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Glossary of Catholic Terms (LCC)

Liberal Catholic Church

   a

absolution [ab-soh-LOO-shun]
the sacrament of forgiveness in which the bond between a believer and God is repaired through the contrition of the believer and Christ by the liturgical action of a priest
acolyte [ACK-oh-light]
one of the Minor Orders of the church, also any server at Mass
Adeste Fideles [ah-DESS-teh fee-DEH-less]
the Latin name of the song, "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" commonly sung at Mass immediately following the consecration
adoration [a-doh-RAY-shun]
an act of worship, usually involving deep feelings of love
advent [ADD-vehnt]
a season of preparation for Christmas, beginning with the Sunday nearest November 20 (feast of the apostle Andrew).
alb
An ankle-length white gown worn under other vestments at Mass. from the Latin word meaning "white"
alleluia [ah-leh-LOO-yah]
Exclamation of praise. from the Hebrew phrase meaning "praise Yahweh."
altar [awl-TUR]
the table or platform used at Mass. from the Latin word meaning "high" or "raised"
ambry [am-BREE]
a pantry or niche for storing consecrated oils. from the Old English word meaning "place for safekeeping"
amen [ah-MIN]
an interjection that expresses approval. from the Hebrew word meaning "verily"
antimensium
Latinized spelling of antiminsion
antiminsion [an-TEE-min-see-uhm]
a consecrated piece of cloth with the seven jewels of the altar sewn into the cloth, used when the altar has no altar stone. from the Greek phrase that means "instead of a table."
antiphon [AN-tih-fawn]
A short text that is chanted before and after a psalm
apostle [ah-POSS-uhl]
a strong supporter, especially one of the original 12 followers of Jesus. from the Greek word for messenger.
apostolic succession [ah-POSS-tah-lick suk-SEH-shun]
the authority by which all Liberal Catholic priests work as ministers of the sacraments. Priests in the Liberal Catholic Church are direct heirs of the original apostles through an unbroken chain of ordinations from their time to ours.
archbishop
an honorary rank given to those bishops, such as the Presiding Bishop and regionary bishops, whose area of responsibility is larger than usual.
asperger [ah-SPER-jer]
an aspergillum
asperges [ah-SPER-jehs]
At Mass, the ritual cleansing of the altar and church with holy water (from the first word of Psalm 121 in Latin, meaning "Thou shalt sprinkle me")
aspergillum [as-puhr-GILL-uhm]
PL. aspergilla. An instrument used to sprinkler holy water, especially at Mass. The aspergillum can be made of corn straw, or a tube with a perforated metal reservoir at one end. Also asperger.
auricular [aw-RICK-you-lur]
relating to the sense of hearing, as in an auricular confession.

   b

baptismal font
a basin used in the sacrament of baptism
benediction [beh-neh-DIK-shun]
a blessing or invocation, usually at the end of a liturgy, meeting, or event. from two Latin words that mean "good speech"
benediction veil
another name for humeral veil
bishop [BIH-shup]
a high-ranking cleric in the Liberal Catholic Church. Two sacraments -- ordination, confirmation -- are reserved to bishop alone.
bishop commissary [BIH-shup KAH-miss-eh-ree]
a bishop given a special assignment.
bishopric [BISH-uh-prihk]
a diocese. from the Old English word meaning realm.
Blessed Sacrament [BLEH-sed SACK-reh-mint]
the Eucharist, also a host (bread) consecrated during the Eucharist
Book of Gospels
a large, sometimes ornate book, containing the gospel readings used at Mass
brazier [BRAY-zhur]
A metal pan for holding burning charcoal and incense. from the Greek word for brass. also brasier.
bread
the unleavened wafer used at Mass. by tradition, this bread contains only flour and water.
breaking of the bread
at Mass, the moment when the priest breaks a consecrated Host to symbolize the spread of Christ's love throughout the world. The term is sometimes used to mean the entire service of the Eucharist. (cf., 1 Corinthians 10:16) The actual breaking of bread is called The Fraction. In the early church, it occurred before the consecration.
brother
the salutation used in addressing a monk or friar, usually only those who are not priests.
brother [BRUH-thur]
Any member of a religions community, a monk, a friar.

