Taste and See:
Catechesis as Food for the Journey

A

Absolution

The prayer for forgiveness of sins proclaimed by the presbyter (priest), with his hands extended, during the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Abstinence

Catholics 14 years and older are bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays during Lent.

Acclamation

A response by the liturgical assembly taking the form of a shout of joy or praise. The Gospel Acclamation and Great Amen are examples of acclamations.

Acolyte

One charged with assisting at the altar and sanctuary during the liturgy. Acolyte is a liturgical ministry instituted through a special rite. The term for a person fulfilling the function of acolyte, without being instituted in the role, is server.

Advent

The liturgical season marking the beginning of the Church year and the liturgical calendar. Advent has a twofold purpose: (1) to prepare for Christmas and (2) to anticipate and prepare for the second coming of Christ at the end of time. The Sundays of Advent are the four Sundays prior to December 25. Along with Christmas, Advent celebrates and explores aspects of the Paschal mystery dealing with Christ’s first and second comings (Incarnation and Eschaton). The liturgical color for Advent is violet.

Agnus Dei

This litany is sung during the breaking of the bread or fraction rite at Mass. Agnus Dei is the Latin term for "Lamb of God."

Alb

A loose-fitting, floor-length white garment that may be worn by all liturgical ministers. Ordained ministers (bishops, presbyters and deacons) wear stoles and outer vestments in addition to the alb as signs of their office. Catechumens receive an alb, during their initiation, as a symbol of baptism.

Altar

The table used during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, a symbol of Christ. It is both the altar of sacrifice and the meal table for the holy banquet.

Alleluia

A Hebrew term for "praise God" [Yahweh] used to accompany the Gospel procession. Alleluia is associated especially with Easter and not used at all during Lent. The Alleluia before the Gospel is always to be sung. Otherwise, it is to be omitted.

Ambo

The table of the Word, usually a reading stand, used to proclaim the Scriptures during the Liturgy of the Word at each liturgical celebration.

Ambry

The receptacle that houses the holy oils (Chrism, Oil of the Sick, Oil of Catechumens).

Amen

A Hebrew term meaning "let it be so" used by the liturgical assembly after prayers, to express agreement with and affirmation of the prayer. The Great Amen concludes the Eucharistic Prayer.

Anamnesis

A liturgical term derived from a Greek word for remembering. Following the Jewish tradition, anamnesis is an active form of memory that connects past and present. It functions in two ways: (1) recollection or memorial of a past event and (2) making the past event, present in ritual celebration. Through anamnesis in the Eucharist, the Church both recalls the Paschal mystery, and makes it sacramentally present for the salvation of the world. Anamnesis follows the command of Christ to "do this in memory of me."

As part of the Eucharistic Prayer, anamnesis follows the consecration of the elements. It occurs as the offering is made and before the intercessions or second epiclesis. This placement suggests that recalling what Christ has accomplished is a prerequisite to petitioning God.

Ash Wednesday

The first day of Lent marked with the distribution of blessed ashes (a sign of repentance) with a cross traced on the forehead.

Assembly

The congregation of the faithful who gather for worship is called the liturgical assembly.

B

Baptistry

The baptismal font and the surrounding area often are referred to as the baptistry.

Bishop

The last of the three ordained ecclesial ministries (along with presbyter/priest and deacon) received through the sacrament of Holy Orders. The bishop represents the fullness of ordained ministry and presides over a specific territory of the Church called a "local church" or "diocese." At liturgical services, the bishop wears the miter and carries the crosier as a sign of episcopal office. Only a bishop may ordain others to Holy Orders.

Blessed Sacrament

The term used for the consecrated bread and wine. The Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle for distribution to sick and homebound members of the assembly and for viaticum. Because the Blessed Sacrament is reserved, it is adored through special rites and liturgies.

Blessing

A form of prayer that praises and thanks God and invokes God’s favor on a person or object. Blessings conclude most liturgical celebrations and are used to sanctify and dedicate persons or objects to God. Blessings for household use are popular ways for families to ritualize the liturgical year at home (see the liturgical book for home use: Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers).

Book of the Gospels

A large ceremonial book containing the Sunday Gospel for proclaiming the Gospel on Sundays and used during ordinations of deacons and bishops.

