Dictionary

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

Or browse the dictionary by selecting a letter!
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

ENCOUNTER

An existentialist term, appropriated in religious language, to describe the human being's meeting with Christ in the sacraments. The sacramental encounter is an effective communication of grace from Christ as God, through Christ as man, to the believing recipient.

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

Click here to advertise on CatholicCulture.org