   c

canon [CA-nun]
a religious law. also the official list of books included in the Bible. from the Latin word for rule
canon law [CA-nun law]
the rules governing the behavior and actions of the Liberal Catholic Church and its clergy
canticle [CAN-tih-kul]
a song or chant. from the Latin word meaning sing.
cantor [CAN-tuhr]
one who leads the singing in a synagogue or church
cassock [KASS-uhk]
a long, black garment worn by altar servers under the surplice; also worn by diocesan priests (black); monsignors (rose); bishops (violet), cardinals (red), and the Pope (white).
catechesis [ka-teh-KEE-sis]
oral instruction. pl. catecheses.
catechumen [ka-teh-KYOO-min]
one who is being instructed in the principles of Christianity
cathedra [kah-THAY-druh]
the bishop's official chair. from the Greek word for seat. pl. cathedrae
cathedral [kah-THEE-drul]
the bishop's home church, literally the church containing the bishop's throne
catholic [KATH-u-lick]
whole, universal
celebrant [SELL-ih-brunt]
the person who officiates at a ritual
censing [SEN-sing]
To cleanse using incense
chalice [CHA-liss]
the cup used to hold the wine that becomes the Blood of Christ at Mass
chalice veil
a square piece of cloth used to cover the chalice when it is not being used, often the same material (or at least the same color) as the priest's vestments
chancel rail [CHANCE-ehl]
A dividing barrier or screen that divides the sanctuary of a church from its nave. The congregation comes to the chancel rail for communion.
charism [kah-RIH-sm]
a gift received miraculously from the Holy Spirit. from the Greek word meaning a divine gift or favor.
charismatic [kehr-is-MATT-ick]
relating to someone who has received one or more "gifts of the Holy Spirit" (e.g., healing, prophecy, gift of tongues)
chasuble [CHAZ-uh-bl]
a long sleeveless vestment similar in shape to a poncho worn by a priest while saying Mass.
chrism [KRIZM]
a blend of oil and balsam that is consecrated by a bishop on Maundy Thursday and distributed to priest for use in baptisms and healing services. Bishops also use oils at confirmations and ordinations. A balsam is a process that results in a kind of sludge. In the Liberal Catholic Church, the bishop uses powdered resin of frankincense and benzoin as balsam. from the Greek word for anoint.
christ
from the Greek word meaning "the anointed one"
church
a building used for Christian worship, also the congregation as a group
ciborium [sih-BOH-ree-uhm]
a covered receptacle used for keeping consecrated hosts, also a large vaulted covering over a tabernacle. from the Egyptian word for cup.
cincture [SINGK-sure]
a girdle or belt, often made of rope
clergy [KLER-jee]
the group of people who have received Holy Orders. from the Latin word meaning clerk.
cloister [KLAW-ih-stur]
a secluded and quiet place, especially associated with a monastery. from a Latin word meaning closed
collect [KAW-lect]
At Mass, several short prayers said just before the day's
color, liturgical
the hue caused by dye in vestment. The Liberal Catholic Church uses the following colors for various things: white, green, purple, red, rose, and gold.
common
the part of a liturgy -- especially Mass -- that is generic and does not change from day to day
communio [koh-MOO-nee-oh]
a communion prayer
communion of saints
a teaching of the church taken from the Nicene Creed that there is an essential spiritual oneness of all believers
complin [KOHM-plihn]
bedtime prayers and readings
confession [kon-FE-shun]
the acknowledgment of one's sins, especially told to a priest in a one-to-one auricular setting.
confirmation [kohn-fur-MAY-shun]
the sacrament by which a baptized person is imprinted with the mark of the Holy Spirit by a bishop
confiteor [cohn-FEE-tee-ohr]
At Mass, the confession of sins (from the Latin word meaning "I confess")
consecration [cohn-sih-KRAY-shun]
the setting aside or setting apart something or someone for the worship of God.
contemplation [cohn-TIHM-play-shun]
the deepest form of meditation on spiritual matters
contemplative [cohn-TIHM-pleh-tiv]
a person who devotes his or her life to contemplation
convent [KAHN-vent]
a building or community of religious, especially nuns, who share one or more vows and live under the guidance of a superior. from a Latin word meaning "that which is assembled."
cope [KOPE]
a floor length cape used by priests and bishops at some rituals (e.g., solemn benediction)
corporal [KOHR-pu-r&l]
a square piece of linen placed in the center of the altar during Mass. The words of consecration are spoken with the bread and wine sitting on the corporal. from the Latin word for body.
corpus [KOR-puss]
body, usually referring to the body of Christ
credence table [KREE-denss TAY-b&l]
a small table on the epistle side of the altar used for holding Mass implements when they are not needed
credo [KREH-doh]
(see Creed) Credo is the Latin word meaning "I believe" creed
creed [kreed]
a statement of beliefs. At Mass, one of several creeds is said in unison by the congregation.
crosier [KROH-zyer]
a long staff with a shepherd's hook at one end, carried by bishops, archbishops, and abbots at liturgical events. from a German word meaning cross.
cross [KRAWS]
an upright plank with a transverse plank used to execute Jesus
cross bearer
one who carries a cross or crucifix into and out of a church
cross, risen
a style of crucifix where the hands of Jesus are free and lifted above the transverse plank of the cross
crozier
a variant of crosier (c.v.)
crucifix [KROO-sih-fihx]
a cross containing a corpus, depicting the executed body of Jesus
crucify [KROO-sih-fy]
to kill using a cross
cruet [KROO-eht]
a small vessel, usually made of glass with a stopper, used to hold water or wine before they are used at Mass
cult [KULT]
a way of expressing religious reverence, or individuals who share some common belief. In current usage, cult also refers to an obsessive religious group, especially one you disagree with. from the Latin word meaning worship.