Bow

Bowing is a sign of reverence or respect for a person or sacred object (e.g. altar or tabernacle). A simple bow of the head is made whenever the three persons of the trinity or the names of Jesus, Mary or the day’s saint are mentioned. A profound or deep bow from the waist is made toward the altar at the beginning and end of Mass.

Breaking of the Bread

The term from the Acts of the Apostles used to describe the Eucharist. The Breaking of the Bread is a part of the Liturgy of the Eucharist when the consecrated bread and wine are prepared for distribution to the assembly. See Fractioning Rite.

C

Candidate for Full Communion

A baptized person seeking to complete initiation in the Roman Catholic Church by receiving Confirmation and/or Eucharist.

Cantor

The liturgical minister who leads singing during the liturgy.

Catechumenate

A term often used to refer to the whole process of initiation or the RCIA. Strictly speaking, the catechumenate is the period of initiation from the Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens to the Rite of Election. This period is marked by formation in the Christian message; our liturgical life, worship, spirituality and prayer; living in Christian community; and social justice and discipleship.

Catechumen

A catechumen is an unbaptized person over 7 years of age preparing for sacramental initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist). All catechumens are received into the Order of Catechumens (through the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens that is part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). Catechumens may marry in the Church and receive a Christian burial.

Cathedral

The church building of the diocesan Church, where the bishop’s chair (or cathedra) is housed.

Celebrant

The term commonly used to refer to the presider at Mass. Since the entire assembly celebrates each liturgy, the term presider or presiding celebrant is preferred.

Censer or Thurible

The liturgical vessel used to burn incense. Censers may be open bowls or covered containers hung on chains for swinging.

Chair

The seat for the presiding celebrant of the assembly.

Chalice

The cup used to hold the wine that will be consecrated and distributed to the assembly at Mass.

Chasuble

The liturgical vestment, worn over the alb, as an outer garment by bishops and presbyters/priests. The color of chasubles follows the liturgical year.

Choir

Members of the liturgical assembly who exercise the music ministry during the liturgy form the choir. They are charged with assisting the assembly in praising God through song, not replacing the singing of the assembly itself.

Chrism

A holy oil consecrated for use in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders, the dedication of a church building and the consecration of an altar.

Christmas

A liturgical season, second only to Easter, that begins on Christmas Day (December 25) and concludes on the Sunday after Epiphany with the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Along with Advent, Christmas celebrates and explores those aspects of the Paschal mystery dealing with Christ’s first and second comings. The liturgical color for Christmas is white.

Church

Both the members of the Body of Christ and the ‘house of the church’ itself are called "church." Church also is used to refer to the institution or hierarchy of the community. Hence, "going to church" is a rich symbol with many layers of meaning. It indicates one’s belonging to a community of believers; who gather in a particular building (e.g. a parish church); at a particular time (e.g. Sunday); to celebrate the Paschal mystery; to be in communion with other churches in the diocese and universal church; and to be commissioned to go forth and transform the world.

Ciborium

A container with a lid used to store consecrated hosts in the tabernacle.

Collect

The opening prayer offered by the presider at liturgy customarily is called the "collect." The collect begins with an invitation to pray (i.e. "Let us pray"), a period of silent prayer for the entire assembly (to realize the divine presence and call to mind their petitions) and a prayer spoken by the presider (expressing the focus of the liturgy and a petition to God). The assembly shows their assent with the acclamation, "Amen." The collect is prayed to God the Father, through Christ, in the Holy Spirit.

Communion

Communion means to live in unity, community or communio like the Holy Trinity. Communion is expressed in the liturgical action of receiving the consecrated bread and wine at Mass. Often, communion or holy communion is used to refer to the consecrated bread and wine themselves.

Confession

Confession of sins is part of the celebration of the Rite of Penance or Sacrament of Reconciliation. Confession of sins and contrition precede the prayer of absolution. Commonly, it is the term used to refer to the Sacrament. Confession of serious sin is required prior to receiving holy communion.

Consecration

The term most commonly used for the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass. Consecrating means to make holy, to set apart through special prayers and ritual action.

Convert

One who undergoes a conversion from unbelief to belief, from uninitiated to baptized Christian. The term "convert" is used erroneously when applied to anyone baptized in another Christian denomination seeking membership in the Catholic Church or one who has been received into the Catholic Church.

Corporal

The square piece of fine linen covering the center of the altar upon which is placed the chalice and paten.

Credence table

The small side table, usually near the altar, for placing liturgical objects (e.g. cruets, lavabo, chalice, corporal, etc.).

