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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.