Joining the Catholic Church in Nashville, Tennessee. RCIA

Anointing of the Sick (Sacrament of) - A true sacrament instituted by Christ and proclaimed by St. James. It is administered by anointing with blessed oil accompanied by prayer. Only a priest can validly administer it. It can be received by any baptized person who has reached the age of reason and is on account of sickness or age in danger of death. Its effect is the strengthening of the soul, often of the body as well, and in the necessary conditions remission of sins. (Ref: Catholic.org)

Baptism (Sacrament of) - A sacrament marked by the symbolic application of water to the head in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, resulting in admission of the recipient into the community of Christians. (Ref: Answers.com)
Holy Baptism holds the first place among the seven Catholic sacraments, because it is the door of the spiritual life; for by it we are made members of Christ and incorporated with the Church. Baptism is the wiping away of old sins, including original sin, and a rebirth of the person being baptized into a new life in Christ.
(Ref: The Catholic Encyclopedia, newadvent.org) The Catholic church acknowledges baptisms done with water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If you were Baptized in the name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit in another Christian based church your baptism will be accepted when entering into the Catholic faith.

Bishop - The title of an ecclesiastical dignitary who possesses the fullness of the priesthood to rule a diocese as its chief pastor, in due submission to the primacy of the pope. In short, Bishops are modern day Apostles of Christ.
(Ref: The Catholic Encyclopedia, newadvent.org)
As the Cathedral is in the Diocese of Nashville our current Bishop is Bishop David Choby.

Candidate - A person already baptized in another Christian faith that wishes to become a member of the Catholic family. The Catholic church acknowledges baptisms done with water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Catechesis - The instruction and spiritual formation of the catechumens, neophytes and candidates. (Ref: www.ecatholic2000.com)

Catechism - The Catholic Catechism is a major volume on the teachings of the Catholic Church. The entire Catechism is available online through the official website of the Holy See.

Catechumen - An un-baptized person that wishes to become a member of the Catholic family. At the beginning of RCIA all those that are attending that are not already Catholic are called Inquirers. This lasts for several weeks until the first of several rites, the first being the Rite of Welcome. After the Rite of Welcome those un-baptized persons that wish to continue with RCIA are called Catechumens.
A catechumen is one receiving instruction in the principles of the Catholic religion with a view to baptism.

Catechumenate - The process by which the Catholic church brings unbaptized children and adults to Christian initiation. Also, the period of time during which an unbaptized person prepares for Christian initiation. (Ref: www.ecatholic2000.com)

Cathedral - A central church of a diocese, home of the Bishop's seat, or the location from which the Bishop administers his leadership of the Diocese. The Cathedral of the Incarnation presides as the central church for the Diocese of Nashville.

Chrism - A combination of oil and sweet balsam or perfume that is mixed and consecrated by the bishop and used to anoint newly baptized people and newly ordained priests and bishops.Chrism is also used in the consecration of churches and altars.
(Ref: www.ecatholic2000.com)

Chrism Mass - Celebrated annually, normally on Holy Thursday, this Mass is held at the Cathedral of a diocese with the bishop, priests and congregation present. The Chrism Mass is a public expression of the unity of the diocese, the unity between the priests and their bishop, and to celebrate the institution of the priesthood and service. The Chrism Mass also includes the blessing of oils and consecrating of Chrism(oil) for all of the churches of the diocese. The oils and Chrism blessed and consecrated at the Chrism Mass will be used in rites and rituals by all the churches in the diocese for the coming year.
Of special interest to Candidates and Catechumens is that during your confirmation you will be marked on the forehead with Chrism by the Bishop, which is the physical act connected with being sealed by the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Confession - See Reconciliation.

Confirmation (Sacrament of) - Confirmation is a true sacrament instituted by Christ and different from baptism. It is administered by laying-on of hands and anointing with chrism oil accompanied by prayer. The chrism oil is blessed by the bishop and the bishop administers the sacrament. All baptized persons can and should be confirmed. The effect of the sacrament of confirmation is to give strength in faith and for the confession of faith and to impress an indelible character. (Ref: Catholic.org)

Cradle Catholic - A person born into the Catholic faith, commonly baptized as an infant.

Diocese - An administrative territorial unit administrated by a Bishop. The Cathedral of the Incarnation is the central church of the Diocese of Nashville under the direction of Bishop David Choby.

Deacon - The deaconate is one of the three ordained offices in the Roman Catholic church. The other two offices are those of Priest and of Bishop. (Ref: Answers.com)
A Deacon can preside over weddings and funerals, assist with mass, read the Holy Gospel during Mass, and give the Homily during Mass. Deacons are not however, Priests. At its heart the role of a Deacon is one of service to the members of the Catholic Church. Currently the Cathedral has four Deacons; Deacon Mark Faulkner, Deacon Thales Finchum, Deacon Jim McKenzie, and Deacon John Krenson.

