Glossary

A community of the faithful within a particular church or diocese, led by a priest.

(Latin petitio, request). A request made for something desired. A prayer of petition is one in which Christians ask a favour from God. (Woods, 2002)

One who travels to a holy place to show devotion and gain some spiritual benefit. (Woods, 2002)

The journey made by a pilgrim to a sacred place as an act of religious devotion.

Belief in many gods.

The elevation of the mind and heart to God in praise of his glory, or in sorrow for sin; a petition made to God for some desired good, or in thanksgiving for a good received, or in intercession for others before God. Through prayer the Christian experiences a communion with God through Christ in the Church.

In the Catholic Church priests are ordained to preach the Word, preside over the liturgy and the celebration of the sacraments, and care for the pastoral needs of the Christian community (Woods, 2002).

To praise or glorify openly or publicly.

A commitment made to God or another person vowing that one will or will not do something.

Churches that have their origins in the reformation period during the sixteenth century; having broken away from the Catholic Church.

All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned. (CCC 1030-1031)