Apostle(s) The word “apostle” comes from the Greek word
apostollein, which means “to send” or “to be sent.”
originally, the term referred to the Twelve whom Jesus
chose to help him in his earthly ministry. The successors of
the Twelve Apostles are the bishops.
Catacomb An underground cemetery consisting of a
subterranean gallery with recesses for tombs, as
constructed by the ancient Romans.
Church The word church means a convocation or
assembly. The English word for Church translates to the
Latin ecclesia and from the Greek ek-ka-lein, meaning to
“call out of.” People are literally called from their isolation
to togetherness.
Covenant The open-ended contract of love between God
and human beings. Jesus’ Death and Resurrection sealed
God’s New Covenant of love for all time.
Deacon The word “deacon” comes from the Greek
“diakonia” which means service. The Apostles appointed
seen men of good reputation to look after the distribution of
goods and these ministers were called deacons. The first
martyr, Stephen, is probably the best known of the seven.
Disciple Follower of Christ. A disciple is someone who
learns from and follows Jesus and who accepts a share of
his ministry in the world.
Ecclesiology The study of the nature and structure of
Christ’s Church.
Great Commissioning The instruction given to the
Apostles by Jesus in Matthew 28:16–20 to spread the
Gospel to the world and to baptize all nations in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Hellenistic Jews Those who were scattered among the
Gentiles, who spoke the Greek language, and who used the
Greek translation of the Old Testament, called the
Septuagint.
Kerygma The essential teaching about Christ, that is, that
God loves the world and became incarnate in Jesus; Jesus
suffered for the sins of humankind, rose from the dead, and
is alive; Jesus is Savior and Redeemer.
Kingdom of God The reign or rule of God. The Kingdom
of God has begun with the coming of Jesus Christ. It will
exist in its perfect form at the end of time.
Magisterium The official teaching authority of the
Church. Jesus bestowed the right and power to teach in his
name on Peter and the Apostles and their successors. The
Magisterium is the bishops in communion with the
successor of Peter, the bishop of Rome (pope).
Marks of the Church The four essential marks or
qualities of the Church: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.
Martyr Someone who has been killed because of his or her
faith. To be martyred is to be killed for one’s faith.
New Covenant The climax of Salvation History, the
coming of Jesus Christ, the fullness of God’s Revelation.
Original Sin The sin of disobedience committed by Adam
and Eve that resulted in their loss of original holiness and
justice and their becoming subject to sin and death. Original
Sin also describes the fallen state of human nature into
which all generations of people are born. Jesus Christ came
to save all people from Original Sin (and all sin).
Paschal Mystery Christ’s work of redemption,
accomplished principally by his Passion, Death,
Resurrection, and glorious Ascension. This mystery is
commemorated and made present through the sacraments,
especially the Eucharist.
Pentecost The day when the Holy Spirit descended on the
Apostles and gave them the power to preach with conviction
the message that Jesus is risen and is Lord of the universe.
Pharisee A person who belonged to a religious party or
sect in Jesus’ day. Pharisee means “separated.” The
Pharisees thought of themselves as separated from others in
Judaism because they strictly observed the Law to
distinguish themselves from lukewarm religious practice
and Gentile influence.
Protoevangelium A Latin term meaning “first gospel”
and is the initial sign of the very good news that God did not
abandon humanity’s first parents or their descendants after
they committed sin. Eve’s offspring (Jesus) would someday
destroy the snake (sin and death). Genesis 3:15: I will put
enmity between you and the woman, and between your
offspring and hers; They will strike at your head, while
you strike at their heel.
Real Presence The unique and true presence of Christ
in the Eucharist under the species or appearance of
bread and wine.