Creed

The normative statement of belief shared by Christians that originally was proclaimed as part of the baptismal liturgy. Today, the creed (i.e. the Apostle’s Creed or the Nicene Creed) is prayed also at Mass on Sundays and Solemnities.

Crosier

The bishop’s pastoral staff typically fashioned in the shape of a shepherd’s staff. Along with the miter, the crosier is a sign of episcopal office.

Cross

A representation of the cross on which Christ died—without a corpus (see crucifix below). Customarily, a cross is visible to the liturgical assembly. When fastened to a pole and used to lead liturgical processions, it is called a processional cross.

Cross, Sign of

The "sign of the cross" is a liturgical gesture made by tracing a small cross on one’s forehead or lips or by touching the forehead, then the chest, then the shoulders (left then right for Roman Catholics) with the fingers of the right hand (or left, if left-handed). The trinitarian formula, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19) often accompanies the sign of the cross.

Crucifix

A cross with a corpus or image of Christ on it.

Cruets

The pitcher-like containers for holding the water or wine to be used at Mass.

D

Dalmatic

The sleeved outer garment worn by a deacon during liturgical services.

Deacon

The first step of ordained ecclesial ministry received through the sacrament of Holy Orders. Diaconal ministry is ordered to the service of the poor and the work of peace and justice. Deacons may be either transitional (a step on the way to presbyteral ministry) or permanent. Permanent deacons may be married or single. Liturgically, the deacon is charged with proclamation of the Gospel and general intercessions. Deacons also assist with the chalice. They may also baptize and officiate at weddings.

Dismissal

The final act of the liturgy, when the presider or deacon invites the assembly to go forth from the rite. It may also refer to the dismissal of catechumens from the assembly after the homily to go forth and break open the Word with a catechist.

Doxology

A prayer or hymn of praise to God. The Eucharistic Prayer ends with a doxology (i.e. "Through Him, with Him, in Him…") and the Great Amen.

E

Easter

The 50-day feast of the Resurrection of Christ is the highpoint of the liturgical year. This season begins on Easter Sunday and concludes with Pentecost. It is a time for sacramental initiation (Baptism-Confirmation-Eucharist) into the Paschal mystery, therefore often referred to as "Pascha." The liturgical color for Easter is white. Red is used on Pentecost.

Easter Vigil

The "mother of all vigils" and highlight of the Church year. The Easter vigil is celebrated after nightfall on Holy Saturday. The liturgy consists of: (1) a service of light when new fire is blessed and the Easter candle is lighted; (2) an extensive Liturgy of the Word recounting the major themes of salvation; (3) the Liturgy of initiation when catechumens are baptized and confirmed and the faithful renew baptismal promises; and (4) the Liturgy of the Eucharist when the neophytes are welcomed to eucharistic communion for the first time.

Elect

The proper name for catechumens, after they are chosen for initiation (i.e. "elected") via the Rite of Election (first Sunday of Lent).

Epiclesis

A prayer invoking the Holy Spirit appearing in the Eucharistic Prayer. After the Preface and Sanctus, an epiclesis calls upon God to change the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ, through power of the Holy Spirit. In many Eucharistic Prayers, a second epiclesis appears, after the oblation, calling upon the Spirit to unite the assembly in deeper unity and love.

Eucharist

The Sacrament that completes initiation into the church is Eucharist. It is commonly used as the name for Mass and literally means "thanksgiving." The Eucharistic celebration is divided into two major parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The latter part, the Liturgy of the Eucharist consists of four divisions rooted in the action of Christ in the Last Supper: taking (Preparation of the Gifts), blessing (Eucharistic Prayer), breaking (Fractioning Rite) and sharing (Communion and dismissal).

Eucharistic Minister

One who distributes Holy Communion at Mass or to members who are sick or homebound. Eucharistic Ministers receive a mandate from the bishop for this ministry and are specifically trained for the role.

Eucharistic Prayer

One of the four major divisions of the Liturgy of the Eucharist and the summit of the Mass. The eucharistic prayer is the central thanksgiving and consecratory prayer of the liturgy. It is offered by the presiding celebrant on behalf of the worshiping assembly, to God, through Christ, in the Spirit. The eucharistic prayer has several parts, most typically: Preface, Sanctus, Epiclesis, Institution Narrative, Memorial Acclamation, Anamnesis, Oblation, Intercessions, Doxology and Great Amen. Ten eucharistic prayers currently are in use in the United States.