   d

dalmatic [dahl-MA-tick]
a outer vestment with squared corners worn by a deacon, especially at the celebration of Mass. from an old French term meaning white wool from Dalmatia.
deacon [KEE-k&n]
a cleric ranking just below a priest. There are actually two kinds of deacons: transitional (one who hopes to be ordained a priest), and permanent (one whose calling is that of a deacon with no vocation to become a priest).
dean [DEEN]
the administrator of a seminary
diaconate [dee-ACK-oh-nit]
the group of deacons, the rank held by a deacon
diocesan priest [dye-AW-seh-sahn PREEST]
a priest in a church who is not a member of a religious order
diocese [DYE-ah-seez]
a district of church under the guidance and jurisdiction of a bishop
disciple [dih-SAI-p&l]
a follower, especially one of the original followers of Jesus. from the Latin word for pupil.
doorkeeper
one of the Minor Orders held by a seminarian who is still in training
doxology [dahk-SAHL-uh-jee]
an expression or short hymn of praise. from a Greek word meaning praise.

   e

ecclesiastical [eh-klee-zee-AH-stick-&l]
pertaining to or appropriate for use in a church
elevation [eh-lih-VAY-shun]
the ritualistic raising of a consecrated element.
episcopal [eh-PIHS-tih-k&l]
pertaining to a bishop
epistle [eh-PIHS-&l]
one of the letters included in the New Testament. The following books are the epistles in the canon in use: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude. from the Greek word meaning to send.
epistle side
the side of the sanctuary from which the epistle is read. Standing in the nave and looking at an altar, the epistle side is on the right.
eschatology [eh-skah-TAH-loh-jee]
teachings, beliefs, and doctrines concerning the end of times
eucharist [YOU-kah-rihst]
the central sacrament of the church -- instituted by the Master Jesus at the last supper with His earthly followers -- characterized by the transubstantiation (change) of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. from the Greek word for grace and thanksgiving.
Eucharistic Prayer [you-kah-RIH-STICK PRAY&r]
at Mass, the long prayer that results in the consecration of bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Christ.
evangelical [eh-van-JELL-ih-k&l]
pertaining to one of the four gospels in the Bible: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Also refers to a Christian who considers the printed Bible to be the supreme authority for religion.
evangelism [eh-VAN-jell-is&m]
militant zeal, a zealot
evangelist [eh-VAN-jell-ihst]
any of the authors of the four gospels, also a Protestant preacher or missionary.
exorcism [EKS-ohr-sizm]
ritual that liberates one from unwanted spirits or evil spirits. from the Greek word meaning to send away.
exorcist [EKS-ohr-sist]
one of the Minor Orders of the church, also one who performs an exorcism