Dogma - In Roman Catholicism, a dogmatic definition is an infallible statement published by a pope or an ecumenical council concerning a matter of faith or morals, the belief in which the Roman Catholic Church requires of all Christians.

Easter - Major festival of the Christian church year, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus on the third day after his crucifixion. In Western churches it falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25, depending on the date of the first full moon after the spring equinox. This time span was fixed after the Council of Nicaea (AD 325). In the Eastern Orthodox calendar, which uses a different calculation, it often falls later. A joyful festival and a time of redemption, Easter brings an end to the long period of penance that constitutes Lent. The word is sometimes said to have been derived from Eostre, a Germanic goddess of spring, but other origins of the term more closely associated with Christian traditions have been proposed. Easter has acquired a number of religious and popular customs. The Easter worship service is one of the high points of the Christian calendar, and since the late 2nd century Easter has also been a time for baptism. The painting of eggs and tales of a rabbit who decorates and hides eggs are among the folk customs associated with the holiday. (Ref. Britannica.com)

Easter Vigil - The Easter Vigil is the first official celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus in a given year. Historically, it is during this service that people (especially adults) are baptized and that adult catechumens and candidates are received into full communion with the Church. It is held in the hours of darkness between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter Day – most commonly in the evening of Holy Saturday – but is considered to be the first celebration of Easter Day since, in Church (and Jewish) reckoning, days begin at sunset the night before. The Easter Vigil is the most important Mass of the liturgical year as well as the first celebration of the Eucharist during the fifty-day long celebration of Easter. (Ref. Wikipedia.org)

Eucharist (Sacrament of) - Holy Mass is a real sacrifice, instituted by Christ at the Last Supper. It represents Christ's sacrifice on the Cross, but in an unbloody manner. Priest and victim are both Christ, who offers himself through the priest. The laity also offers the sacrifice, but does not have the power to transubstantiate. The Eucharistic sacrifice is offered to God in praise, thanksgiving, petition and atonement, for the living and the dead.
(Ref: catholic.org) Catholics believe in the true presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

Genuflection/ Genuflect - Genuflection is an act of reverence consisting of falling onto (usually) one knee. The faithful who pass before the presence of the Blessed Sacrament (generally reserved in the tabernacle) are expected to genuflect on the right knee as a sign of devotion. If the Eucharist is exposed in a monstrance or a ciborium is placed on an altar for a service of devotion, one may genuflect on both knees (called a "double genuflection"). Genuflection may occur at other times as well, for example when the Blessed Sacrament is being moved (e.g., from one tabernacle to another), or at certain points in the liturgy (e.g., at the words "and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man" in recitation of the Nicene Creed). (Ref: Answers.com)

Good Friday - The anniversary of Jesus' death on the cross. According to the Gospels, Jesus was put to death on the Friday before Easter Day. Since the early church Good Friday has been observed by fasting and penance. (ref. Answers.com)

Holy Orders (Sacrament of) - A true sacrament instituted by Christ who ordained the Apostles at the Last Supper. It is administered by the laying on of hands and the key phrases of the ordination preface. Only a Bishop can validly ordain. Order is a purely ecclesiastical concern. The effect of the sacrament of order is to impart the Holy Spirit and to impress an indelible character, which permanently distinguishes those in orders from the laity. (Ref: Catholic.org)

Holy Day(s) - Feast Days, or Holy Days, are days which are celebrated in commemoration of the sacred mysteries and events recorded in the history of our redemption, in memory of the Virgin Mother of Christ, or of His apostles, martyrs, and saints, by special services and rest from work. A feast not only commemorates an event or person, but also serves to excite the spiritual life by reminding us of the event it commemorates. (ref. newadvent.org)

Holy Day of Obligation - Catholics are obligated to assist with Mass each Sunday as well as several Holy Days of Obligation throughout the year. In the United States the Holy Days of Obligation have been decreed by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Those days are:
• January 1, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
• Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter, the solemnity of the Ascension
• August 15, the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• November 1, the solemnity of All Saints
• December 8, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
• December 25, the solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Whenever January 1, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, or August 15, the solemnity of the Assumption, or November 1, the solemnity of All Saints, falls on a Saturday or on a Monday, the precept to attend Mass is abrogated. (ref. wf-f.org)

Holy See - The authority, jurisdiction, and governmental functions associated with the papacy. The see of the bishop of Rome. (Ref: Answers.com)

Holy Trinity - Catholics, and most Christians, believe that God is one in three persons; God the Father, God the Son; and God the Holy Spirit. Furthermore the Catholic faith teaches that it has always been such, Christ wasn't created when he came to earth, he has always existed as part of the Holy Trinity.

