Program terms and definitions, with audio.
C
canonization a declaration by the Pope naming a person a Saint. Canonized Saints have special feast days or memorials in the Church’s calendar.
catholic a Mark of the Church. The Church is catholic because she is universal, meant for all people in all times and in all places.
character a permanent, sacramental, spiritual seal that strengthens us to do God’s work. A seal is given in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, or Holy Orders.
Church the community of all baptized people who believe in the Holy Trinity and follow Jesus
clergy men who are ordained and given sacred authority to serve the Church by teaching, divine worship, and pastoral leadership
common good the good of everyone; the Christian principle that all people, either in groups or as individuals, have the opportunities to reach their fulfillment more fully and easily
Communion of Saints the pilgrim Church on Earth, those being purified in Purgatory, and the blessed already in Heaven
conscience the God-given ability that helps individuals judge whether actions are right or wrong
consecrated religious life a state of life lived by religious sisters, brothers, and priests in community and characterized by the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience
consecration the part of the Eucharistic Prayer in which the priest prays the words of Jesus over the bread and wine, and these elements become the Body and Blood of Christ
conversion a sincere change of mind, heart, and desire to turn away from sin and evil and turn toward God
councils gatherings of bishops during which they speak about the faith of the Church, her teachings, and important issues
covenant a sacred promise or agreement humans or between God and humans
Creed a formal statement of what is believed about the Holy Trinity and the Church. The word creed comes from the Latin for “I believe.” There are two main creeds of the Church: the Nicene Creed and the Apostles’ Creed.