Essential Catholic Vocabulary for Beginners

This list includes keywords you will hear often during RCIA and at Mass.

A

• Amen

  • Simple Meaning: A Hebrew word meaning "so be it" or "I agree."

  • Used: We say it at the end of prayers, the Creed, and blessings to confirm what we believe or intend.

B - C

• Bible (Scripture)

  • Simple Meaning: The inspired Word of God, written in a collection of sacred books.

  • Note: It's divided into two main parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament.

• Catechumen

  • Simple Meaning: An unbaptized person preparing to become Catholic.

  • Used: This term refers to members of the RCIA group who have not yet received any Sacraments.

• Catholic

  • Simple Meaning: Means "universal."

  • Note: Refers to the whole Church founded by Christ, led by the Pope.

• Creed

  • Simple Meaning: A formal statement of the core Christian beliefs.

  • Used: We recite the Nicene Creed or the Apostles' Creed at Mass to profess our faith.

E - G

• Eucharist

  • Simple Meaning: Means "thanksgiving." It is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

  • Note: This is the most important Sacrament where we receive Jesus, truly present under the appearances of bread and wine.

• Gospel

  • Simple Meaning: Means "good news."

  • Note: Refers to the first four books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that tell the story of Jesus’ life and ministry.

L - S

• Liturgy

  • Simple Meaning: The public, official worship of the Church.

  • Note: This includes the celebration of the Sacraments, especially the Mass.

• Magisterium

  • Simple Meaning: The teaching authority of the Catholic Church.

  • Note: This authority belongs to the Pope and the Bishops in union with him. They guide us in understanding Scripture and Tradition.

• Mass

  • Simple Meaning: The central act of Catholic worship; also called the Holy Sacrifice.

  • Note: This is the celebration of the Eucharist.

• Sacrament

  • Simple Meaning: An outward sign, given by Christ, that gives us grace (God's life in us).

  • Note: There are seven Sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony).

• Saint

  • Simple Meaning: A holy person who is now in Heaven.

  • Note: We ask Saints (and especially the Virgin Mary) to pray for us.

• Salvation

  • Simple Meaning: The forgiveness of sins and the restoration of friendship with God through Jesus Christ.

  • Note: This is the ultimate goal of our Christian life.

• Scrutiny

  • Simple Meaning: Special prayers celebrated during Mass in Lent for those preparing for Baptism.

  • Note: These prayers help catechumens examine their lives and grow closer to God.

T

• Tabernacle

  • Simple Meaning: A beautiful container in the church where the consecrated Eucharist is kept after Mass.

  • Note: We believe Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist reserved here.

• Tradition

  • Simple Meaning: The fullness of the Catholic faith passed down from the Apostles through the centuries.

  • Note: Tradition (the living faith) and Scripture (the written Word) work together.

• Trinity

  • Simple Meaning: The mystery of One God in Three Divine Persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.