Parables · in simple terms are stories used to illustrate some point or teach some moral. They are not quite analogies, but stories adjacent (as in ‘put beside’, the etymology of the word from parabolē / παραβολή). Jesus, a master storyteller in His own right, used a lot (only, if you read Matthew 13:34 and Mark 4:33–34) of parables in His teaching

Parish · is a community of the faithful within a diocese, generally delineated as its geographical portions. The pastoral (and sacramental) care of each parish is entrusted to a pastor. Usually, parishes are grouped together into regions (known as deaneries) with one of the pastors (nominated as the dean) in charge of care for the ministers in the deanery and coordination of mutual endeavours.

Partnerships (non-nuptial) · are not condemned by the Church outright; however, there are moral guides and norms that the Church proposes for the good of the individuals, peace in society, and out of respect for marriage. They are not recognised as being as perfect (complete) as marriage, though often a stage in the journey to marriage. Unless they stand in direct protest to marriage, they may well have many shared goods. As soon as children are involved as the fruit of a partnership, there is a strong inclination on the part of the Church to encourage the formation of a family by marriage.

Paschal · to do with easter; from the Greek for Passover. E.g. ‘the paschal lamb’ or ‘paschal candle’.

Passover · the Jewish feast of freedom from slavery, involving a sacrificed lamb and ritual meal; the story continued on calvary and at every Mass.

Pastor · from the Latin for ‘shepherd’ is a minister entrusted with serving a portion of the faithful (their ‘flock’). It is also the specific role of the presbyter-in-charge (or charged with) a parish; the term ‘Parish Priest’ is often used in Australia. 

Pelagianism · is the heresy that we can achieve perfection and/or salvation by ourselves (without God/grace). It was developed by Pelagius (5th c.).

Penance (virtue/practice) · includes the true sorrow or even hatred for sin. It is also some act that brings reasonable suffering (but not harm!) for holiness, reconciliation, or asceticism (training). Noone should take on a heavy or harsh penance without explicit approval from a spiritual director.

Penance (sacrament) · aka ‘Reconciliation’ or ‘Confession’; see their respective glossary entries.

Pentateuch · is the Greek term for the first five books of the Old Testament. These same texts are known as the Hebrew Torah – the Law of the Jews.

Pentecost · literally ‘fifty days’ is a feast in the Jewish faith that comes fifty days after Passover. It has been celebrated by the early Church since they were a sect of the Jewish religion. The first Christian Pentecost was the day the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles (Acts 2). For this reason it is celebrated as the ‘birthday of the Church’.

Pentecostal · is a style of Christianity founded on ‘baptism in the Spirit’ (re-awakening of the Spirit) and a focus on charism (gifts of the Spirit). This approach is typically characterised by expressive worship and spiritual gifts. There are Pentecostals who legitimately operate in the Catholic Church.

Philosophy · is literally the love (philein/eo; φίλος) of wisdom (sophia; σοφία). It is a study of the theory of knowledge and exploration of the reason for things. There are two branches: natural (aka ‘speculative’) philosophy — that which seeks to understand the natural world in as much as it is perceivable and knowable to us; and moral philosophy (aka ‘ethics’ or ‘practical philosophy’) — that which pertains to the voluntary actions of us sentients. Logic is either considered universal in philosophy or as its own (third) branch.

     In ancient Greek thought and through the liberal arts tradition, philosophy is held as a parent discipline. The current PhD system (Doctor of Philosophy — even when the thesis has little or seemingly nothing to do with any of these branches of philosophy) is a remnant of this.

Pilgrimages · (probably from some French words to do with wandering) predate Christianity. For much of known humanity, people have journeyed to sacred site or followed routs that themselves hold some spiritual significance. Though God is everywhere, theophanies are often localised; so, to engage with them one must be present there. The most famous Christian pilgrimage is to the Holy Land. These days, most seminal is the pilgrimage network of tracks to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela (St James) in Spain (‘the Camino’).

