Catholicism 101
This refers to the five core points announcing God’s saving love revealed in Jesus.
Kerygma
A prayer that acknowledges God as God and praises His greatness.
Adoration
This term means “Good News.”
Gospel
The event where the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles.
Pentecost
The teaching authority of the Church
The Magisterium
This doctrine teaches that humanity inherits a wounded nature because of the first sin.
Original Sin
Praying on behalf of others.
Intercession
Title for Mary meaning “God-Bearer” or “Mother of God.”
Theotokos
Title for the Holy Spirit meaning “Advocate” or “Helper.”
Paraclete
The four marks of the Church.
One
Holy
Catholic
Apostolic
The principle that something cannot be both true and false at the same time.
Non-Contradiction
Quiet, reflective prayer that engages thought, imagination, and Scripture.
Meditation
The event when the angel Gabriel announced Christ’s conception to Mary.
Annunciation
One of the 7 gifts helping us judge correctly and live wisely.
Wisdom
This term means the assembly of all baptized believers, united as Christ’s Mystical Body.
Body of Christ
God’s act of saving humanity from sin through Jesus Christ.
Redemption
A deep form of prayer in which one simply rests in God’s presence.
Contemplation
This heresy claimed Jesus was not truly God but God’s greatest creature.
Arianism
Something revealed by God that cannot be fully understood.
Mystery
The unbroken line of bishops going back to the Apostles.
Apostolic Succession
This mystery explains how Christ saves us through His Passion, death, Resurrection, and Ascension.
Paschal Mystery
The journey of growing in relationship with God and living according to His will.
Mysticism
This heresy denied the unity of Christ’s two natures, claiming Mary was not the Mother of God.
Nestorianism
What Sacrament strengthens us and seals us in the Holy Spirit?
Confirmation
The doctrine that the Pope, when speaking ex cathedra on faith or morals, cannot err.
Infallibility