The process by which a non-baptized person is prepared to become a full member of the church. The three sacraments of initiation are Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. (See also catechumenate.)
inspiration, biblical. The guidance of the Holy Spirit in the development of the Scriptures, whereby the Spirit guided the human authors to teach without error those truths of God that are necessary for our salvation. It is on the basis of inspiration that we can call the Bible the word of God.
Jesus Christ. The Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, who took on flesh in Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus in Hebrew means, "God saves," and was the name given the historical Jesus at the Annunciation. Christ, based on the word for "Messiah," meaning "the anointed one," is a title that was given Jesus by the church after his full identity was revealed. (See also Trinity.)
justice, virtue of. The cardinal virtue concerned with rights and duties within relationships; the commitment, as well the actions and attitudes that flow from the commitment, to ensure that all persons-particularly the poor and oppressed-receive what is due them.
Kingdom of God. The reign or rule of God over the hearts of people and, as a consequence of that, the development of a new social order based on unconditional love. Also called the Reign of God.
Last supper. A supper during the Jewish celebration of Passover that was the last meal Jesus shared with his disciples before being handed over for crucifixion. It is remembered by Christians as the occasion of the first Eucharist and is commemorated by believers on Holy Thursday.
lectio divina. A form of meditative prayer, usually focused on a passage from the Scriptures, that involves repetitive readings and periods of reflection; can serve as either private or communal prayer. (See also meditation.)
lectionary. The official. liturgical book from which the readings selected for the Liturgy of the Word during Mass are proclaimed. The person who proclaims the word is called a lector.
Lent. The liturgical season of forty days that begins with Ash Wednesday and ends with the celebration of the paschal mystery in the Easter Triduum; the season during which believers focus on penance for sin.
liturgical year. The annual cycle of religious feasts and seasons that forms the context for the church's worship. (See also the section on Catholic beliefs and practices for a list of seasons and a diagram of the church year. Definitions of each season appear in this glossary of terms.)
liturgy. Based on a word meaning "public work:' the official public worship of the church, the heart and high point of which is the Eucharist.
Lord. The Old Testament name for God that in speaking or reading aloud was automatically substituted for the name Yahweh, which was considered too sacred to be spoken; in the New Testament, used for both God the Father and, on occasion, for Jesus, to reflect awareness of Jesus' identity as the Son of God.
Lord's Prayer. Another name for the Our Father. (See also the section on Catholic prayers and devotions.)
magisterium. The name given the official teaching authority of the church, whose task is to interpret and preserve the truths of the church revealed in both Scripture and Tradition.
marriage, Matrimony. Marriage is a contract between a man and a woman in which they commit to care for each other and to procreate and raise children; when the marriage takes place between baptized persons who enter into a covenant modeled on that between Christ and the church, it is recognized as the sacrament of Matrimony. The two terms are often interchanged.
Mary. The mother of Jesus, sometimes called the Blessed Virgin Mary. Because Jesus is the Son of God and the second person of the Trinity, Mary is also given the title Mother of God.
Mass. Another name for the Eucharist. Based on the Latin word missa, meaning "to be sent:' refers to the closing prayer of the Eucharist in which worshipers are told to "go in peace to love and serve the Lord:' (See also Eucharist.)
meditation. A form of prayer involving a variety of methods and techniques, in which one engages the mind, imagination, and emotions in order to focus on a particular truth, biblical theme, or other spiritual matter.
ministry. Based on a word for service, in a general. sense any service offered to help the church fulfill its mission; more narrowly, particular expressions of such service (e.g., the ministry of catechesis and liturgical ministries).
miracle. A special manifestation, or sign., of the presence and power of God active in human history.
morality. Dealing with the goodness or evil of human acts, attitudes, and values; involves matters such as right judgment decision making skills, personal freedom and responsibility, and so on.
mortal sin. A rejection of the Gospel or of the will of God that is so total and permanent that it results in a complete separation from God and, as a consequence of that separation, eternal punishment.
mysticism. An intense experience of the presence and power of God resulting in a deeper sense of union with God; those who regularly experience such union are called mystics.
New Testament. The twenty-seven books of the Bible written during the early years of the church in response to the life, mission, death, and Resurrection of Jesus; also, another name for the New Covenant established between God and humanity by Jesus.
