Program terms and definitions, with audio.
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canonization
a declaration by the Pope naming a person a Saint. Canonized Saints have special feast days or memorials in the Church's calendar.
Cardinal Virtues
the four principal moral virtues— prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude—that help us live as children of God and from which the other moral virtues flow. We strengthen these good habits through God’s grace and our own efforts.
catechumen
a "learner," or person preparing to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation
Communion of Saints everyone who believes in and follows Jesus: people on Earth, and people who have died and are in Purgatory or Heaven
confession another name for the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation; an essential element of the Sacrament when you tell your sins to the priest
Confirmation the Sacrament that seals us with a special outpouring of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, deepens the grace of Baptism, and strengthens us to give witness to Christ in the world
consecrated religious life a state of life lived 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
contrition being sorry for your sins and wanting to live better
conversion
the continual process of becoming the people God intends us to be through change and growth. It is a response to God’s love and forgiveness.
Corporal Works of Mercy
actions that show care for the physical needs of people
covenant
a sacred promise or agreement between God and humans
Creed
a formal statement of what we believe about the Holy Trinity and the Church. The word creed comes from the Latin for "I believe."