A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

	Word	Definition as found in Blest Are We
	absolution	Absolution is the forgiveness of God given through the priest in the sacrament of Reconciliation.
	act of contrition	An act of contrition is a prayer that tells God we are sorry for our sins. We make up our minds not to sin again.
	altar	An altar is the table used to celebrate the Sacrifice of the Mass.
	ambo	The ambo is a tall pulpit, or lectern, used to read Scripture during Mass.
	Anointing of the Sick	Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament that brings peace and the forgiveness of Christ to people who are sick or elderly.
	Baptism	In the sacrament of Baptism the Church welcomes us as new members. Baptism takes away original sin and all other sin. The Holy Spirit comes to us in Baptism.
	baptismal font	A baptismal font holds holy water and is used for Baptism.
	Bible	The Bible is the word of God. It tells about the love God has for us. It is also called the Scriptures.
	bless	Bless means to ask for God’s good will toward someone.
	blessing	A blessing is a prayer that praises God. A blessing asks for God’s gifts for others or for ourselves.
	Body of Christ	The Catholic Church is the Body of Christ.
	confession	Confession is telling our sins to a priest in the sacrament of Reconciliation.
	Confirmation	In the sacrament of Confirmation we receive strength to follow Jesus.
	conscience	Our conscience helps us know right from wrong.
	contrition	Contrition means to be sorry and to want to stay away from sin.
	crucifix	The crucifix is a cross that bears the figure of Jesus Christ.
	Easter candle	The Easter candle is lit at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. It reminds us that Jesus is the Light of the World.
	Eucharist	The sacrament of Eucharist is a sacrifice and a special meal of thanks. In the Eucharist, God gives us the Body and Blood of Christ.
	free choice	Free choice is the freedom God gives us to choose between right and wrong.
	Gospel	The word Gospel means "good news". The four Gospels are books in the Bible that tell the good news of Jesus’ life and teachings.
	grace	The gift of God’s grace helps us stay away from sin. Grace is God’s loving presence in our lives.
	Great Commandment	The Great Commandment is "You must love God with all your heart, all your thoughts, and all your strength. Love your neighbor as yourself.
	hallowed	Hallowed is another word for "holy".
	heaven	Heaven is happiness with God forever.
	holy	To be holy means to be like God. Holy people act like Jesus.
	Holy Communion	We receive the Body and Blood of Christ in Holy Communion.
	Holy Orders	Holy Orders is a sacrament of service. God calls some men to serve the Church as deacons, priests, and bishops.
	homily	A homily is a talk given by a priest or deacon. It explains the Bible readings we have heard at Mass.
	justice	Justice means treating people as they deserve to be treated.
	Liturgy of the Eucharist	The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins as we prepare to share a special meal with Jesus.
	Liturgy of the Word	The Liturgy of the Word is the part of Mass when we listen to readings from the Bible.
	Matrimony	Matrimony is a sacrament of service. God calls husbands and wives to love one another and form a Christian family.
	mortal sin	A mortal sin is a serious sin that separates us from our friendship with God.
	New Commandment	The New Commandment is "Love one another as I have loved you."
	Nicene Creed	Catholics tell what they believe when they pray the Nicene Creed at Mass. The creed tells about God’s love for us and about how Jesus saved us.
	original sin	Original sin is the sin of the first people on the earth. Because we are born with original sin, it is harder for us to do what is right.
	peace	Peace is not fighting. It means getting along with others.
	penance	A penance is a prayer or kind act to make up for doing wrong.
	praise	Praise is a joyful type of prayer. It celebrates God’s goodness.
	prayer	Prayer is talking to and listening to God.
	Prayer of the Faithful	The Prayer of the Faithful is the last part of the Liturgy of the Word at mass. During this prayer we pray for ourselves and for people everywhere.
	presider’s chair	The priest who presides at, or celebrates, the Mass sits in the presider’s chair at certain times during the Mass.
	Reconciliation	Reconciliation is a sacrament of healing that celebrates God’s love and forgiveness.
	Resurrection	Resurrection is Jesus’ being raised from the dead to new life.
	sacrament	A sacrament is a special celebration of the Church. The sacraments are signs that God is here with us now.
	sacraments of initiation	There are three sacraments of initiation. In Baptism we become members of the Church. In Confirmation we receive strength to follow Jesus. In Eucharist we share a special meal with Jesus.
	sacrifice	A sacrifice is a special gift that is given out of love.
	saint	A saint is a person who shows great love for other people and for God.
	sanctuary lamp	A lighted candle in the sanctuary lamp shows that the Blessed Sacrament is present in the tabernacle.
	Savior	A Savior is someone who rescues others from danger. Jesus is our Savior. He saves us from sin and death.
	Scripture	The Bible is also called Scripture. Scripture means "Holy Writings".
	service	Service means doing work that helps others.
	sin	We sin when we choose to hurt others and turn away from God.
	Son of God	Son of God is a special title for Jesus. Jesus is human, like us. Jesus is also God’s Son.
	spiritual gifts	The spiritual gifts help us follow Jesus. Some of these gifts are knowledge, wisdom, healing, and faith.
	tabernacle	The tabernacle is a special place in church where the Blessed Sacrament is kept.
	temptation	A temptation is a feeling of wanting to do something that is wrong.
	Ten Commandments	The Ten Commandments are God’s laws. They teach us how to love God, others, and ourselves.
	trespasses	Trespasses are sins or wrongs we do on purpose. Trespasses separate us from God and other people.
	venial sin	A venial sin is a less serious sin than a mortal sin. It weakens our friendship with God, but it does not take it away.
	vocation	A vocation is God’s call to us to live our lives in a special way.
	word of God	The word of God is another name for the Bible.
	works of mercy	The works of mercy tell how Jesus wants us to help others.