Nicene Creed. The formal statement or profession of faith commonly recited during the Eucharist. (See also creed.)
obedience. Based on a word meaning to hear or listen, the willingness and commitment to submit to the will of God, as well as to church teachings and practices that reflect the will of God. (See also vow(s).)
Old Testament. The forty-six books of the Bible that record the history of salvation from creation, through the story of ancient Israel, and up to the time of Jesus; also refers to the Old Covenant established between God and the people of Israel in God's encounter with Moses on Sinai.
ordination. See Holy Orders.
original sin. The sin by which the first humans disobeyed God, resulting in separation from God; also the state of human nature which affects every person now born into the world. (See also Fall, the.)
papacy. The name given the office and authority of the Bishop of Rome, the pope. As the successor of Saint Peter, the pope serves as both a symbol and agent of the unity of all believers. (See also pope.)
parable. A story intended to convey a religious truth or particular teaching through the use of metaphors; a central feature of Jesus' teaching ministry.
Paraclete. A name for the Holy Spirit, based on a word for helper or advocate. (See also Holy Spirit, Trinity.)
parish. A specific community of believers, commonly but not always defined geographically, whose pastoral and spiritual care is guided by a priest or other leader appointed by a bishop.
paschal mystery. The term given the entire process of God's plan of salvation by which God redeemed humanity from sin in and through Jesus' life, death, Resurrection, and Ascension into glory. Christians enter into the paschal mystery through sacramental initiation and participate in it by faithfully living out the process of dying and rising that characterizes all of life.
Passion, the. The suffering and death of Jesus.
pastoral. Refers to the daily life of the church, especially as that takes place at parish and diocesan levels. Based on a word for shepherd or shepherding, the person who tends to the pastoral care of a community is commonly called the pastor.
penance. In general, an attitude of the heart in which one experiences regret for past sin and commits to a change in behavior or attitudes; particular acts of penance may include the practice of spiritual disciplines such as prayer or fasting, or participation in the sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation.
Penance, sacrament of. One of the seven sacraments of the church, the liturgical celebration of God's forgiveness of sin, through which the sinner is reconciled with both God and the church. (See also Reconciliation.)
Pentecost. The biblical event following the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus at which the Holy Spirit was poured out upon his disciples; the first Pentecost is often identified as the birth of the church. In the Christian liturgical year, the feast fifty days after Easter on which the biblical event of Pentecost is recalled and celebrated.
pope. Based on a word for "father," the successor of Saint Peter and Bishop of Rome who holds the office of the papacy. Often called the Holy Father.
poverty. As a social reality, indeed, a social sin, a condition of material need experienced by the poor. The church, in imitation of Jesus, expresses its central concern for the poor through its commitment to justice. As an attitude and value, a spirit of detachment from material things and a commitment to share all that one has with those who have not. (See also vow(s), justice, virtue of.)
prayer. The lifting of mind and heart to God in praise, petition, thanksgiving, and intercession; communication with God in a relationship of love.
priest, priesthood. The second of three degrees or "orders" in the sacrament of Holy Orders, along with bishop and deacon. The priest is called to serve the community of faith and its members by representing and assisting the bishop in teaching, governing, and presiding over the community's worship. Priests generally minister within a parish, school, or other setting within a diocese.
prudence. The virtue by which a person is inclined toward choosing the moral good and avoiding evil; sometimes called the rudder virtue, because it helps steer the person through complex moral situations; related to conscience and one of the four cardinal virtues.
purgatory. A state of final purification or cleansing which one may need to enter following death and before entry into heaven.
Reconciliation. See Penance, sacrament of.
redemption, redeemer. The process by which we are "bought back" (the meaning of redeem) from slavery to sin into a right relationship with God. We are redeemed by the grace of God and through the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As the agent of redemption, Jesus is called the Redeemer.
Reign of God. See Kingdom of God.
religion. For Catholic Christians, the beliefs and practices followed by those committed to the Gospel of Jesus and full participation in the life of the church. (See also faith.)
religious life, congregation, order. A permanent state of life and organized group of Christians, recognized by the church, who have taken vows to live in community and to observe the disciplines of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Religious men are often called brothers, religious women, sisters.
