Glossary

A distinct group of believers, especially among Protestants. Different denominations exist within a single Protestant tradition, e.g., Lutheran. They are not necessarily different, though they generally are, in their faith, worship, and form of church government.

The excellence that deserves recognition and praise in a person or thing. Highest in dignity is God, whose superiority over all creation is the basis for adoration.

A territory governed by a bishop. It includes all the Catholic people, parishes and institutions.

A process of seeking to understand and accept God's will for a person and/or a community. Discernment takes time, prayer and being open to respond to God's Will.

One who learns from a teacher or living example. In all of his life Jesus presents himself as our model. He is "the perfect man", who invites us to become his disciples and follow him. In humbling himself, he has given us an example to imitate, through his prayer he draws us to pray, and by his poverty he calls us to accept freely the privation and persecutions that may come our way. (CCC52, GS #38).

Key statements of Catholic beliefs, teachings and practices of the Church that are written in language accessible to students.

A teaching or doctrine authoritatively and explicitly proposed by the Church as revealed by God and requiring the belief of the people of Good. The Essential Catholic Handbook

The Christian family which is the core community in the Church and the place where children first hear the faith proclaimed.

Having ownership of everything, and having the right to use, change, keep or throw out what is owned at will. From a Christian perspective, however, the common good of people and society determines how dominion is enacted.