F

Fasting

To fast is to eat only one full meal and two lighter meals that do not equal the main meal. Catholics, ages 21 to 59 must fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. All Catholics are to fast and abstain one hour before receiving communion.

Font

The structure containing holy water, used to baptize. Typically the font is an immersion pool or bowl on a pedestal. The shape and placement of the font connote a theology of initiation (e.g. rebirth, dying and rising).

Fractioning Rite or Breaking of the Bread

The third of the four major divisions of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Fractioning Rite occurs when the consecrated bread is divided and wine poured for distribution to the assembly. The Agnus Dei accompanies this ritual action.

G

Genuflection

A gesture of respect and adoration consisting of bending the right knee to the floor while keeping one’s torso erect. One genuflects before the tabernacle and the blessed sacrament.

H

Homily

A form of preaching that is part of the Liturgy of the Word. A bishop, presbyter or deacon gives the homily, drawing on the Scripture of the day or a liturgical text and applying it to the lives of the assembly gathered.

I

Initiation

Sacramental initiation includes Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Initiation makes one a member of the Church with certain rights and responsibilities. The normative model of initiation for the Church is the Rite of Initiation of Adults (RCIA) where these three sacraments are celebrated in sequence in the liturgy of the Easter Vigil.

Institution Narrative

The words of Christ from the Last Supper (compare Matthew 16:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:15-20, and 1 Corinthians 11:23-24) are prayed during the Eucharistic Prayer after the epiclesis and before the anamnesis and oblation/offering recalling Christ's self-giving to his disciples and to us.

Intercession

As part of the Eucharistic Prayer, intercessions are prayers offered for those serving the Church, for the living and for the dead. In the Eucharistic Prayer, intercessions follow and flow from the anamnesis and oblation/offering, connecting the assembly to the universal Church and communion of saints.

Intercessions, General

The Liturgy of the Word concludes with prayers of bidding or a litany of intentions, introduced by the presider, ready by the deacon or another minister, responded to by the assembly, and concluded with a collect by the presider. Traditionally, the general intercessions include prayers for the needs of the Church, for public officials and the salvation of the world, for those oppressed by any need, and for the local community.

K

Kneeling

A common posture for private prayer, also used for liturgical prayer. One kneels with both knees touching the ground or a kneeler. It signifies adoration, supplication and is suited for penitential seasons. At Mass, kneeling is called for from after the Sanctus through the Great Amen, concluding the eucharistic prayer. Although commonly used from the Breaking of the Bread through the Communion procession, standing is the designated posture during the entire Communion Rite.

L

Lavabo

The bowl used by the presiding celebrant for washing his hands before the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass.

Lector

One who reads the Scripture readings during the Liturgy of the Word. Lector is a liturgical ministry instituted through a special rite. The term for the person reading, without being instituted in the role, is reader.

Lectionary

The lectionary contains all the Scripture readings for Mass for the entire liturgical year. There are three cycles of Sunday readings (A, B, C) and two for weekday readings (I, II) as well as readings indicated for other rites (e.g. funerals, religious professions, etc.).

Lent

A season of 40 days (excluding Sundays) from Ash Wednesday to the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. At this time, the whole Church prepares for the celebration of Easter by preparing catechumens for initiation and calling the faithful to the fullness of baptism through reflection on their baptism and penitential practices (prayer, fasting and almsgiving). The liturgical color for Lent is violet.

Liturgical Year and Calendar

The annual cycle of seasons, feasts and events beginning with the First Sunday of Advent and concluding the Saturday after the feast of Christ the King. In the course of the liturgical year, the entire mystery of Christ is explored and made present through liturgical celebrations. Also called the Church Year, it consists of the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and Ordinary Time. The centerpiece of the liturgical year is the Easter Triduum. A liturgical calendar governs the celebration of these liturgical seasons and feast for each diocese, region or country.

Liturgy

The official, public worship of a church is called liturgy (literally, "the work of the people"). Liturgy includes both the seven rites of the Church called Sacraments and non-sacramental rites (e.g. Liturgy of the Hours, Blessings, Funerals, etc.).

