Glossary

The list of inspired writings that are recognised and received by the Church as making up the Bible. Catholics accept 46 Old Testament  books  and 27 New Testament books as 'canonical'. This list, while long-established by custom and usage in the Western Church, was only formalised by the Council of Trent in 1546, after Protestant Reformers removed some Old Testament books from the traditionally but informally accepted  Canon (see Apocrypha/Deuterocanonicals). Eastern Christian Churches accept a slightly larger number of books as canonical than does the Catholic Church.

The Church's teaching on social, political and economic issues, based on the belief that God has a plan for creation, a mission to build God's Reign or Kingdom of peace, love and justice. Its starting point is the dignity of the human person made in the image of God.

In  Greek “The anointed one” is Christ and in Hebrew - Messiah. A title given to Jesus of Nazareth by his followers from very soon after his earthly life, maybe even occasionally during it.

Initiated by God, it is the agreement that creates and sustains a sacred relationship between God and God's people. The great covenants are God's with the people of Israel at Sinai and the New Covenant established by Jesus through his death and resurrection.