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Dictionary

A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.

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CONTINGENT

Whatever can be or not be other than it is; that which need not exist. Thus all creatures are contingent beings, since they come into existence out of nothing, and they are changeable realities that depend totally on the sustaining power of God.

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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