Christian Sacraments, Apostles, and Vatican II History

Mission and Pentecost

With a mission: Continue Jesus' work of proclaiming the Kingdom of God.

Pentecost

• For the Jews: An offering of the first fruits of the harvest; God gives the Commandments to Moses at Sinai.
• For the Christians: The outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all believers of Jesus.

Vatican II

The Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican, or Vatican II, was the twenty-first Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church. It opened under Pope John XXIII on 11 October 1962 and closed under Pope Paul VI on 21 November 1965. At least four future pontiffs took part in the council's opening session: Giovanni Battista Cardinal Montini (Pope Paul VI), Bishop Albino Luciani (Pope John Paul I), Bishop Karol Wojtyła (Pope John Paul II), and Father Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI).

Sacraments

Confirmation

Jesus promised his disciples the Holy Spirit to give them strength to announce the Gospel, which they received at Pentecost. It is celebrated when the baptized are adults in their faith so that they can assume their obligations as Christians.

Holy Orders

Through this sacrament, the mission that Christ entrusted to the apostles continues. It is conferred upon bishops, priests, and deacons.

Ordination Rites:

• Bishop: Anointed on the head and presented with the mitre, the Gospels, the ring, and the crosier.
• Priest: Receives the stole and the chasuble.
• Deacon: Consecrated and clothed in diaconal vestments.

Definitions

Sacrament

Different celebrations throughout a Christian's life to underline relevant moments of their faith journey.

Apostle

One of a group made up especially of the 12 disciples chosen by Jesus to preach the Gospel.

Disciple

One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another.

Council

An assembly of church officials and theologians convened for regulating matters of doctrine and discipline.

Ecumenical Council

An assembly of bishops and other ecclesiastics representative of the Christian Church throughout the world. Roman Catholic canon law states that an ecumenical council must be convened by the pope.

Crowds

A smaller group that Jesus called to accompany Him throughout Palestine. Jesus maintained high-level communication, listened to them, taught them to make his message a way of life, and tasked them with announcing this message worldwide.

Apostles

Apostle means "one who is sent forth." Jesus chose 12 men among his disciples; they were responsible for the animation of the communities after Jesus' Resurrection.