   f

father
the salutation used in addressing priest
feast [feest]
a festival honoring God or a saint
flagon [FLAG-un]
a flask or oversized cruet
fraction [FRAK-shun]
the ritual breaking of bread during Mass
friar [FRY&r]
a member of an order of brothers and sisters who continue to live in the world, a kind of monk without a monastery. from the Latin word for brother.

   g

gaudete
the third Sunday in advent, one of the two days of the year where the liturgical is rose
gloria [GLOH-ree-ah]
At Mass, the song that begins "Glory be to God in the highest"
God
the supreme being, expressed in the Holy Trinity
gospel [GAH-spuhl]
any of the first four books of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. from an Old English phrase meaning good news.
gosple side
the side of the sanctuary from which the gospel is read. Standing in the nave and looking at an altar, the epistle side is on the left.
grace [GRAYSS]
a spiritual gift
gradual [GRAD-you-uhl]
at Mass, a short verse or song between the reading of the epistle and the gospel.

   h

hierarchy [HIRE-ar-kee]
a chain of command
holiday [HAW-lih-day]
a holy day
Holy Orders
the sacrament of ordination. In the Liberal Catholic Church, there are ranks or sequence of orders: Minor Orders (cleric, acolyte, exorcist, reader, doorkeeper), Transitional (subdeacon), and Major Orders (deacon, priest, bishop)
homily [HAH-mi-lee]
A short lesson delivered at Mass after the gospel. Also called the sermon.
host [hohst]
the consecrated bread of the Eucharist
humeral veil [HYOO-meh-r&l vayl]
a long cloth, usually silk, worn over the shoulder, when holding some liturgical vessels such as a monstrance. from the Latin word for shoulder.
hymn [him]
a song of praise. from the Greek word for song.
hymnal [HIM-nuhl]
a book containing songs used during church liturgies

   i

IHS
a monogram for Jesus, composed using the first 3 letters of "Jesus" in Greek. Also an abbreviation for the Latin phrase "in hoc signo" (by this sign) a sign of power used by the Roman emperor Constantine who believed the symbol of Christ would help him win battles.
incense [IHN-sinss]
an aromatic resin, wood, or other organic burned at Mass and other liturgies. The aroma from incense changes the energy in a room, and the rising of its smoke symbolizes the elevation of our minds to God.
introit [IHN-troyt]
At Mass, the entrance prayers or song. from the Latin word meaning "enter"
invocabit [ihn-voh-KAH-bit]
obs., the first Sunday of Lent
invocation [ihn-voh-KAY-shun]
a prayer asking for God's help. At Mass, the priest says an invocation at the start of Mass.

   j

Jesus [JEE-zuss]
The proper name of the Son of God, on whose being the religions of Christianity are based. The word is a Greek version of the Hebrew name Joshua.
jewel
one of seven stones corresponding to the Seven Rays that are used in Liberal Catholic altar stones, altar candles, and pectoral crosses. The jewels are diamond/quartz, sapphire, emerald, jasper, topaz, ruby, and amethyst. In practice, the actual "jewel" is rarely more than a grain or particle of the stone.

   k

kyrie [KEE-ree-eh]
At Mass, a short statement that means "Lord, pour forth Thy blessings" that is repeated in the original Greek.

