Lexicon

A

Apse : Rounded part of the choir of a church, often located behind the altar.
Catechumenal accompaniment : Journey to the sacraments for unbaptized adults.
Adoration : Silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
Paschal Lamb : Symbol of the risen Christ, used at Easter.
Ambo : Lectern from which the readings are proclaimed.
Liturgical year : Cycle of liturgical seasons (Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, etc.).
Anaphora : Central part of the Mass including the consecration.
Albe : White garment worn by ministers.

B

Baptism : First sacrament of Christian initiation.
Basilica : Church honored with a papal title.
Benediction : Prayer of intercession and grace. Holy water
stoup : Bowl of holy water at the entrance to churches.
Breviary : Book of daily prayer for the clergy (liturgy of the hours).
Bull : Official document of the Pope.

C

Chalice : Liturgical cup for consecrated wine.
Canon of the Mass : Fixed part of the Eucharistic Prayer.
Canonization : Official recognition of a saint.
Catechesis : Teaching of the faith.
Catechumenate : Time of preparation for baptism.
Celebrant : Priest presiding over a celebration.
Last Supper : Last meal of Jesus, institution of the Eucharist.
Chasuble : Priest's vestment during Mass.
Choir : Space around the altar.
Ciborium : Vessel containing the consecrated hosts.
Council : Assembly of bishops to define the faith.
Confession : Sacrament of reconciliation.
Confirmation : Sacrament of the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Parish Priest : Priest in charge of a parish.

D

Dedication : Consecration of a church to God.
Deacon : Minister ordained for service.
Diocese : Collection of parishes under a bishop.
Doxology : Praise to the Trinity.
Deanery : Grouping of local parishes.

E

Church : Building of worship or believing community.
Incense : Resin burned during solemn liturgies.
Epistle : Second reading at Mass.
Gospel : Good news of Jesus Christ.
Eucharist : Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ.
Excommunication : Temporary exclusion of a member of the faithful.

F

Baptismal font : Basin for baptism.
Christian funeral : Celebration of hope in the resurrection.
Feria : Day without a liturgical feast.
Fioretti : Collection of pious anecdotes (especially Franciscan).

G

Gospel : Christian spiritual song.
Grau-du-Roi (Le) : Seaside resort with the Saint-Pierre church.
Gloria : Liturgical song of praise.
Gradual : Song between readings.

H

Host : Bread consecrated at Mass.
Homily : Explanation of the readings by the priest.

I

Laying on of hands : Liturgical gesture transmitting the Holy Spirit.
Inculturation : Integration of faith into a local culture.
Indulgence : Grace linked to the remission of the temporal punishments of sin.

I

Fasting : Voluntary deprivation for spiritual purposes.
Jubilee : Year of special grace declared by the Pope.

L

Lay : Non-ordained faithful.
Reader : Person proclaiming the readings.
Liturgy : Set of Christian rites.
Litany : Repetitive prayer of intercession.

M

Mandate : Written instruction from a bishop.
Spiritual journey : Pilgrimage or retreat.
Marriage : Sacrament of union between a man and a woman.
Missal : Book containing the texts of the Mass.
Paschal mystery : Death and resurrection of Christ.

N

Nave : Central part of the church.
New Testament : Second part of the Christian Bible.
Notre-Dame : Marian title given to several churches.

O

Anointing : Sacramental gesture with oil.
Ordination : Sacrament conferring ministry (deacon, priest, bishop).
Oratory : Private or semi-public place of prayer.
Monstrance : Liturgical object for displaying the consecrated host.

P

Parish : Local community of the faithful.
Forgiveness : Sacrament of forgiveness of sins.
Pastoral care : All the actions of the Church to proclaim the faith.
Pilgrimage : Spiritual journey to a holy place.
Presbytery : House of the priest.
Procession : Liturgical prayerful movement.
Universal prayer : Prayer intentions shared at Mass.

Q

Quest : Collection of offerings during Mass.
Quaresima : Italian name for Lent, used locally in sacred art.

R

Relics : Remains of a saint, venerated in the church.
Reconciliation : Another name for the sacrament of confession.
Rite : Set of gestures and words specific to a celebration.
Rosary : Marian meditative prayer.

S

Sacristy : Room for liturgical preparation.
Sacrifice : Offering made to God, culminating in the Eucharist.
Sacraments : Visible signs of grace (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, etc.).
Sanctuary : Sacred place of prayer.
Holy Week : A key time preparing for Easter.
Simony : Sale of sacred acts (condemned by the Church).
Synod : Consultative ecclesial assembly.

T

Tabernacle : Piece of furniture containing the Blessed Sacrament.
Liturgical times : Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Ordinary Time.
Te Deum : Hymn of praise sung on major feast days.

V

Vatican : Seat of the Catholic Church.
Vicar : Priest assistant to the parish priest.
Easter Vigil : Great nocturnal celebration of Easter.
Viaticum : Eucharist given to a dying person.