Homily - The Homily is part of the Liturgy and is strongly recommended, for it is necessary for the nurturing of the Christian life. It should be an exposition of some aspect of the readings from Sacred Scripture or of another text from the Ordinary or from the Proper of the Mass of the day and should take into account both the mystery being celebrated and the particular needs of the listeners. (Ref: Answers.com)
The homily is normally given by the main celebrant of the mass, the Priest, but can also be given by on ordained Deacon or visiting Priest or Deacon. The homily has similarities to a sermon.

Imprimatur - An Imprimatur is an official declaration from the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church that a literary or similar work is free from error in matters of Roman Catholic doctrine and morals, and hence acceptable reading for faithful Roman Catholics. (Ref: Answers.com) When searching for reading material concerning the Catholic church and its beliefs it is important to note if the book, article, pamphlet, etc, has the Nihil Obstat and/ or Imprimatur to insure that the information is correct, is free from error in matters of the church's doctrine and morals, and, contains nothing offensive to the Church. Literature that lacks the Nihil Obstat or Imprimatur and yet pertains to the Catholic church and faith, may include errors and untruths about the Church, even if written by a Catholic. When in doubt, stick to the Catholic authors whose books almost always contain the Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur, such as Scott Hahn or Patrick Madrid.

Inquirer - A person attending RCIA with an interest in the Catholic faith, be it one interested in learning more about the faith, or one interested in joining the Catholic Church. All persons who come to RCIA are initially considered Inquirers. After the Rite of Welcome Inquirers are given a title of either Candidate or Catechumen.

Lent - The period of preparation for Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday. The 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday until Easter. A period of fasting and penitence leading up to Easter, the most important time period on the Liturgical calendar.

Liturgy - A prescribed order of worship in a church, usually used in reference to the Mass. (Ref: Answers.com)

Mass - The Mass is the liturgy of the Eucharist. Mass includes Biblical readings, a homily, music, and the consecration of the Eucharist. The Mass is where the members of the body of Christ congregate to hear the word of God, worship God, and receive Holy Eucharist; the body and blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. Catholics are obligated to attend Mass each Sunday, as well as on Holy days of obligation.

Matrimony/ Marriage (Sacrament of) - The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament. (Ref: Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Monstrance - The vessel used in the Roman Catholic Church to display the consecrated Eucharistic Host, during Eucharistic adoration or Benediction. (Ref: Answers.com)

Mystagogia - A (recommended) one year period following initiation into the Catholic Church wherein new members meet to explore and deepen their understanding of the mysteries of the faith. (Ref: www.archdiocesesantafe.org)

Nicene Creed - Written and revised in the fourth century AD to summarize Christian faith. This is the most widely used creed in Christianity. It emphasizes the fact that Jesus is God and Man, and that he died for out Salvation.

Nihil Obstat - The phrase used by the official censor of the Roman Catholic Church to say that a publication has been examined and contains nothing offensive to the Church.
When searching for reading material concerning the Catholic church and its beliefs it is important to note if the book, article, pamphlet, etc, has the Nihil Obstat and/ or Imprimatur to insure that the information is correct, is free from error in matters of the church's doctrine and morals, and, contains nothing offensive to the Church. Literature that lacks the Nihil Obstat or Imprimatur and yet pertains to the Catholic church and faith, may include errors and untruths about the Church, even if written by a Catholic. When in doubt, stick to the Catholic authors whose books almost always contain the Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur, such as Scott Hahn or Patrick Madrid.

Palm Sunday - Palm Sunday is a moveable feast in the church calendar observed by Catholic, Orthodox, and some Protestant Christians. It is the Sunday before Easter, and a celebration of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem in the days before his execution.
(Ref: wikipedia.org)

Parish - A local church community.

Penance - See Reconciliation (Sacrament of)

Penitential Rite - Cooming Soon.

Pope - Christ's vicar on earth and the head Priest of the Catholic Church. Our current Pope is his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, Joseph Ratzinger.

Priest/ Father - The ordained church leader who serves a congregation of believers is called a priest. The priests administer the sacraments, preach, and care for the needs of their congregations. (Ref: Answers.com) At the Cathedral of the Incarnation our Priests are Father Patrick Kibby & Father Michael O'Bryan.

RCIA - The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. The Catholic church began using RCIA as a tool for administering to those inquiring into the Catholic faith about thirty years ago.

RCIA Sponsor - A companion, guide, and support for a Candidate or Catechumen attending RCIA. Each Candidate and Catechumen is assigned a sponsor about four to five weeks after RCIA begins. A sponsor is a practicing Catholic dedicated to assisting a Candidate or Catechumen on their Faith Journey.

