Absolution: The forgiveness we receive from God through the priest in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation
Apostles: The early followers of Jesus who carried the Christian message into the world
Act of Contrition: A penitential prayer or prayer of sorrow
Confession: To tell the priest your sins
Contrition: The sorrow we feel when we know that we have sinned followed by the decision not to sin again
Grace: A special word for describing God’s presence and action in the world
Gospel: A written record of the life and teachings of Jesus
Jesus’ Ministry: Jesus’ service to God and to other people in His name
Mystery: (From the Greek, meaning "secret.") Not something we cannot know but something we cannot wholly know, since it "goes beyond" our human understanding
Penance: The prayers or good works that the priest asks you to do after you have confessed your sins
Penitent: The person asking for God’s forgiveness
Rituals: Structured, purposeful, meaningful actions
Sacrament: One of seven ways through which God’s life enters our lives through the work of the Holy Spirit
Sacred: Connected with God (considered holy)
Sin: Breaking God’s law
Symbols: Representations which reveal what lies beyond the material world
Transcendent: (From the Latin, meaning "to surpass") Refers to the "otherness" of God, who is "above' and "beyond" the world and human understanding
Worship: Honor and reverence to God