Liturgy of the Eucharist

The second major part of the Mass consists of four major divisions: Preparation of the Altar and Gifts; the Eucharistic Prayer; the Fractioning Rite and Communion. These divisions follow the four-fold pattern of the Eucharist rooted in the New Testament accounts of the Last Supper (taking, blessing, breaking, sharing). The Liturgy of the Eucharist concludes with the prayer after communion and is followed by the concluding rite (blessing, dismissal and recessional).

Liturgy of the Hours

The official, daily prayer of the Church through which we sanctify certain times of each day (i.e. morning, noon, evening, night). It is also called the Divine Office or Breviary.

Liturgy of the Word

The Liturgy of the Word is an indispensable part of every liturgical rite of the Church, expressing and shaping the intimate connection between Word and Sacrament in Catholic theology. At Sunday Eucharist, the Liturgy of the Word is the first major section of Mass following the introductory rites. There, it consists of first of the proclamation of the Word of God (Old Testament and/or New Testament readings, a Psalm or canticle, the Gospel acclamation and preaching) and then of the assembly’s response to the Word proclaimed (creed and general intercessions). During Mass, the Liturgy of the Word leads to the celebration of the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

M

Mass

A traditional name for the Eucharist, taken from the dismissal rite in Latin—ite, missa, est ("go, the Mass is [ended]"). The Mass is divided into two major parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The latter part, the Liturgy of the Eucharist consists of four divisions rooted in the action of Christ in the Last Supper: taking (Preparation of the Gifts), blessing (Eucharistic Prayer), breaking (Fractioning Rite) and sharing (Communion and dismissal).

Minister

One who serves the liturgical assembly by performing a liturgical function. Typical liturgical ministries include presider, greeters, ushers, readers, servers, choir, cantors, etc.

Miter

The ceremonial high-hat worn by a bishop during liturgy as a sign of episcopal office.

Mystagogy

The journey of sacramental initiation concludes with a final period called mystagogy. Literally, "exploring the mysteries," mystagogy begins with sacramental initiation (usually at Easter) and continues throughout life. It is a time of post-baptismal catechesis on the sacraments received and a time for deepening the life of prayer, social justice and liturgical celebration. The formal period of mystagogy, as part of the Rite of Initiation of Adults (RCIA), concludes for the neophytes on the anniversary of initiation.

N

Neophytes

The proper term for the newly initiated members of the Christian community.

O

Oblation or Offering

As part of the Eucharistic Prayer, the oblation or offering follows the institution narrative and anamnesis. Closely connected with this living memory of the Paschal mystery, the oblation is the point at which the offering of consecrated bread, wine and self are made with the words, "we offer." The term "offertory" no longer is used to describe the ritual action of the preparation of the altar and gifts.

Orans

A posture for prayer where the arms are lifted upward and slightly outward, palms up. The presider uses the orans posture at liturgy during the collect and other presidential prayers (e.g. parts of the eucharistic prayer). In many places, the assembly uses the orans posture for the Lord's Prayer.

Ordinary Time

The two distinct periods of this liturgical season (winter and late spring-summer-fall), known as Ordinary Time, are for exploring the fullness of the Christian mystery and its meaning for everyday life. These 33 to 34 weeks of the Church year do not celebrate a specific aspect of the Christian mystery (like Advent-Christmas and Lent-Triduum-Easter) but are given over to the entirety of the Paschal mystery. The liturgical color for Ordinary Time is green.

P

Paschal Mystery

The term used to refer to the "the Christ event" or the core mystery of faith—Christ’s passion, death, Resurrection and glorification (i.e. the Ascension and out-pouring of the Holy Spirit). The Paschal mystery is celebrated in each liturgy and sacrament celebrated in the Church.

Paten

A plate or bowl used for the bread that will be consecrated and distributed at Mass.

Precatechumenate/Period of Inquiry

The first period (of indefinite length) of the process of initiation of adults marked with storytelling, informal discussion, prayer and discernment in order to help people hear if God is calling them to continue the initiation process in the catechumenate.

Eucharistic Prayer starts with the preface, a proclamation of thanksgiving and praise. It begins with the introductory dialogue (i.e. "the Lord be with you," etc.) and concludes with the preface acclamation (Sanctus or Holy, Holy, Holy).

Preparation of the Altar and Gifts

The first division of the Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with setting the altar and taking the bread and wine to the altar. It corresponds to the first of the four-fold division of the Eucharist rooted in the Last Supper (i.e. taking). It ends with the prayer over the gifts.

