Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Are you smarter than a catlick?

New glossary seeks to improve Catholics' literacy about their faith

by Kaitlynn Riely | Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- From "Abba" to "zucchetto," a new glossary provides definitions and background for more than 1,300 words that may arise in the Catholic vernacular.

St. Mary's Press Glossary of Theological Terms, composed by Holy Cross Father John T. Ford, evolved from a survey conducted by St. Mary's Press that indicated professors at Catholic colleges noticed a lack of Catholic literacy among their students, said John McHugh, the director of college publishing for St. Mary's Press in Winona, MN.

…The glossary gives definitions for the words and also places them in a wider context, either by explaining the significance of the word in the Catholic faith or by cross-referencing the term with another word. So users of the glossary learn not only what the word means, but also what it means in the context of Catholicism.

Take "zucchetto." The word comes from the Italian "zucca," meaning gourd or head. The zucchetto is the small, round skullcap worn by clergy. Father Ford tells readers that the color of a zucchetto indicates the person's rank. So the pope wears white, cardinals wear scarlet, bishops wear purple and priests wear black.

…Editor's Note: St. Mary's Press Glossary of Theological Terms can be ordered for $15, plus shipping and handling, on the St. Mary's Press Web site at: http://college.smp.org.

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10 Comments:

Blogger Hebdomadary said...

Now, when was the last time you saw a simple priest wearing a black zuchetto? No, really, I'd like to know - so if anyone out there can cite an example...

12:29 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Them there catlicks are the smartest growed on this earth.

Now about those deerlicks and catwalks...

5:20 AM  
Blogger Brian Michael Page said...

If entries include "worship space", "gathering space", "gathering song", or "gathering rite", one should be entitled to a full refund.
BMP

6:06 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What do you call that cupcake you guys can wear but seldom do these days?

I bet they don't have my most excellent description of it in this new improved edition.

Sorka

Btw, where do you come up with some of these pics!?! That one is a hoot.

6:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zucchetto: it sounds like a giant Zucchini.

Thanks a lot, it's not like I need more to read, but now there's yet another book I must have.

I'm still hanging in there. :-)

10:39 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for the info--I'm getting one.

2:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Equally good colours for a dark haired rector, which, judging from your name, you are.

2:16 PM  
Blogger Fr LWG said...

I wore my black zuchetto on my gray-haired head (when appropriate) all through the Sacred Triduum.

4:55 PM  
Blogger Fr LWG said...

Also, I heard that the Rector of the Cathedral wore his on Palm Sunday's Gospel proclamation, Blessing of the Palms, and Procession, with the Bishop celebrating.

4:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Saint Mary's Press recently created a free online resource based on this Glossary. Go to http://college.smp.org/glossary.cfm to try it out!

11:38 AM  

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