Unit 3 Vocab Flashcards
catechesis, catechists
Catechesis is the process by which Christians of all ages are taught the essentials of Christian doctrine and are formed as disciples of Christ. Catechists are the ministers of catechesis.
Baptism, Sacrament of
The first of the Seven Sacraments and one of the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation (the others being Confirmation and the Eucharist) by which one becomes a member of the Church and a new creature in Christ
catechumen
An unbaptized person who is preparing for full initiation into the Catholic Church by engaging in formal study, reflection, and prayer.
Christian Initiation, Sacraments of
The three Sacraments—Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist—through which we enter into full membership in the Church.
common priesthood of the faithful
The name for the priesthood shared by all who are baptized. The
baptized share in the one priesthood of Jesus Christ by participating in his mission as priest, prophet, and king.
Easter
The day on which Christians celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead; considered the most holy of all days and the climax of the Church’s liturgical year.
elect
The name given to catechumens after the Rite of Election while they are in the final period of preparation for the Sacraments of Christian Initiation.
evangelization
The proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ through word and witness.
mystagogy
A period of catechesis following the reception of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation that aims to more fully initiate people into the mystery of Christ.
normative
Refers to the standard according to which a thing is done; this standard is not necessarily affected by the number of times a thing is done. Adult Baptism through the RCIA is normative in the Catholic Church, even though infant Baptism is more common.
Original Sin
From the Latin origo, meaning “beginning” or “birth.” The term has two meanings: (1) the sin of the first human beings, who disobeyed God’s command by choosing to follow their own will and thus lost their original holiness and became subject to death, (2) the fallen state of human nature that affects every person born into the world.
Paschal candle
Also called the Easter candle, this is the large, tall candle lit at the Easter Vigil by a flame from the new fire; the symbol of the Risen Christ. It is lit in the sanctuary for Masses during the Easter season, and during the year is kept near the baptismal font. It is lit at Baptisms and at funeral services throughout the year as a sign of the presence of the Risen Christ among us.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
The process by which an unbaptized person, called a “catechumen,” and those who were baptized in another Christian denomination, called “candidates for full communion,” are prepared to become full members of the Church.
Rite of Election
The Rite, which takes place on the first Sunday of Lent, by which the Church elects or accepts the catechumens for the Sacraments of Christian Initiation at the Easter Vigil. The Rite of Election begins a period of purification and enlightenment.
Sacred Chrism
Perfumed olive oil consecrated by the bishop that is used for anointing in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.