Presbyter

The second step of ordained ecclesial ministry received through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. A presbyter commonly is called "priest." Presbyters/priests are either diocesan (sharing the ministry of the diocesan bishop) or religious (those in religious orders living in a monastic or communal setting). Pastors are presbyters entrusted with the care of parishes. Presbyters assigned to assist pastors in their duties are called parochial vicars. Liturgically, a presbyter presides at the Sacraments (except Holy Orders) and preaches the homily.

Presider

The member of the assembly who leads the liturgical prayer is the presider. The presider may be either an ordained or lay minister. For certain rites, an ordained presider is required (e.g. Eucharist, Anointing). For certain other rites, a lay presider is permitted (e.g. Liturgy of the Hours).

Priest

A term commonly used for those ordained to the second rank of clergy or ecclesial ministry (see Presbyter below). Technically, there is one priest—Jesus Christ. Those who are initiated into the church share in Christ’s royal priesthood (the priesthood of all believers or common priesthood), being baptized and confirmed as priest, prophet and servant-ruler. Those who are ordained presbyter or bishop share in the ministerial (or hierarchical) priesthood of Christ.

Purification and Enlightenment

The third period of initiation for adults and children of catechetical age is a time of intense spiritual preparation for the initiation sacraments that are celebrated during the Easter Vigil. Typically this period corresponds with Lent.

Pyx

The container for taking consecrated bread to those who are sick or homebound.

R

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

The normative process of initiating people of catechetical age in the Roman Catholic Church. The RCIA is a gradual process marked by four periods (Precatechumenate and Evangelization, Catechumenate, Purification and Enlightenment, and Mystagogy) with three steps (Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, Rite of Election and Initiation).

Reader

One who reads the Scripture during the Liturgy of the Word. A person ritually instituted as a reader is called lector.

Reconciliation Chapel or Room

The place for celebrating the sacrament of Reconciliation offers the option for either face-to-face celebration of the rite or with a screen for anonymous celebration of the rite.

S

Sacramentary

The book of prayers and instructions for the presiding celebrant used during the liturgy.

Sanctuary

Often, the sanctuary is understood as the area of a church building where the altar, ambo and chair are located. It is more broadly understood as the entire worship space—the place of holiness and communion with God, that contains all the ministers of the liturgy—assembly, presider, choir, readers, etc.

Sanctuary lamp

The wax candle or oil lamp burning near the tabernacle indicating the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

Sanctus

The Latin term for the hymn used as an acclamation to the Preface of the Eucharistic Prayer, also known as the "Holy, Holy, Holy."

Server or altar server

One who assists at liturgical rites by carrying the processional cross, holding the sacramentary or performing other duties. A server may be either male or female.

Standing

Standing is the principal posture for liturgical prayer. It connotes both relational dynamics of the assembly (i.e. respect, recognition of authority, and readiness for mission) and symbolic aspects of faith (i.e. the end of the slavery to sin, the resurrection and anticipation of the second coming of Christ—ready to greet him when he comes in glory).

Stole

A liturgical vestment worn as a sign of ordained ministry. Bishops and presbyters (priests) wear the stole over both shoulders. Deacons wear the stole over the right shoulder, clasping it on the left, at the waist.

Sunday

As the original Christian feast day, Sunday is key to the liturgical year and calendar. It is the day of the Lord, when the Christian community gathers to celebrate the Paschal mystery of Christ. It is the day of resurrection, both the first of days and the eighth day—the day of new creation.

T

Tabernacle

Receptacle for reserving the consecrated hosts that are used for taking communion to the sick and viaticum. In many church buildings, in accordance with liturgical law, the tabernacle is housed in an eucharistic chapel separate from the main worship space. A sanctuary lamp burns near the tabernacle.

Thanksgiving

The literal the theological meaning of the word: Eucharist. Thanksgiving most clearly is expressed at Mass in the Eucharistic Prayer, especially the first part—the Preface.

Triduum

The annual three-day commemoration of the Paschal mystery marking the end of Lent and leading to the 50 days of the Easter. The Triduum begins with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday and concludes with Evening Prayer on Easter Sunday. The Triduum is the highlight of the Church year. The Church celebrates one liturgy over three days during the Triduum—The Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Celebration of the Lord’s Passion and The Great [Easter] Vigil.

V

Viaticum

Literally, viaticum is "food for the journey," that is, communion for those near death. It is often called the last sacrament.