United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

Appendix A. Glossary • 511

Church, focused in Rome, is some times called the Latin Church. All individual churches, Eastern or Western, that are in communion with the Apostolic See (Rome) are part of the Catholic Church. ECUMENICAL COUNCIL: This is a gathering of the world’s bishops, exercising their collegial authority over the universal Church in union with the pope. ECUMENISM: The efforts among all Christians to bring about the fulfillment of Christ’s will for the unity of his followers. ELECT: The name given to those who are already with the Lord Jesus in heaven. It also can refer to catechumens who are in the final stage of formation prior to entering the Church. ENVY: One of the Capital Sins; it is the inordinate desire for the posses sions of another, even to the point of wishing harm on the other or rejoicing in another’s misfortunes. EPICLESIS (INVOCATION): During the celebration of the Eucharist, the priest invokes the Father to send the Holy Spirit to come upon the gifts of bread and wine that they may be changed into Christ’s Body and Blood. In

every Sacrament, the prayer asking for the sanctifying power of God’s Holy Spirit is an epiclesis .

EPISCOPACY: The office of bishop.

EUCHARIST, SACRAMENT OF: During the celebration of the Mass, by the power of the Holy Spirit and the proclamation of Jesus’ words by the priest, the bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ, which is offered in an unbloody manner in sacrifice for us and in praise to the Father. The assembly actively participates by prayers, hymns, psalms, responses, and an inner self-offering along with Christ to the Father. All who are properly prepared can receive Holy Communion, by which Jesus gradually transforms the receivers into himself and which leads them to Gospel witness in the world. EUTHANASIA: An action or an omission which purposely results in the death of sick, disabled, or dying persons. Regardless of the motives or means, it is always gravely wrong and morally unacceptable. EVANGELICAL COUNSELS: Those vows taken by men or women who enter religious life; there are three vows: poverty, chas tity, and obedience.