CATHOLIC WORD BOOK - Knights of Columbus, Supreme Council

need. It means freedom from unreasonable
attachment to material things as ends in
themselves, even though they may be
possessed in small or large measure. (2)
One of the evangelical counsels professed
as a public vow by members of an institute
of consecrated life. It involves the
voluntary renunciation of rights of
ownership and of independent use and
disposal of material goods; or, the right of
independent use and disposal, but not of
the radical right of ownership. Religious
institutes provide their members with
necessary and useful goods and services
from common resources. The manner in
which goods are received and/or handled
by religious is determined by poverty of
spirit and the rule and constitutions of
their institute.
Pragmatism: Theory that the truth of ideas,
concepts and values depends on their utility
or capacity to serve a useful purpose rather
than on their conformity with objective
standards; also called utilitarianism.
Prayer: The raising of the mind and heart
to God in adoration, thanksgiving,
reparation and petition. Prayer, which is
always mental because it involves thought
and love of God, may be vocal, meditative,
private and personal, social, and official.
The official prayer of the Church as a
worshipping community is called the
liturgy.
Precepts: Commands or orders given to
individuals or communities in particular
cases; they establish law for concerned
parties. Preceptive documents are issued
by the pope, departments of the Roman
Curia and other competent authority in
the Church.
Presence of God: A devotional practice of
increasing one’s awareness of the presence
and action of God in daily life.
Presumption: A sin against hope, by which
a person striving for salvation (1) either
relies too much on his own capabilities or
(2) expects God to do things which he
cannot do, in keeping with his divine
attributes, or does not will to do,
according to his divine plan. Presumption
is the opposite of despair.
Preternatural Gifts: Exceptional gifts,
beyond the exigencies and powers of
human nature, enjoyed by Adam in the
state of original justice: immunity from
suffering and death, superior knowledge,
integrity or perfect control of the passions.
These gifts were lost as the result of
original sin; their loss, however, implied
no impairment of the integrity of human
nature.
Pride: Unreasonable self esteem; one of the
seven capital sins.
Prie Dieu: A French phrase, meaning pray
God, designating a kneeler or bench
suitable for kneeling while at prayer.
Priesthood: (1) The common priesthood of
the non ordained faithful. In virtue of
baptism and confirmation, the faithful are
a priestly people who participate in the
priesthood of Christ through acts of
worship, witness to the faith in daily life,
and efforts to foster the growth of God’s
kingdom. (2) The ordained priesthood, in
virtue of the sacrament of orders, of
bishops, priests and deacons, for service to
the common priesthood.
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