Catholicism/Glossary

Glossary
Terms · Phrases · Abbreviations

Terms

Numerical

• 7 Deadly sins

• 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit

• 7 Sacraments

• 8 Beatitudes

• 10 Commandments

Sacred Spaces

• Basilica

• Cemetery

• Church

• Pilgrimage site

• Scriptorium

• Shrine

Items in a Catholic Church

• 
  Alcove - a small space in a room, formed by one part of a wall being farther back than the parts on each side
• 
  Aspersory - a brush or small perforated container with a handle that is used for sprinkling holy water in a liturgical service
• 
  Baptismal font - tub which serves as a receptacle for baptismal water used for baptism
• 
  Ciborium - a goblet-shaped vessel for holding eucharistic bread
• 
  Cruet - a small container for the wine or water to be used in the celebration of the Eucharist
• 
  Genuflection - lower one's body briefly by bending one knee to the ground, typically in worship or as a sign of respect
• 
  Monstrance - an open or transparent receptacle in which the consecrated Host is exposed for veneration
• 
  Orans - outstretched arms and palms up in a gesture of prayer
• 
  Palm branch - a symbol of the victory of the faithful over the enemies of the soul
• 
  Pew (with Kneeler) - a long bench with a back, placed in rows in the main part of some churches to seat the laity
• 
  Procession - a number of people or vehicles moving forward in an orderly fashion, especially as part of a ceremony
• 
  Sacristy - A room in a church where sacred vessels, books, vestments, etc. are kept. Sometimes also used by clergy to prepare for worship or for meetings
• 
  Stained glass - colored glass used to form decorative or pictorialdesigns, notably for church windows, both by painting and especially by setting contrasting pieces in a lead framework like a mosaic
• 
  Stations of the Cross - a series of fourteen pictures or carvings representing successive incidents during Jesus' progress from his condemnation by Pilate to his crucifixion and burial, before which devotions are performed in many churches
• 
  Tabernacle - a fixed, locked box in which the Eucharist is stored
• 
  Thurible - a metal censer suspended from chains, in which incense is burned during worship services
• 
  Vatican City Flag

Terms of Opposition

• Apostate

• Concupiscence

• Heretic

Phrases

• Deo gratias

• Mea culpa

• Quis ut Deus?

Abbreviations

• USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)