Reconciliation (Sacrament of) - As with all the Sacraments, its primary purpose and effect is the bestowal of God's Grace, Sanctifying Grace and Sacramental Grace. It's secondary purpose is the forgiveness and absolution of sins. (Ref: Catholic-Pages.com) Also referred to as Confession or Penance. The Catholic church teaches that priests have the power to forgive sins in the name of Jesus Christ, and that Catholics do well to partake in this sacrament as often as possible. Reconciliation is done in a very private manner, one on one with a Priest. There is the option for you to be anonymous, or you may speak with the priest face to face. It is against a Priest's office to tell anyone, anything you may tell him during the Sacrament of Reconciliation/ Penance.

Rectory - The title given to the building inhabited by a priest or vicar, normally on church grounds. The Rectory at the Cathedral is the building located directly to the East of the Sanctuary and is currently home to Father O'Brian, Father Kibby, and the mascot of The Cathedral, Father Kibby's dog COTI. (Which stands for Cathedral Of The Incarnation.)

Rite of Acceptance/ Welcome - Cooming Soon.

Rite of Election - Cooming Soon.

Rite of Sending - Cooming Soon.

Rosary - Cooming Soon.

Sacramentals - Cooming Soon.

Sacraments - Outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Christ for our sanctification. The seven sacraments of the Catholic faith are; Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation/ Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.
When joining the Catholic church a candidate will partake in two of these sacaraments; Confirmation and Eucharist. A Catechumen will partake in three, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is an ongoing Sacrament that should be taken part in often. Anointing of the Sick, formally called Last Rites, is administered by a Priest at the request of an ill person or their family. Please see the definitions for Holy Orders and Matrimony within this Glossary.

Saint/ Saints - A person deemed holy or virtuous by way of their unrelenting dedication
to God. Formally canonized Saints are those that the Church exalts for their virtue
allowing for veneration and prayers of intercession to that Saint. In the early days of
the church Saints were chosen by popular acclaim, today however there is a stringent and
lengthy process for canonization. The term Saint may also be applied to a virtuous or Saintly person. The Catholic faith also gives this title to anyone whom they believe to be in Heaven. Also, in the New Testament followers of Christ referred to themselves as Saints, something all Christians aspire to become.
It is common practice for those entering into the Catholic faith to choose a Saint that they wish to emulate, or one whose virtue they appreciate. During confirmation the Bishop will refer to you by your Saint's name, this is not a requirement however.

Scrutiny - Cooming Soon.

Second Vatican Council - (1962–65) 21st ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic church, announced by Pope John XXIII. It has come to symbolize the church's readiness to acknowledge the circumstances of the modern world. (Ref: Answers.com)
While the Second Vatican Council did not change any doctrine of the Catholic Faith it did set in action changes to be made in the way things are done within the church. The use of laypersons to aid in administering Holy Eucharist was one of the many changes brought about by SV2
Read the documents of SV2 at EWTN.com

Sign of the Cross - A ritual gesture made at the beginning and end of prayer as a reminder of Jesus' death on the cross. Worshipers make the sign by touching first the forehead, then the breast, and then each shoulder in turn, thus tracing in the air the shape of a cross. (Ref: Answers.com) It is also common practice to cross yourself at the beginning and end of mass when the Priest says, "The Lord Be With You."

Tabernacle - From the word tabernaculum, meaning "tent or hut," this is the place in church where the Blessed Sacrament is kept. Typically a small chamber with a door, it is designed specifically to honor the Blessed Sacrament and encourage our prayer and private devotion. A candle or sanctuary lamp burning before the tabernacle has traditionally told Catholics of the presence of the consecrated bread, the Body of Christ. (Ref: DisciplesNow.com) At the Cathedral the Tabernacle is located to the left when facing the alter.
To show honor and glory to God and his true presence within the Church Catholics genuflect when passing the Tabernacle.

Transubstantiation - The transformation of the bread and wine hosts of communion into the body and blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. The fact of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist is the central dogma of the Catholic faith. Catholics believe that Jesus Christ is truly present in the Eucharist and that the bread and wine become the blood and body of Christ at each mass. Through transubstantiation we gain the gift to be as close to God as possible while on earth by means of taking Christ into our body, in effect, so that he can make us more Christ-like.

Vatican - The Holy See, the governing body of the Roman Catholic Church and the Vatican City, consisting of the Pope and the Roman Curia. (Ref: Answers.com)
The Vatican is a sovereign state and the smallest country in the world.

Virgin Mary - Mary the Mother of God. Mary was born without sin, what is referred to as the Immaculate Conception, to become the vessel through which God entered the world as flesh. Mary IS NOT worshiped but rather honored for her unique sinless nature throughout her entire life, and for the fact that she is the earthly mother of our Savior Jesus Christ, and therefore the Mother of the Catholic Church and Christianity.