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| Absolution — the act by which a priest, acting as an agent of Christ, grants forgiveness of sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. |
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| Abstinence — Self denial of food, activities, and certain acts. Official days of abstinence in the Catholic church are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. We abstain from meat. |
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| Acolyte — person who assists in the celebration of Mass. |
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| Adoration — the external acts of reverent admiration or honor given to a thing or person. |
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| Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament — Prayer to Christ, who is recognized as being truly present in the Sacrament of Eucharist. |
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| Advent — four week season before Christmas. During Advent Catholics should use the for prayer and fasting before Christmas. |
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| Alb — a long, white garment that can be used by all liturgical ministers; it is a reminder of the baptismal garment worn when the new Christian "puts on Christ." |
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| Alleluia Acclamation — this acclamation of praise follows the second reading and prepares the assembly for the Gospel. |
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| Altar — a freestanding structure that serves as the main focal point of the congregation. It is the table where Eucharistic elements are consecrated and is the center of worship. |
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| Ambo — (also may be referred to as pulpit) a place from where scriptures are proclaimed and homilies may be preached. It is a main focal point of the church and a lector stands at or behind it when reading aloud. |
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| Ambry — a recess that holds holy oils that are blessed and consecrated at the Chrism Mass during Holy Week. |
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| Amen — a Hebrew word meaning truly, it is true. As a concluding word of prayers, it expressed assent to and acceptance of God's will. |
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Apostle — "one sent." This normally refers to the 12 men chosen by Jesus to be the bearers of his teachings to the world.- Simon - Jesus renamed him Peter
- Andrew
- James the Greater
- John
- Philip
- Bartholomew
- Thomas
- Matthew
- James
- Thaddeus
- Simon the Zealot
- Judas Iscariot
- Matthias - was chosen to fill the place of Judas
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| Apostolic — refers to the 12 apostles. It also characterizes certain documents, appointments or structures initiated by the Pope or the Holy See. |
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| Archbishop — A bishop of a main or metropolitan diocese in an ecclesiastical province. |
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| Archdiocese — The chief diocese of an ecclesiastical province. |
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| Aspergilium — a container used for sprinkling holy water. |
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| Assembly — those gathered to celebrate the liturgy. |
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| Associate Priest — a priest who assists the Parish Priest in the pastoral care of a parish or parishes. |
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| Auxiliary Bishop — A bishop assigned to a Catholic diocese or archdiocese, to assist a residential bishop. |
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