A is for
Alpha (Α, α) and omega (Ω, ω) · are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. They are used as a title of Christ or God in general throughout the Book of Revelation (c.f. Rev 1:8; 21:6; 22:13), considered the beginning and end of all creation. This pair of letters is used as a symbol in Churches and are, often combined with other symbols.
Abstinence · typically refers to the practice of refraining from eating red meat as a kind of penitential practice. It can also apply to voluntarily forging sweets or something else desirable. In current Church practice, abstinence (from red meat) is prescribed for Catholics 14–65 years of age on Ash Wednesday and Fridays of Lent; beyond this can be a commendably voluntary discipline.
Of course, such practices must be with reason and good judgment. It can also be dispensed with by taking up an alternative discipline (e.g. An act of mercy). So, for example, you may be invited to dinner at a friend’s house on a Friday in Lent and they serve meat. It would seem most reasonable to accept their generosity and hospitality in goodwill and think of some alternative penitential practice.
Abortion · (that is the elective medical termination of a pregnancy) is considered at odds with Church teaching on dignity of life and the nature of matrimony (where applicable). As such, it can never be morally excised in the first instance. Those who, knowing this, and with the intent of acting directly against God’s charity, procured or assist with an abortion place themselves outside the Church communion; the Church, willing healing and reconciliation, extends mercy to all who return.
Abortions often happen in complex situations and many Church organisations are set up to support mothers and families to choose life. NB: Treatment of ectopic pregnancies and the like are not considered abortion.
Abuse (individual) · is always wrong. Everyone has a right to be and to feel safe. If you are concerned for your own immediate safety or the safety of someone else, contact the police. If you have concerns for historic or ongoing abuse, you can also contact the local or Diocesan safeguarding representatives (contacts to the left).
Abuse (institutional response) · has been handled outrageously by Church leaders in the past, along with many other organisations trusted with the care of the young. I, as a Christian and as a pastor, am committed to good and proper responses to allegations or suspicions of abuse. If for any reason, concerns were raised against me, for example, I am committed to readily participate in all inquiry and investigation in the pursuit of true justice. The same is expected of all ministers.
The Church and all persons who carry out work in her name are bound to promote and maintain safe environments for children and adults at risk; we are also committed to reporting suspected abuse and walking with survivors. We cannot promise a Church or world without abuse, but we can promise one that will respond to it. In fact, we are now considered world-leaders in safeguarding, responses, and reconciliation.
Acolyte · One designated to minister to the priest at the altar. In the Latin (Roman) Church, this subsumes the role of the subdeacon. The altar servers which we see in liturgies are essentially non-instituted junior acolytes.
Active Participation · rightly “fully conscious, and active [liturgical] participation” (plena et actuosa participatio) is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium #14). The phrase is often deployed by people of liturgical fascination who wish to see more dynamic engagement in liturgy. In context, it refers to the proper engagement with the “spirit and power of the liturgy” (Ibid.). This responsibility rest first and foremost with the priest presider, and takes into account the full mystical nature of liturgy.
Ad orientem (Latin ‘to the east’) · While at the altar, the presider may join the rest of the faithful in facing the altar (reminiscent of the Passover practices, a sign of hope, and symbolic of the mission of the Son to the Father); by doing so, the whole people are symbolically and physically oriented to Christ, the rising sun. Ad orientem and Versus populum (Latin ‘towards the people’) are currently authorised, legitimate, and authentic modes of celebrating the modern Roman Rite.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament · also known as ‘Worship of the Eucharist outside of Mass’, is rightly known as a devotional extension of the Mass. Tabernacles originally existed as places of reservation for the Blessed Sacrament that was meant of the sick. But quickly, people began to see the tabernacle as a place of prayer and devotion. It is a gaze of wonder for all that the Father has accomplished by sending His Son (the pascal mystery). It is often used as place for quite prayer, praise, or stillness with God (c.f. Ps 46:10).
Altar · it is a table. Many refer to it as ‘the banquet table of the Lord’ or ‘the table of the Lord’s supper’. However, it is also so much more. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal says: “The altar on which the Sacrifice of the Cross is made present under sacramental signs is also the table of the Lord to which the People of God is called together to participate in the Mass, as well as the centre of the thanksgiving that is accomplished through the Eucharist” (GIRM 296).
Candles are always lit on or near the altar to symbolise Christ’s presence. Only sacred items or decorations are placed on the altar itself. Out of respect, it is customary not to put random or non-sacred items (e.g. pens, microphones, &c.) on the altar.
Of all the furnishings in the Church, the design is supposed to show that the altar is the centre of attention. Everything revolves around the altar; it (not the tabernacle) is the central symbol of Christ. When the priest and ministers enter the sanctuary [the space where the altar is, usually raised], this can be seen in the way they bow to the altar, move around it, and sometimes even use incense to honour it on more solemn celebrations.
Annulment · is the process of declaring a marriage invalid (and thus null and void) At times, couples contract marriage invalidly. This is usually only discovered after some time when the relationship breaks down. The annulment process considers the couple and their vows at the time of the marriage. While evidence can be collected from the time following, the point in question is the capacity and veracity of the consent exchanged.
Marriage “enjoys the favour of the law”. That is to say, marriages are presumed valid until and unless otherwise proven. At the same time, everyone has the right to have the validity of their marriage investigated. Even if civilly divorced, the Catholic Church does not allow a party to marry while the sacrament of marriage is held as valid. Even if an annulment has been issued, there are sometimes a restriction (known as a vetitum) imposed on one or more of the parties lest/before they can contract marriage again (e.g. Necessary counselling, time, or other such conditions).
Annulment is mistakenly called ‘Catholic Divorce’; it is not (divorce will be covered in 3 weeks). However, to seek an annulment, the parties must already be civilly divorced with all settlements concluded and finalised.
Anointing of the Sick · an apostolic tradition and sacrament. We read in the Apostle James that the priests of the Church are to be called for the sick to lay hands, anoint them and pray for their healing (James 5:14–16). The Church continues doing so to this day. Anointing is distinct from the ‘last rites’. In fact, there are specific prayers to be prayed with one who is dying (though anointing may also be used). So, if a loved one you know is in hospital — dying or not — feel free to call a priest for anointing (like St James said); and if they are dying, call for anointing and/or viaticum.
Apologetics · The discipline of defending objects (teachings) of faith with well-structured arguments and evidence. Though the name would seem so, this not about saying sorry for what we believe.
Archbishop · Sacramentally the same as a bishop, but withan honorific title, originating in feudal ceremony.