   l

lauds [LAWDZ]
morning prayers and readings
lavabo [lah-VAH-boh]
the part of Mass in which the priest washes his fingers before consecrating the bread and wine. from the Latin word meaning "I wash."
lavabo towel [lah-VAH-boh towl]
a small finger towel used to dry the priest's fingers after the Lavabo
lay ministries
any service to the church done by non-clergy
layman
any person (male or female) who is not clergy
lectern [LEK-turn]
a stand used to hold books or papers while the reader stands
lectionary [LEK-shun-eh-ree]
a book containing the readings used at Mass. The lectionary usually (but not always) contains reading for an entire year, and the word usually (but not always) applies to a single book containing both the epistle and gospel readings.
liberal [LIH-beh-ruhl]
of or pertaining to being free
liturgical [lih-TURR-jih-kuhl]
relating to liturgy
liturgy [LIH-turr-jee]
a prescribed form used in worship
Lord's Prayer
the way Jesus taught his followers to pray, from Matthew 6:9-13. The Global Library has dozens of translations of this prayer, including one translated to English directly from the original Peshita Syriac-Aramaic: http://www.Global.org/pub/LordsPrayer.asp
luna [LOO-nah]
a golden holder for a single consecrated host, usually placed inside a monstrance for adoration or solemn benediction
lætare [lay-TAH-reh]
the fourth Sunday of Lent, one of the two days of the year where the liturgical is rose

   m

maniple [MAN-ih-puhl]
a small stole-like band hung from the wrist by priests saying Mass. from an Indo-European word meaning "hand"
Mary Magdalene
considered by many to be the "apostle's apostle" and by some as the consort of Jesus
Mary, Virgin
the mother of Jesus
master of ceremonies
the person acting as a kind of stage manager in a formal liturgy
matins [MAH-tinz]
prayers and readings said overnight, traditionally at 2:00am
matrimony [MA-trih-moh-nee]
the sacramental joining of two people into a holy union. from an Old French term meaning to "create a matron," presumably changing a virgin into a mother.
minister [MIHN-ihs-tuhr]
one who is the authorized leader of a liturgy or some other church service
miracle [MIHR-ih-kuhl]
an event or episode that cannot be explained in ordinary human or physical terms, an act of God. from the Indo-European word meaning "wonderful"
missal [MISS-uhl]
a book with the words and rubrics of a liturgy, usually a large book used by the celebrant. from a Middle Age Latin version of the word "Mass"
missalette [miss-uhl-EHT]
a small book with the words of a liturgy intended to be held in ones hand, usually the congregation version of a larger missal
miter [MY-tr]
a tall, pointed headdress worn by bishops and archbishops at solemn occasions. from the Greek word used to describe the head gear of a Jewish high priest.
mitre
British spelling of miter
monastery [MAWN-ehs-teh-ree]
a community of persons -- monks or nuns -- living a life of prayer, secluded from the mundane world. from the Greek word meaning "live alone"
monk [muhnk]
a man who is a member of a community living in a monastery. from the Greek word for "single"
monstrance [MAHN-strunss]
a receptacle for containing a large consecrated Host. The host is typically contained with a luna(c.v.), which is then fastened inside the monstrance. from the Greek word for show. synonym ostensorium (c.v.).
munda cor meum [MOON-duh kohr MEH-oom]
At Mass, a prayer said by the priest before he reads the gospel N

   n

nave [nayv]
the part of the church were the people sit during services
New Testament
the 27 books that makeup the Christian scripture. The term relates to the covenant of God and the people of the earth. Before the term was coined (roughly in the year 280ce), the writings of the church were called "the Gospel and the Apostle" (with the apostle being Paul).
none [nohn]
late afternoon prayers and readings
nun
a woman who is a vowed member of a religious order

   o

oblation [oh-BLAY-shun]
gifts (money, bread, wine) offered during Mass
oculi [OH-koo-lee]
obs., the third Sunday of Lent
offertorium [aw-fehr-TOH-ree-um]
at Mass, the initial blessing of bread and wine, prior to consecration
Office, Divine
the book of prayers said daily by the faithful
Old Testament
the Jewish scripture consisting of 46 books that relate the history, beliefs, customs, and liturgy used by the ancient Jews.. The term relates to a covenant between God and Abraham (Genesis 11:26 to 25:18)
orate fratres [oh-RAH-teh FRA-trehs]
An invitation to pray at the beginning of the Prayer of Consecration at Mass. from the Latin phrase mean "Pray, brothers..."
ordain [OHR-day&n]
to perform the sacrament of Holy Orders. Only a bishop has the authority to ordain others.
ordinary [OHR-dih-na-ree]
a bishop who has jurisdiction over a diocese
ostensorium [oh-stin-SOH-ree-uhm]
a Latinized word for monstrance (c.v.)

