Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

Random Term from the Dictionary:

VALID FORM

That formulat of words or prescribed signs that are required for the valid conferral or production of a sacrament. thus the valid form of baptism is, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." For actually conferring a sacrament, the matter (material or action) must be united with the form.