Scholasticism
a general term for ability, capability, power, or potential
Potency
a ritual, especially image written form
Rite
literally, sacrament and thing, or symbol and reality; that which is received when someone is said to receive a sacrament
Sacramentum et Res
originally, the granting of clemency to a penitent by canceling the obligation to perform additional works of penance; later, the granting of clemency to a soul in purgatory by canceling a certain amount of punishment due for committing sins
Indulgence
ecclesiastical or church law, which consists of rules and regulations; from the Greek word meaning a ruler or measure
Canon Law
the experienceable aspect of a physical thing, or its physical appearance; in canon law, something material used in a sacramental ritual
Matter
originally, something that is experienced and not fully understood; later, something that is believed and not fully understood
Mystery
in the ancient world, a stand or sign impressed on an object to show ownership; could also refer to the brand on an animal or a military tattoo on a soldier; analogously, a spiritual mark or sign on a soul
Seal
name given to the good results, both spiritual and material, of having received a sacrament
Fruits
someone who renounces his or her faith; from the Greek words meaning to stand apart
Apostate
a partial explanation for something that exists or occurs
Cause
a form of worship in which the words and actions are, for the most part, standard and prescribed by tradition or authority
Liturgy
in scholastic theology, the sacramental reality received in ordination, conveying the ability to confect the Eucharist, absolve from sins, and exercise other priestly powers
Priestly Character
literally, a thing only, or only a reality; a spiritual reality that is received through participating in a sacramental ritual; a technical term for Grace
Res Tantum
member of a religion who rejects important doctrines and/or believes unacceptable doctrines; from the Greek word meaning to choose
Heretic
the intelligible aspect of a something, or what it essentially is; in canon law, the words used in a sacramental ritual that convey the meaning of what is happening
Form
said of a sacramental ritual that is lacking an essential element and so is incapable of producing the intended spiritual affect
a permanent obligation between married people, regarded in scholastic theology and Canaan law as a metaphysical connection that can be severed only by the death of one of the spouses
Marriage Bond
literally, a gift; theologically, and a gift from God; scholastics in the middle ages and afterward distinguish between different kinds of these, which were regarded as different kinds of supernatural gifts bestowed by God through the sacraments
Grace
pertaining to the church as an institution or organization
Ecclesiastical
a real thing or an individual reality that cannot be divided and is more than the sum of its parts; can be material or spiritual
Substance
literally, only a sacrament; a sacramental ritual or religious ceremony
Sacramentum Tantum
literally a mark or stamp; analogously a change in the soul caused by the right of baptism, confirmation, or ordination; explained in scholastic theology as a set of spiritual powers received through participation in a sacramental rite
Character
an ability or talent, regarded as a gift from the Holy Spirit
Charism
someone who breaks ties with a religious authority without renouncing his or her faith or falling into heresy; from the Greek word meaning to cut or sever
Schismatic