   p

Palm Sunday
the Sunday before Easter
parish
the geographical area served by a church
parish council
an administrative body in a church
Passion Sunday
the fifth Sunday of Lent
pastor [PASS-tuhr]
the chief priest in a church
paten [PAT-t&n]
a plate of gold for holding the host at Mass.
pater noster [PAH-tur NOH-stur]
the first two words of the Lord's Prayer in Latin ("Our Father")
peace, salutation of
at Mass, a greeting
pectoral cross [pek-TOH-rul krawss]
a large cross suspended over the neck by a chain that is worn by a bishop. The pectoral cross is traditionally adorned with seven jewels, corresponding to the jewels embedded in the altar.
post-communio [pohst koh-MOO-nee-oh]
prayers said after communion
prayer
a conversation or petition to God, made individually or by a group of people or by the church as a whole
prayers of intent
At Mass, the prayers for the local government, for the church, for those in trouble or sickness, and for the dearly departed
preface [PREH-fiss]
At mass, words that introduce the prayer of consecration. Feast days typically have a "proper preface," meaning some or all of the words change from day to day.
prime
prayers and readings, traditionally said at 6:00am
procession [proh-SESS-shun]
the solemn entrance at the start of a ritual
processional cross [PROH-SESS-shun&l KRAWSS]
a cross or crucifix carried in solemn processions and recessionals.
proper
the part of a liturgy -- especially Mass -- that is specific to a feast day
proselytize [PRAW-seh-lih-tiz]
to convert someone from one belief to another
province [PRAW-vihnss]
a territory, e.g., the "American Province" refers to the Liberal Catholic Church in North America.
purificator [pyou-rih-fih-KAY-tuhr]
a cloth of linen used to clean the inside of the chalice at Mass

   q

quadragesima [kwah-drah-GEE-sih-mah]
the 40 days of Lent
quinquagesima [kwihn-kwah-JEE-sih-mah]
the Sunday before Ash Wednesday

   r

rays, seven
one description of the emanation of God's presence on earth, consisting of strength, wisdom, adaptability/tact, beauty/harmony, science, devotion, and ordered service.
reader [REE-duhn]
anyone who reads the epistle at Mass, also one of the ranks of Holy Orders
relic [REH-lick]
an object associated with a saint or the crucifixion, especially a tiny piece of a saint's body
religion [ree-LIH-jyon]
a set of beliefs and/or reference for a supernatural power
religious priest
a priest who is the member of an religious order or monastery, not a diocesan priest
reminiscere [rim-nih-SKEH-reh]
obs., the second Sunday of Lent
retreat [ree-TREET]
a period of withdrawal, meditation, study, prayer, and contemplation for an individual or group
rite
any liturgical practice. from the Sanskrit word for stream or river.
rosary [ROH-sah-ree]
a set of "prayer beads" used to mark time in meditation
rubrics [ROO-bricks]
directions in how to perform a ritual, a kind of liturgical choreography. rubrics are included in missals used by the priest, often printed in red to set the rubric apart from the text that is spoken. from the Latin for red. S

