Program terms and definitions, with audio.
to use oil to mark someone as chosen for a special purpose. In biblical times, the priests, the kings, and sometimes the prophets were anointed as a sign of God's favor.
teachings of Jesus that show the way to true happiness and tell the way to live in God's Kingdom now and always
the theological virtue of love. It directs us to love God above all things and our neighbor as ourselves, for the love of God
a moral virtue and Fruit of the Holy Spirit that helps us express our sexuality in the right ways for our call in life. In religious life or Holy Orders, chastity includes being celibate.
when referring to holy persons, the Communion of Saints includes the pilgrim Church on Earth, those being purified in Purgatory, and the blessed already in Heaven
the God-given ability that helps us judge whether actions are right or wrong. It is important for us to know God's laws so our conscience can help us make good decisions.
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.
actions that show care for the physical needs of people
a sacred promise or agreement between God and humans
another name for the Ten Commandments; the summary of laws that God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai. They tell us what must be done to live by God's covenant.
the process by which God makes himself known. The chief sources of Divine Revelation are Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition.
giving witness to the faith by proclaiming the Good News of Christ through words and deeds in a way that invites people to accept the Gospel
the Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land, accomplished and directed by God
the theological virtue that makes it possible for us to believe in God and the things that he has revealed to us. Faith leads us to obey him. It is both a gift from him and something we choose.
a word that means "Good News." The Gospel message is the Good News of God's Kingdom and his saving love.
God’s free, loving gift of his own life and help to do what he calls us to do. It is participation in the life of the Holy Trinity.
the worth each person has because he or she is made in the image of God
the mystery that the Son of God took on a human nature in order to save all people
a form of prayer that involves praying to God on behalf of another; also called intercessory prayer
God's rule of peace, justice, and love that exists in Heaven, but has not yet come in its fullness on Earth
the essential characteristics that distinguish Christ's Church and her mission: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic
the promised one who would lead God's people. The word Messiah means "God's anointed," or "God's chosen one." Jesus is the Messiah.
a job or purpose. The Church's mission is to announce the Good News of God's Kingdom.
a moral virtue and one of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit that helps us to dress, talk, and move in appropriate ways
a title for Jesus. By his obedience to the Father, and willingness to give his life, Jesus made amends for Adam's disobedience, overcame sin, and brought us eternal life.
Jesus' command for his disciples to love one another as he has loved us
the first part of the Bible, about God's relationship with the Hebrew people before Jesus was born. It includes the laws, history, and stories of God's People.
the state of goodness that humanity enjoyed before our first parents, Adam and Eve, chose to sin against God
the sin of the first humans and its effect on all humans. Sin and death are part of the human condition because of the first humans' choice.
some of the minimum requirements given by Church leaders for deepening our relationship with God and the Church
a messenger from God who speaks the truth and calls the people to follow the laws of God's covenant and act with justice
a sixteenth-century religious separation from the Catholic Church that began with Martin Luther's preaching against what he felt were errors in the Church
God's loving care for all things; God's will and plan for creation
poems and hymns that were first used in the liturgy of the Israelites. Today, the psalms are also prayed and sung in the public prayer of the Church.
the phrase used to describe the Catholic teaching that Jesus Christ is really and truly present in the Eucharist—Body, Blood, soul, and Divinity
a title for Jesus, because by his Death on the Cross, he “bought back” the human race from the slavery of sin
Holy Orders and Matrimony. These Sacraments celebrate people's commitment to serve God and community and help build up the People of God.
the Word of God written by humans acting under the Holy Spirit's inspiration and guidance; another name for the Bible
God's Word to the Church, safeguarded by the Apostles and their successors, the bishops, and handed down verbally – in her Creeds, Sacraments, and other teachings – to future generations
the loving action of God's forgiveness of sins and the restoration of friendship with him brought by Jesus
a title for Jesus, who came into the world to save all people who were lost through sin and to lead them back to God the Father
effective signs of God’s life, instituted by Christ and given to the Church. In the celebration of each Sacrament, there are visible signs and Divine actions that give grace and allow us to share in God’s work.
an offense against God as well as against reason, truth, and conscience
is the cardinal virtue that helps us use moderation, be disciplined, and have self-control
an attraction to sin, those actions and omissions that go against right reason and against God's law
a sin that weakens a person's relationship with God but does not destroy it
good spiritual habits that strengthen you and enable you to do what is right and good. They develop over time with our practice and openness to God’s grace.
the purpose for which God made us and a particular way to answer his call, whether as a lay person (married or single), a member of a religious community, or a member of the ordained ministry
a gift from God that helps us see God's purpose and plan for our lives. Wisdom leads us to see things as God sees so that we might live holy lives.