United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

Appendix A. Glossary • 525

PROVIDENCE: See “Divine Providence.”

REINCARNATION: The false belief that a dead person’s spirit returns to life in another body either of an animal or another person. This belief is not compat ible with the Catholic faith, which teaches that every human person has only one body and one soul, and is unique and unrepeatable. RELATIVISM: The position that there is no objective truth, only subjective opinions. RELIGION, VIRTUE OF: The habit of adoring God, praying to him, offering him the worship that belongs to him, and fulfilling the promises and vows made to him are acts of the virtue of religion that fall under the obedience of the First Commandment. RELIGIOUS OR CONSECRATED LIFE: A permanent state in life into which certain men or women freely commit themselves to a life of special service to Christ, marked by the profession of the evangelical counsels: pov erty, chastity, and obedience. RESURRECTION: This is the triumph of Jesus over death on the third day after his crucifixion. Christ’s risen body is real, but glorified, not restrained by space or time.

PRUDENCE: The Cardinal Virtue by which one knows the true good in every circumstance and chooses the right means to reach that end.

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RCIA: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. This is the title of the process designed to pre pare adults for entrance into the Catholic Church by the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation. REAL PRESENCE: When the bread is consecrated, it is changed into Christ’s Body. When the wine is consecrated, it is changed into Christ’s Blood. Jesus Christ is substantially present in a way that is entirely unique. This happens through the power of the Holy Spirit and the ministry of the priest or bishop acting in the person of Christ during the Eucharistic prayer. REDEMPTION: The salvation won for us by Jesus. By his Incarnation, ministry, death and Resurrection, Jesus has freed us from original and actual sin and won eternal life for us.