Pope · a traditional title and style for the bishop of Rome; from the Latin papa (father). Any baptised man can technically become Pope, though must be ordained bishop if not already. However, in the current system of selection (through the college of eligible cardinals) it is usually a well-established Cardinal who has been a deacon, priest, and bishop for some years.

Poverty [evangelical counsel] · is not only a lack of money but a detachment from possessions (induced when altogether lacking). Most religious vow poverty, sharing possessions and relying on the generosity of others; this means they do not hold anything personally and typically live simply as/with the poor.

     Secular (diocesan) presbyters do not take a vow of poverty but are encouraged to adopt the counsel. 

Practice of the Presence of God (The) [Book] · was written by a Brother Lawrence. It has been instrumental in numerous faith journeys and comes strongly recommended by Pope Leo XIV.

Prayer · is connexion with God. This may be through a mere glance to or thought of heaven, through saying some words, or through meditation or contemplation — listening to the conversation of the Trinity about its love for you. Or, it may be the crying out of one in need. The shortest prayer in the bible is “Lord, save me” (Matt 14:30c). Prayer is broadly considered under 3 categories: Praise, petition, and thanksgiving. Prayer may be according to prescribed text or as a free-flowing colloquy. The Mass is the highest form of prayer.

Preaching · as distinct from homiletics is the public proclamation of the truth about God. This is not to say preaching is speaking only of God; theologians like Karl Barth speak of preaching with the bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other (metaphorically, of course). (I extend this further to say one might hold together scripture, our literary tradition, the newspaper / news reel, and the popular expression of philosophy — as in music etc.) Usually, preaching will comment on some prayer of scripture (in a kind of exegesis) and then explain or exhort how this truth could be lived.

     The office of preaching at Mass is entrusted to bishops, licenced to priests, and permitted for deacons. Authorised lay people can preach liturgically outside of Mass in the Divine Office. And many preach at prayer gatherings, formations sessions, and in classrooms.

Precepts of the Church · are a set of rules outlined by the Church to guide Catholics in living out their faith. While there is no claim that they are of divine origin (Moses did not descend from the mountain with them written in stone), they should be respected. They are: 1. To attend Mass on Sundays and any other holy days of obligation; 2. To go to confession at least once a year; 3. To receive the Eucharist at least during the Easter season; 4. To observe the prescribed fasting and abstinence; and 5. To help to provide for the needs of the Church. They each arose in response to some error or confusion. For example, the precept to receive communion during the Easter season counteracts people misguidedly refraining from Holy Communion for extended period out of an unhealthy sense of unworthiness; the precept on confession serves this; and the fasting precept simply reminds the faithful that these are to be taken seriously by all (able).

Presbyter · an ordained collaborator in the work of the bishop. Literally, the term comes from the Greek for ‘elder’ and was originally a term for bishops. In colloquial terms, people refer to them as priests.

Priest · offers sacrifice and praise on behalf of the people. One of the marks of the Christian faith is that all baptised become priests in a way; that is, they have the right and capacity to pray. Nevertheless, presbyters and bishops are empowered with a specialisation of the priesthood to affect the sacraments entrusted to them. 

Private Revelation · is, as the name suggests, not a public matter. Before any message from a saint, angle, or any divine being can become a public message, it must receive formal approval. However, the Church offers a certain respect and benefit of the doubt to people who have private revelations. Aside from reasonable safeguards, it is generous in presuming legitimacy for all revelations perceived and received.

Prophecy · is (inspired) speaking of the truth and interpretation of times — past, present, or predicted.

Psalms · are ancient biblical poems. Many are (with little historic evidence but significant spiritual meaning) attributed to King David. They are among the oldest biblical texts and are designed to be sung/chanted.

Purgatory · is the place or condition of purification on the way to heaven. In this state/stage, the soul is freed from the effects of sin (inc. temporal punishment). The need or proof of purgatory is the understanding that many die with some minor faults; while not fit in that moment for heaven, they are destined for it. Those of us on earth can help those in purgatory by our prayers.