Catholic Dictionary

Absolution is the act by which a priest, acting in persona Christi, remits sins confessed with true contrition. Christ gave this authority to the apostles: “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them” (John 20:23).

Reference: CCC 1449; John 20:23

Catholic teaching holds that bishops receive their authority through ordination in continuity with the apostles. This succession safeguards the deposit of faith and the validity of the sacraments.

Reference: CCC 77, 861–862

The Beatific Vision is the ultimate end of the human person: seeing God face to face. It fulfills the longing of the heart and crowns a life of grace.

Reference: CCC 1023–1028; 1 Cor 13:12

The Catholic Canon includes 73 books: 46 in the Old Testament (including the deuterocanonical books) and 27 in the New Testament. The Council of Trent solemnly defined this canon.

Reference: CCC 120; Council of Trent

From the Nicene Creed (homoousios): the Son is “consubstantial with the Father,” affirming full divinity against Arianism.

Reference: Nicene Creed; CCC 242

The depositum fidei includes Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. The Magisterium authentically interprets this deposit for every age.

Reference: CCC 84–95

In the Eucharist, Christ is substantially present through Transubstantiation. It is both sacrifice and sacred banquet, the “source and summit” of Christian life.

Reference: CCC 1322–1419; John 6

Excommunication is meant to awaken conversion and protect the community. It does not remove baptismal character, and reconciliation is always possible.

Reference: CCC 1463; CIC can. 1331

Sanctifying grace dwells in the soul; actual graces help particular acts. Grace elevates nature without destroying it.

Reference: CCC 1996–2005

Defined at Chalcedon (451): Jesus Christ is true God and true man, one Person in two natures “without confusion, change, division, or separation.”

Reference: Council of Chalcedon; CCC 464–469

Indulgences apply the treasury of the Church’s merits. They require proper disposition and prescribed works, and may be partial or plenary.

Reference: CCC 1471–1479

Papal infallibility (defined at Vatican I) applies when the Pope speaks ex cathedra. The college of bishops teaching in union with the Pope can also teach infallibly.

Reference: CCC 888–892; Vatican I

Liturgy is the work of Christ the Priest and of His Body the Church. The Mass is the highest liturgical act.

Reference: CCC 1066–1070

The Magisterium authentically interprets Scripture and Tradition. Catholics owe religious assent even to ordinary magisterial teaching.

Reference: CCC 85–87, 2032–2040

Mortal sin destroys charity in the heart and requires Confession for ordinary reconciliation. Three conditions: grave matter, full knowledge, deliberate consent.

Reference: CCC 1854–1864

Original sin is contracted, not committed. Baptism remits it and restores sanctifying grace, though concupiscence remains.

Reference: CCC 396–409; Rom 5

After consecration, bread and wine become Christ’s Body and Blood while retaining their appearances (accidents).

Reference: CCC 1373–1377

There are seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

Reference: CCC 1113–1134

Defined at Ephesus (431). Because Jesus is one divine Person, Mary is truly Mother of God, not merely mother of His human nature.

Reference: Council of Ephesus; CCC 495

Defined by the Council of Trent. The appearances remain; the substance is wholly changed by the words of consecration.

Reference: CCC 1376; Council of Trent

Venial sins can be remitted by prayer, charity, and the Eucharist, though Confession remains beneficial.

Reference: CCC 1862–1863

Every baptized person is called to holiness. Particular vocations include marriage, priesthood, consecrated life, and dedicated single life.

Reference: CCC 1533, 1877–1889