United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

524 • Conclusion and Appendices

which one enters into awareness of a loving communion with God. “Prayer is the response of faith to the free promise of salvation and also a response of love to the thirst of the only Son of God” (CCC, no. 2561). PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH: Laws made by the Church that indicate basic requirements for her members. PREJUDICE: Negative precon ceived judgment of another; irratio nal suspicion or hatred of another because the person belongs to a particular race, religion, or group. PRIDE: The Capital Sin that involves excessive self-esteem and a strong desire to be noticed and honored by others; excessive pride sets one in opposition to God. PRIEST: A baptized man ordained through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. “Priests are united with the bishops in priestly dignity and at the same time depend on them in the exercise of their pastoral functions; they are called to be the bishops’ prudent co-workers” (CCC, no. 1595). With the bishop, priests form a presbyteral (priestly) PRESBYTER: A term referring to an ordained priest.

community and assume with him the pastoral mission for a particular parish. They serve God’s People in the work of sanctification by their preaching, teaching, and offer ing the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and the forgiving of sins. the faithful a share in his priest hood through the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. This means that all baptized and con firmed members of the Church share in offering prayer and sacri fice to God. The priesthood of the faithful differs in essence from the ministerial priesthood. PRIVATE REVELATIONS: These are revelations made in the course of history that do not add to or form part of the Deposit of Faith, but rather may help people live their faith more fully. PROCREATIVE PURPOSE OF MARRIAGE: The aspect of mar riage that requires that a married couple be open to the children that God may send them and resolve to raise them as true followers of Jesus Christ. The unitive and procre ative aspects of marriage form an unbreakable bond. PRIESTHOOD OF THE FAITHFUL: Christ gives