Resurrection, the. The passage of Jesus from death to life "on the third day" after his crucifixion; the heart of the paschal mystery, and the basis of our hope in the resurrection of the dead.
revelation. God's self-communication and disclosure of the divine plan to humankind through creation, events, persons, and, most fully, in Jesus Christ.
rosary. A popular devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. (See also the section on Catholic prayers and devotions.)
Sabbath. In the Old Testament, the "seventh day" on which God rested after the work of creation was completed; in Jewish Law, the weekly day of rest to remember God's work through private prayer, communal worship, and spiritual disciplines such as fasting; for Catholics, Sunday, the day on which Jesus was raised, which we are to observe with participation in the Eucharist in fulfillment of the commandment to "keep holy the Sabbath."
sacrament. In Catholic life and worship, the seven efficacious signs of God's grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. (See also the section on Catholic belief and practice for the list of the sacraments; see also the section on Catholic terms and definitions for a definition of each.)
sacramentals. Sacred signs (such as holy water and a crucifix) that bear some resemblance to the sacraments, but which do not carry the guarantee of God's grace associated with the seven sacraments.
saint. Someone who has been transformed by the grace of Christ and who resides in full union with God in heaven. (See also communion of saints; canonization.)
Scripture(s). Generally, the term for any sacred writing. For Christians, the Old and New Testaments that comprise the Bible and are recognized as the word of God.
sin. Any deliberate offense, in thought, word, or deed, against the will of God.
sisters. See religious life.
social justice. The church's commitment and mandate to its members, to engage in conscious efforts to fight against if not overcome, social sin. (See also justice, social sin.)
social sin. The collective effect of sin over time, which corrupts society and its institutions by creating "structures of sin." Examples of social sin are racism, sexism, and institutionalized poverty.
Son of God. Title frequently applied to Jesus Christ, which recognizes him as the second person of the Blessed Trinity.
soul. The spiritual life principle of human beings that survives after death.
spirituality. In general, the values, actions, attitudes, and behaviors that characterize a person's relationship with God and others. For Christians, a life guided by the Holy Spirit, lived out within the community of believers, and characterized by faith, hope, love, and service.
tabernacle. The receptacle in a church in which the consecrated bread and wine of the Eucharist is reserved for Communion for the sick and dying; sometimes the focus of private and communal prayer and adoration.
temperance. The cardinal virtue by which one moderates her or his appetites and passions in order to achieve balance in the use of created goods.
theology. Literally, the study of God; the academic discipline and effort to understand, interpret and order our experience of God and Christian faith; classically defined as "faith seeking under standing."
Tradition. Based on a word meaning "to hand on," the central content of Catholic faith contained in both the Scriptures and in church doctrines and dogmas, as well as the process by which that content is faithfully passed on from generation to generation, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Triduum. The three days of the liturgical year from Holy Thursday through the Easter Vigil.
Trinity. Often referred to as the Blessed Trinity, the central Christian mystery and dogma that there is one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (See a/so God, Jesus Christ Holy Spirit Incarnation.)
venial sin. A less serious offense against the will of God that diminishes one's personal character and weakens but does not rupture one's relationship with God. (See a/so mortal sin.)
virginal conception, birth. The dogma that Jesus was conceived in the womb of Mary and born by the power of the Holy Spirit and without the cooperation of a human father. (Note: Not to be confused with the Immaculate Conception of Mary.)
virtue. A good habit one that creates within us a kind of inner readiness or attraction to move toward or accomplish moral good. The theological virtues are faith, hope, and charity.
vow(s). A free and conscious commitment made to other persons (as in marriage), to the church, or to God. Religious vows, that is, those taken by members of religious congregations or orders, commonly include poverty, chastity, and obedience.
way of the cross. A religious devotion or exercise modeled on Jesus' Passion-his trial, walk toward his death on the cross, and burial in the tomb. Sometimes called the stations of the cross, the devotion involves meditation on each step in Jesus' journey. (See a/so the section on Catholic beliefs and practices for a list of the traditional stations of the cross.)
worship. Adoration of God, usually expressed publicly in the church's official liturgy as well as through other prayers and devotions.
Yahweh. The Old Testament name for God, frequently translated as "I am who I am."
