Catholic Glossary

The act of a priest forgiving sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The four-week liturgical season of preparation before Christmas.

The unbroken line of bishops from the Apostles to the present.

The second step toward canonization, allowing public veneration.

A person preparing to receive Baptism through the RCIA process.

A spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit for the good of the Church.

The meeting of cardinals to elect a new pope.

Sorrow for sins committed, with the intention to avoid future sin.

A truth revealed by God and definitively taught by the Church.

A formal letter from the Pope addressed to the universal Church.

The sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood under the forms of bread and wine.

When the Pope speaks with full papal authority on faith or morals.

The free and unmerited gift of God's life and assistance.

The doctrine that Mary was conceived without original sin.

The mystery of the Son of God becoming man in Jesus Christ.

Remission of temporal punishment due to sin already forgiven.

The teaching authority of the Church, exercised by the Pope and bishops.

A sacred vessel used to display the Blessed Sacrament for adoration.

A nine-day period of prayer for a special intention.

The fallen state inherited from Adam and Eve's first sin.

The state of purification after death before entering Heaven.

Christ's true presence in the Eucharist—body, blood, soul, and divinity.

An outward sign instituted by Christ that gives grace.

The change of bread and wine into Christ's Body and Blood at Mass.

The one God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

A lesser sin that weakens but does not destroy our relationship with God.