Chapter 3 Vocabulary – Bible – The collection of Christian sacred writings, or Scriptures, accepted by the Church as inspired by God, and composed of the Old and New Testament. Creed – An official procession of faith, usually prepared and presented by a council of the Church and used in the Church’s liturgy. Faith – The belief in the existence of God. Religion – The belief and practices followed by those committed and have full participation in the life of the Church. Gospel – The Good News. Grace – The free will and underserved gift of God’s loving and active presence in the universe and in our life. Denominations – A group of religious organizations uniting under a single legal and administrative body and subscribing to the same creed and moral code. Ecumenism – The movement to restore unity among the Christian Churches and, ultimately, of all humans throughout the world. Catechism – A popular summary, usually in book form, of intended for use within programs of formal catechesis. Spirituality – The values, actions, attitudes, and behaviors that characterize a person’s relationship with God and others. Salvation – Liberation from sin and eternal union with God in heaven. Tradition – To hand on. Resurrection of the dead – The Christian dogma that all those deemed righteous by God will be raised and will live forever with God in heaven. Trinity – The central Christian mystery and dogma that there is one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit – The third person of the Blessed Trinity; understood as the perfect love between God the Father and the Son. Apostles – One who is sent. Missionary’s of the Church during the New Testament period. Nicene Creed – The formal statement or profession of faith commonly recited during the Eucharist.