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Glossary

Catholic Terms Glossary

Simple definitions of Catholic terms such as Mass, Eucharist, sacraments, confession, OCIA, saints, liturgy, Catechism, and more.

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Worship

Mass

The central act of Catholic worship, where Scripture is proclaimed and the Eucharist is celebrated.

Sacraments

Eucharist

The sacrament Catholics believe is truly the Body and Blood of Christ.

Sacraments

Communion

Receiving the Eucharist and sharing in union with Christ and His Church.

Sacraments

Sacrament

A visible sign of grace through which Catholics believe Christ acts in the Church.

Beliefs

Grace

God's free gift of divine life and help.

Sacraments

Confession

The sacrament of reconciliation in which sins are confessed and absolution is received.

Sacraments

Absolution

The sacramental forgiveness of sins given by Christ through the priest.

Becoming Catholic

OCIA

The parish journey for adults exploring Catholicism or preparing for initiation and full communion.

Becoming Catholic

Catechumen

An unbaptized person preparing for Christian initiation in the Catholic Church.

Becoming Catholic

Candidate

A baptized person preparing to enter full communion or complete initiation in the Catholic Church.

Church

Parish

A local Catholic community where the faithful worship, receive the sacraments, and live the faith together.

Church

Diocese

A regional Church led by a bishop and made up of many parishes.

Worship

Liturgy

The public worship of the Church.

Worship

Altar

The sacred table at Mass, closely associated with Christ's sacrifice and banquet.

Worship

Tabernacle

The place where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in a Catholic church.

Worship

Ambo

The place in church from which Scripture readings and the Gospel are proclaimed.

Prayer

Rosary

A Catholic devotion that meditates on the mysteries of Christ with Mary.

Prayer

Novena

A devotional prayer usually prayed over nine days for a particular intention.

Saints

Saint

A holy person in heaven who lived in friendship with God and can intercede for the Church.

Prayer

Intercession

Prayer offered for another person or intention.

Beliefs

Catechism

A reliable summary of Catholic teaching.

Beliefs

Tradition

The living handing-on of the apostolic faith in the Church.

Beliefs

Indulgence

A grace through the Church concerning the remission of temporal punishment due to sin.