   s

sacrament [SACK-rah-mint]
any of the seven rites that were instituted by Christ which impart grace on an individual or group. The rites are baptism, confirmation, eucharist, absolution, matrimony, ordination, and healing.
Sacrament, Blessed
(see Eucharist)
sacramental [SACK-rah-min-t&l]
a personal or group ritual of a religious nature, other than the seven sacraments.
sacramentary [sack-rah-MIN-tah-ree]
a large book containing the words and rubrics of the sacraments, typically used by a priest while performing the sacraments
sacristy [SACK-ri-stee]
a room in the church used to store religious articles and vestment (a vestry), and one used by ministers for dressing in vestments or preparing for rituals
sacristy bells
bells that signal the start of a religious service, such as Mass. These bells were traditionally hung near the door leading to the sacristy.
sanctuary [SANK-choo-air-ee]
The area of a church that contains the altar.
sanctus [SAHNK-toos]
the song that begins "Holy, Holy, Holy" (from the Latin word for "holy")
sanctus bells [SAHNK-toos bellz]
The bells rung at each "Holy" in the Sanctus song and rung again at the consecration of both bread and wine
see
a diocese
seminary [SIH-mih-na-ree]
a training school for clerics
septuagesima [sehp-too-ah-JEE-sih-mah]
the ninth Sunday before Easter, which is three Sundays before the start of Lent
sermon [SIR-muhn]
a short lesson delivered at Mass after the gospel. Also called the homily.
sext [sehk’st]
noontime prayers and readings
shrine
any place used in the veneration of a saint
sign of the cross
the invocation that consists of touching the forehead while saying "In the name of the Father", touching the heart while saying "and of the Son", touching the left shoulder while saying "and of the Holy Ghost", and finally touching the right shoulder while saying "Amen."
sister
the salutation used in addressing a nun
solemn benediction
ritual adoration of the blessed sacrament, including a blessing done by a priest while holding a monstrance (c.v.) with its host.
sprinkler
an asperger
stations of the cross
14 or 15 drawings or locations (usually inside a church) that let worshipers follow the milestones of Christ's journey on the day of his crucifixion.
stole
a long band worn over the neck that denotes the rank of a cleric. A deacon wears a stole over the left shoulder, bound on the right side. A priest wears a stole crossed in front. A bishop wears a stole that is allowed to drape freely.
subdeacon
a rank of cleric that is between the Minor Orders and the Major Orders.
surplice [SUR-pliss]
a loose white gown that is worn over cassocks by servers and ministers during church occasions.
sursum corda [SOOR-soom KOHR-dah]
At Mass an interchange between the priest and congregation that begins "Lift up your hearts"
synod [SIN-uhd]
an assembly of church officials. In the Liberal Catholic Church, there is no higher earthly authority than a worldwide synod of bishops. Synods can also be called for all the priests of a diocese or region.

   t

tabernacle [TA-buhr-nack-ul]
a locked case on an altar for storing consecrated hosts. The hosts -- consecrated only during Mass -- are reserved for veneration and for use in taking communion to the sick.
terce [turss]
late-morning prayers and readings
theology [thee-AH-loh-jee]
the study of God, religious study
transubstantiation [TRAN-sub-STAN-see-A-shun]
the conversion of the essence of bread into the Body of Christ, and the conversion of the essence of wine into the Blood of Christ. This is a sacramental act performed by a priest during Mass. After the conversion, the "incidentals" or "accidents" (i.e., the appearance and taste) of the bread and wine are unchanged, but the essence has been permanently altered.
tunicle [TOO-nik&l]
a vestment, similar to a dalmatic, that is worn by a subdeacon at some services

   v

veneration [veh-neh-RAY-shun]
deep respect and reverence. We venerate the cross, but we do not worship it.
versicle [VERSE-ih-kuhl]
a short sentence that is spoken by the priest, followed by another sentence spoken or sun by the congregation
vespers [VEHSS-purss]
evening prayers and readings
vestment
liturgical garments
vestry
see Parish Council
vicar [VICK-uhr]
the designated representative of a bishop
vimpa veil [VIHM-pah vay&l]
a long cloth worn over the shoulders by an altar server while carrying a bishop's crosier
vow
a solemn promise. "Perpetual vows" are those which last for the rest of one's life.

   w

washing of hands
see lavabo
worship
reverent love, devotion, and ceremonies directed toward or in praise of God.

   z

zucchetto [zoo-KEHT-toh]
the skull cap worn by bishops

This document is part of The Global Library,
From the Servants of The Eternal Christ
Funding provided by The Wynn and Rick Wagner Foundation