Worship
Mass
The central act of Catholic worship, where Scripture is proclaimed and the Eucharist is celebrated.
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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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.
Worship
Nave
The main area of a church where the congregation gathers.
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
Magisterium
The teaching office of the Church serving the Word of God.
Beliefs
Indulgence
A grace through the Church concerning the remission of temporal punishment due to sin.