YOUCAT Definitions

Liturgy - Official divine worship of the church. (From Greek leiturgia = public work,
service,achievement by and for the people): In Christian Tradition, liturgy means that the People
of God participate in the "work of God." The centerpiece of liturgical celebrations is the Holy
Eucharist; the other liturgies, for example, the sacraments, devotions, blessings, processions,
and the Liturgy of the Hours, are all ordered to it.

Blessing - Something good that comes from God. (Latin- benedicere; Greek- Eu-logein= to call
good); to bless is a divine, life giving, and life preserving action. God the Father and Creator of
all being says: It is good that you exist. The fact that you are is something beautiful.

Sacrament - (Latin- sacramentum = military oath of allegiance; the usual translation for the
Greek mysterion= mystery) : Sacraments are holy, visible signs instituted by Christ. In which
Christians can experience the healing, forgiving, nourishing, strengthening presence of God that
enables them to love in turn; this is possible because God's grace works in the sacraments.

Initiation - (Latin initium = beginning) : the term for the introduction and integration of an
outsider into an already existing community or fellowship.

Catechumenate - (Greek kat' echein = to instruct, to teach by word or mouth): The instruction in
the faith and gradual participation in the Liturgy of the Word by adult candidates wishing to join
the Church.

Confirmation - (From Latin confirmation strengthening, consolidation)

One of the three sacraments of initiation of the Catholic Church in which the candidate receives
the Holy Spirit and is strengthened to be a living witness to Christ.

Chrism - (From Greek chrisma oil of anointing)

An ointment made out of olive oil and balsam that is consecrated on Holy Thursday. Chrism is
used in rituals such as Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.

Eucharist - (From Greek eucharistia thanksgiving) The celebration of the Mass;

the transformation of the bread and wine into Christs body and blood during liturgy.

Consecration - (From Latin consecration hallowing, sanctification) A solemn act of making

something holy.

Communion - (From Latin communion fellowship)

Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ in the transformed gifts of bread and wine during the
Holy Mass.

Kyrie Eleison - (From Greek Lord have mercy) A cry of homage to Christ.

Gloria - (From Latin honor) A prayer based on the joyful song of the angels heard by the
shepherds on Christmas night.

Alleluia - (From Hebrew halal)An acclamation used in the Mass that greets the word of the
Lord in the Gospel.

Homily - (From Greek homilein to speak with someone as an equal)

A sermon in which the celebrant declares the Gospel and helps the congregation to understand
and accept the Word of God.

Sanctus - (From Latin holy) A song composed of the cry of the angels in Isaiah 6:3 and
Psalms 118:26 that is applied to the presence of Christ.

Transubstantiation - (From Latin trans through, and substantia essence substance)

The term used to describe how Jesus is present in the bread and wine in the Eucharist.

Agnus Dei - (From Latin Lamb of God)

The sacrifice of Jesus that frees us from our sins and finds peace with God.

Tabernacle - (From Latin tabernaculum hut, tent)The place where the blessed hosts are
stored outside of the mass.

Monstrance - (From Latin monstrare to show) A sacred object used to display Christ in the
form of the consecrated host.

Doxology - (From Greek doxa glory) A solemn conclusion of a prayer.

Absolution - (From Latin absolvere to loosen, acquit). The sacramental forgiveness of sins
after confession.

Excommunication - (From Latin ex- out of, communication participation or communion)

The exclusion of Catholics from participation in the sacraments of the Church.

Deacon - (From Greek diakonos servant)

The first degree in the sacrament of Holy Orders.Deacons are involved in charitable works,
teach and proclaim the Gospel, preach at Mass, and assist during the liturgy.

Celibacy - (From Latin caelebs a single, unmarried person)A commitment of a person to live
in an unmarried state.

Monogamy - (From Greek monos one and gamos - marriage) Marriage to one person.

Polygamy - (From Greek polys many and gamos marriage) Marriage to several persons at
one time.

Dispensation - An exemption from a Church law.

Exorcism - (From Greek exorkismos summoning out) A prayer by which a person is protected
and delivered from the devil.

Relics - (From Latin relictum remains)The remnants of the bodies of saints or objects that
saints used during their lifetime.

Genuflect - To bend one knee and touch it to the floor in a sign of respect.

Lector - A person who reads a biblical text other than the Gospel during the Mass.

Cantor - A person who leads the sung responses during the Mass.

Denomination - A sect or group within a religion that operates under a common name, tradition,
and identity.

Ecumenical - Promoting or relating to unity among the world's Christian churches.

Penance - Making restitution or satisfaction for a wrong that has been committed.

Contrition - The state of feeling remorseful or guilty.

Apostle - One of the twelve followers of Jesus who preached the gospel to the early Christians.

Absolution - The remission or forgiveness of sin by a priest.

Viaticum - The last Holy Communion a person receives before dying.

In persona Christi capitis - In the person of Christ; Christ works through the priest.

Fidelity - Faithfulness, continuous loyalty.

Veneration - Great respect or reverence.

Via Crucis - Way of the Cross

Paschal mystery - The redemptive effect of Jesus death and Resurrection.

Resurrection - Rising from the dead.

Cathedra - The raised chair of the bishop or priest that symbolizes Christ as the one who is
celebrating the Mass.

Ambo - The lectern from which the biblical readings and the Gospel are read during the Liturgy.

Confessional - A room in which a priest hears confessions.

Perpetual Lamp - A candle next to the tabernacle that when lit indicates the consecrated hosts
are contained in the tabernacle.

Baptismal font - A large, bowl-shaped vessel in a church that contains holy water used in
administering the sacrament of Baptism.