Glossary

APOSTOLATE/MISSION
The word 'apostolate' comes from the word 'apostle', i.e. one sent by Jesus Christ to proclaim the Gospel by word and deed. 'Apostolate' refers to the particular activity undertaken for this purpose by an individual or community.

BLESSED SACRAMENT
The bread that becomes the Body of Christ during the celebration of the Eucharist and is reserved for worship, adoration and ministry to the sick.

CHAPLAIN
A person designated to minister to the sick and housebound or to those in schools, hospitals, prisons, etc.

CHARISM
A spiritual gift given for the good of the Church to an individual or group of people, especially in a religious community.

COMMITMENT
A pledge or promise, usually of a specified time period, given by an individual to follow a particular way of life, based on the Gospels.

COMMUNITY
A group of people who lead a common life and have common interests. In a religious context, it involves following a definite Gospel way of life together.

CONSTITUTIONS
A set of principles which define and regulate a Religious way of life for a group or community.

CONTEMPLATIVE
Refers to prayer usually in a monastic setting. It also refers to a person who is dedicated in this form of religious life.

CONVENT
The residence or home where the members of a Religious community of Sisters live.

CORPORATE COMMITMENT
Refers to a decision taken by a group to undertake together a particular or specific project for the good of others.

COUNCIL
A Council, in the context of Religious life, refers to the members of the Leadership group: they are responsible for the welfare of the members and the administration of the goods belonging to the Institute.

DISCERNMENT
Prayerful reflection and discussion before taking a major decision.

DIVINE OFFICE
This is often referred to as the 'Prayer of the Church'. It consists mainly of Psalms and Canticles, and is recited at particular times during the day.

EARLY CHRISTIANS
The first followers of Jesus who assembled as a group after the Resurrection. They met regularly for prayer and the celebration of the Eucharist. They shared their possessions and ensured that nobody was in need. They are regarded as the first members of the Christian Church.

EVANGELICAL COUNSELS
The word 'evangelical' refers to the Gospel. These counsels are put before all followers of Christ, but people in Religious life pledge themselves by vow to live three of these counsels - poverty, chastity and obedience - in a radical way.

EVANGELISATION
Spreading the Good News of the Gospel which is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ.

FINAL PROFESSION
This refers to the solemn ceremony when a person in Religious life, after a period of preparation, makes for life the three vows of obedience, chastity and poverty.

FORMATION
A period of time set aside for candidates in preparation for Religious Life. During this time candidates learn more about the way of life they hope to follow.

GENERAL COUNCIL
Refers to the Leadership group of the Association of the Holy Family. The members of this group live in Rome.

GENERAL COUNCILLOR
A member of the General Council, with responsibility for a specific geographical area where the Association of the Holy Family is present.

GOD ALONE
This refers to an essential element in the spirituality of The Holy Family. It was characteristic of the Holy Family of Nazareth who loved, sought and desired God Alone in all things.

HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH
Refers to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph who lived an ordinary life at Nazareth.

LITURGY
Formal rituals and procedures for services and prayers. The word is strictly applied with reference to the celebration of the Eucharist.

MINISTRY
Gospel-inspired activity (generally referring to an individual rather than a group), with an emphasis on the attitude and approach brought to it.

MONSTRANCE
A display holder for the Bread that has become the Body of Christ during the Eucharist.

NOVITIATE
A special period of preparation before a candidate is formally admitted to Religious Life.

PASCHAL MYSTERY
The Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ.

PROVIDENCE
God's goodness and benevolent care of all people.

RULE
An inspiring document that reflects the attitude and way of life to which members of a religious community aspire.

SPIRITUALITY
A specific way of living some particular aspect of the Gospel.

VATICAN II
A General Council of the Church inaugurated by Pope John XXIII in 1962 to deal with Church affairs.

VOCATION/CALL
In a religious context this refers to a call to follow Christ in Religious Life.