Vocab Chapter 1

Front

The word "apostle" comes from the Greek apostolos, a form of apostellein, meaning "to send away." An apostle is literally "one who is sent." Refers to the twelve men chosen by Jesus during the course of his public ministry to be his closest followers, as well as Sts. Matthias, Paul of Tarsus, and Barnabus, who were chosen after Jesus' Resurrection.

Back

Apostle

Front

A bishop is a successor of the Apostles who has received the fullness of Christ's priesthood.

Back

Bishop

Front

An authorized gathering of bishops, guided in a unique way by the Holy Spirit, to discuss ecclesiastical matters with the aim of passing decrees on the themes under discussion.

Back

Council

Front

The supreme witness given fto the truth of the Faith by bearing witness even unto death.

Back

Martyrdom

Front

Those "born" into the Church through faith in Christ and Baptism. The term "People of God" is taken from the Old Testament in which God chose Israel to be his chosen people. Christ instituted the new and eternal covenant by which a new priestly, prophetic, and royal People of God, the Church, participates in the mission and service of Christ.

Back

People of God

Front

Pentacost celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Mary and the Apostles fifty days after the Resurrection.

Back

Pentacost

Front

Deposit of Faith, that is the heritage of Faith contained in Sacred Scripture and Tradition, handed on in the Church from the time of Apostles.

Back

Deposit of Faith

Front

The history of the Church is the record of the life of Jesus, the actions of men, and the guiding light of the Holy Spirit acting in the Church. This history began with the initial evangelization of the Apostles, and the narrative about Christ's kingdom on earth is forged as the Church interacts and responds to every culture and historical situation.

Back

Church History

Front

In the scriptures, the Church is described as the Body of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. The English word "Church" etymologically comes from a Greek word meaning "thing belonging to the Lord," which was applied originally to the Church building.

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Church