Vocab for Units 10 & 11

Pentecost – Originally a Jewish festival of thanksgiving for the harvest, it came 50 days after Passover. It was at the first Pentecost after Jesus’ Resurrection that the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles giving them courage and the ability to speak in different languages.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit – supernatural gifts that enable the recipient to respond to situations in accordance with God’s will.

Fruits of the Holy Spirit – visible effects of the Holy Spirit in the life of one who has received the gifts of the spirit and puts them to use.

Paraclete – a word meaning “advocate” or one who speaks for another or works on behalf of another. Jesus Christ referred to the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete.

Ghost – comes from the medieval English word for Spirit. Though we normally think of a ghost as a frightening or mean spirit, the word was once used commonly in reference to the Holy Spirit (the Holy Ghost.)

Ecclesiology – the study of the nature and mission of the Church.

Marks of the Church – Four Distinguishing Characteristics of the Church: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. (we will go over these in more detail in class).

Charism – a spiritual gift to equip one to fulfill a mission or purpose.

Infallibility – the belief that the Holy Spirit will prevent the Pope from teaching anything in error in regard to faith and morals. This protection is for the office of the papacy, not the private opinions of the person in that office.

Rite – a particular ritual –OR – a particular liturgical family within the Church. There are 5 major divisions with many subdivisions in each one.

Ecumenical Council – a gathering of all of the world’s bishops to discuss some crisis or controversy and, guided by the Holy Spirit, to articulate a response or solution.

Evangelization – Spreading the Gospel to those who have not yet heard it.

Catechesis – teaching the beliefs of the faith to its members.

Apologetics – defending the beliefs of the faith against those who would refute or attack them.