CFC [P.338]

Agnosticism: the theory that God or the afterlife cannot be known with certainty. (Cf. Vatican II, GS 57.)

Anamnesis: “memorial” or “remembrance,” Greek term used to describe the Eucharist as a commemoration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection/Ascension of Christ. (Cf. 1 Cor 11:24-25; Lk 22:19.)

Anathema: term used by St. Paul to exclude an unworthy member from the community. (Cf. Gal 1:9; 1 Cor 16:22.) Later, it was used as the Church’s solemn condemnation of an erroneous, heretical position that contradicts Catholic truth.

Apocalyptic: the style of writing filled with visions, portents and signs claiming to reveal divine mysteries, especially the end of the world. (Cf. Daniel, Revelation and Mk 13.)

Apocrypha: writings of ancient Jewish and Christian origin that have not been accepted as part of the Biblical Canon. Among them are: “The Book of Henoc” and “the Ascension Moses,” the “Infancy Gospel of James,” the “Gospel of Peter” and the “Gospel of Thomas.” Protestant practice includes under this term “Apocripha” what we call “Deuterocanonical Books” (Wisdom, Sirach and Baruch) which the Catholic and Eastern Churches accept as canonical.

Apologetics: the systematic theological presentation of the reasonableness of Christian doctrine in defense from various attacks.

Apostle: someone sent as messenger or missionary of the Church. In the NT, the 12 disciples chosen by Christ to be the primary witnesses to his teaching, miracles and resurrection.

Apostolic See: name given to the Catholic Church in Rome, founded on the apostles Peter and Paul, and especially to the Papal office whose authority rests on the Pope as successor of St. Peter.

Asceticism: the general name given to the spiritual efforts and exercises at purification and growth in Christian perfection, and toward a closer following of Christ.

Beatific Vision: the immediate direct knowledge of God and perfect happiness enjoyed by the Blessed in heaven.

BECs/Basic Ecclesial Communities: small faith communities of Christians, gathered together around the Word of God and the Eucharist, striving to integrate their faith and their daily life, in solidarity with one another,