Mary

Conceived without original sin; Virgin mother of Christ and mother of the Church.

Church

The people of God, baptized in Christ Jesus and guided by the Holy Spirit

Pope

Visible head of the Church, and successor to St. Peter

Saints

People of extra-ordinary holiness who have joined God often asked to intercede in prayer for people on earth.

Sin

Thought, word, deed or omission, contrary to God's law. 2 Kinds: Original: inherited sin of the human race Actual: deliberate violation of God's law mortal sin, venial sin.

Judgment

Jesus Christ's evaluation of our openness to Him and our decision about Him, based on the kind of life we live.

Heaven

One's life in God after death a state of supreme happiness in which one enjoys God face to face.

Hell

The result of our refusing God's friendship; permanent exile from God.

Purgatory

A state of purification for souls that did not make up for falling short of God's commands during their lifetime on earth.

Faith

Belief in God's words, works and goodness; believing and obeying, knowing that full understanding is given only when we finally enter heaven.

Hope

Seeing good in spite of evil; expecting eternal life even in the face of death. God wills salvation and gives us the means to attain it.

Love

Love of God and of our neighbor, because everyone belongs to God.

Trinity

True God becoming truly human in the person of Christ.

Bible

Collection of sacred writings inspired by God; Gospel recounts actions and teachings of Jesus and His Followers.

Grace

God's friendship, given through Christ, communicated by the Holy Spirit. Grace is necessary for Salvation.

Salvation

Deliverance from sin and its punishment, by grace of Christ's sacrifice, and eternal life with God after earthly death.

Ten Commandments

Guidelines for living a moral and just life.