Vocabulary for Lesson 1

Instructions [ Hide ]

Learning is work. There are multiple ways to study. Different study strategies will work differently for each student. Serious students should try all of them several (6-7) times to see how they work when done well. For the best learning, every student will likely need to use more than one strategy and switch between them. Here are some tips relating to studying vocabulary. You can adapt them for memorizing texts.

  1. Use multiple senses: read, speak, and hear the material aloud. Then, write your version with a pencil into your notebook and notice how that feels. Then, read your own definition aloud as you study. (combine with the next two strategies)
  2. Use your brain: condense the definitions into a form that makes sense to you. Identify key words for every definition. Think of synonyms that you would use. (combine with the other strategies)
  3. Use your body: say your definition and act it out with an expressiveness that fits the meaning.
  4. Use your friends and family: Ask someone to quiz you using spaced repetition for a set amount of time, from your notes. (Example: for 10 minutes, all questions get repeated, but the quicker and more accurate your answer, the longer the interval until that question comes back. Questions you get wrong are repeated sooner.)
  5. Use basic technology: Show all definitions and hide all the terms on this page. Try to remember each term before you show it (by clicking the definition) to check your answer. Then, show all terms and hide the definitions on the page. Only show a definition (by clicking the term) after you have made your best effort to remember your own version of it.
  6. Use tools: Make a stack of index cards with terms on one side and your definitions on the other. When reviewing, don't check the opposite side until you've made your best effort to remember. Sort them into three stacks: Easy, Hard, and Failed. Then re-sort the Failed cards and work through the Hard cards until they are all Easy.
  7. Use advanced technology: On the web (Example: SuperNotes with free signup or with subscription.) or on an app (Example: Anki), create a stack of virtual cards and let the software quiz you. It will use spaced repetition automatically.
  8. Use brute force memorization: Copy a term and definition from this page. Then navigate to Catechesis Contents > Memorization Tool and paste it into the box, then follow the instructions on that page. (Caution: this works quickly for memorizing texts, but must be repeated a few times after a break for long-term recall. It is less effective than the other strategies for understanding what you memorize.)
gospels
The most important books of the New Testament, which record the "good news" of the ministry, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Chrcist. Their authors are called evangelists. They preserved the teaching of Jesus for the ongoing catechization of the church.
epistles
Letters from the apostles to the church and her ministers in various places. These books are an exposition of Jesus' Word and work in the gospels.
the gospels and Acts
The first five books of the New Testament, which are the foundation of the New Testament canon: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts.
the epistles of Paul
The fourteen New Testament letters of Paul, either written by him or bearing his apostolic "seal of approval" (i.e., Hebrews). They begin and end with two large theological works—the letter to the Romans and the letter to the Hebrews; followed by the letters to churches—1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians; and the pastoral letters to specific individuals—1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.
the catholic epistles and Revelation
The last eight books of the New Testament, written to the church at large by apostles other than Paul, which conclude with the Revelation to St. John: James; 1 and 2 Peter; 1, 2, and 3 John; Jude; and Revelation.
The Ascension of our Lord
The event in Christ's exaltation, forty days after His resurrection, which marked the beginning of His session at the right hand of God the Father as head over all things for the sake of His church.
the Promise of the Father
A phrase used by Jesus that named the Holy Spirit "the promised gift of the Father" to the Twelve. Jesus promised the Twelve: "When the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me" (John 15:26); and, "When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you" (John 16:13-14).
disciple
A believer in Jesus who trusts in His Word. This term also names the Christian a follower, catechumen, or student of Jesus.
witnesses
Those who had seen the resurrected Lord Jesus and could give testimony that He was risen from the dead.
apostles
The men who were eyewitnesses of Jesus' resurrection, chosen and "sent out" by Him to speak His Word on His behalf in the world. The church is founded upon their Word.
prophets
The Old Testament men of God who were called by Him to preach His Word to the poeple of Israel and point them to the coming Savior. These men wrote the Old Testament Scriptures by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
evangelists
Ministers in the New Testament who preached as missionaries throughout the world. The term means "Gospel preacher" and is used of the authors of the four gospels.
the Twelve
The name referring to the original number of apostles who were chosen by Jesus to be eyewitnesses of His death and resurrection. This title for the apostles corresponds to the number of the tribes of Israel.