Baptism
The fallen state of human nature inherited from Adam and Eve, which weakens our relationship with God and inclines us toward sin.
Original Sin
The essential words spoken during a sacrament that make the sacrament valid (e.g., “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit…”).
Sacramental Form
An ordained minister who acts in the person of Christ, offering the Eucharistic sacrifice and administering the sacraments.
Ministerial Priest
Sorrow for sin based on fear of punishment or recognition of sin’s consequences.
Imperfect Contrition (Attrition)
The promise or state of remaining unmarried for the sake of the Kingdom of God, practiced by many Catholic clergy and religious.
Celibacy
The grace of Baptism given to those who, though not sacramentally baptized, sincerely desire it or seek God with a sincere heart.
Baptism of Desire
The age, typically around seven, when a child becomes capable of moral reasoning and personal responsibility.
Age of Reason
The central prayer of the Mass during which the bread and wine are consecrated and become the Body and Blood of Christ.
Eucharistic Prayer
The absolute confidentiality required of a priest regarding sins confessed in Reconciliation.
Sacramental Seal
A school where men preparing for the priesthood receive spiritual, pastoral, and academic formation.
Seminary
A prayer or rite of the Church that commands demons, in the name and authority of Christ, to depart from a person, object, or place.
Exorcism
A person who is preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Confirmand
A sacred, secure place in the church where the consecrated Eucharist is reserved for prayer and for the sick.
Tabernacle
A person who confesses their sins and seeks forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Penitent
A permanent spiritual mark imprinted on the soul by certain sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders) that can never be removed.
Indelible Character
The grace of Baptism received by those who die as martyrs for Christ before being sacramentally baptized.
Baptism of Blood
A title for the Holy Spirit, who guides, strengthens, and intercedes for believers.
Advocate
The physical elements or actions used in a sacrament (e.g., Bread and Wine) through which God conveys grace.
Sacramental Matter
A prayerful reflection on one’s actions in light of God’s commandments and the teachings of the Church.
Examination of Conscience
The prayerful process of seeking God’s will in one’s life, especially regarding major decisions or religious vocation.
Discernment
The state of perfect harmony with God, self, others, and creation enjoyed by Adam and Eve before the Fall.
Original Holiness and Justice
The Eastern Catholic term for Confirmation, in which the baptized are anointed with holy chrism to receive the gifts of the Spirit.
Chrismation
The change by which the whole substance of bread and wine becomes the Body and Blood of Christ, while the appearances remain.
Transubstantiation
A severe ecclesial penalty that excludes a person from receiving the sacraments until repentance and reconciliation occur.
Excommunication
The primary ministers of the Sacrament of Marriage.
Bride and Groom