Theology Chapter 4-5 Test Review

Apostolic Succession

The uninterrupted passing on of apostolic preaching and authority from the Apostles directly to all bishops. It is accomplished through the lying on of hands when a bishop is ordained in the Sacrament of Holy Orders as instituted by Christ. The office of bishop is permanent because at ordination a bishop is marked with an indelible, sacred character.

Creed

Based on the Latin “credo,” meaning “I believe,” it is an official presentation of the faith, usually prepared and presented by a council of the Church and use in the Church’s liturgy

Dogma

Teaching recognized as central to Church teaching, defined by the Magisterium and considered definitive and authoritative

Eastern Church

Autonomous Churches in full communion with the Pope. While differing in their liturgical, theological and devotional traditions from the predominant form of Western Catholicism, these churches affirm that their faith is not at variance with that of the one Catholic Church, and they recognize the central role of the Pope within the College of Bishops. They preserve the special emphases and illuminations that Eastern Christianity has developed over the centuries

Ecumenism

The movement to restore unity among all Christians, the unity to which the Church is called by the Holy Spirit

Excommunication

A severe penalty that results from grave sin against Church law. The penalty is either imposed by a Church official or happens automatically as a result of the offense. A person who receives this penalty is not permitted to celebrate or receive the Sacraments

Heresy

The conscious and deliberate rejection of a truth of the faith

Indulgence

The means by which the Church takes away the punishment that a person would receive in Purgatory

Latin Church

The part of the Catholic Church that follows the disciplines and teachings of the Diocese of Rome, especially the liturgical traditions

Schism

A major break that causes division, caused by the refusal to submit to the Pope or to be in communion with the Church’s members

Actual Grace

God’s interventions and support for us in the everyday moments fo our lives. Actual graces are important for conversion and for continuing growth in holiness

Canonize

The act by which the Church officially recognizes a deceased Catholic as a saint

Consecrated Life

A state of life recognized by the Church in which a person publicly professes vows of poverty, chasity, and obedience

Holy Orders

The Sacraments by which baptized men are ordained for permanent ministry in the Church as bishops, priests, and obedience

Laity

All members of the Church with exception of those who are ordained as bishops, priests, or deacons. The laith share in Christ’s role as priest, prophet, and king, witnessing to God’s love and power in the world

Theotokos

A Greek title for Mary meaning “God bearer”

What is another word for “essential feature?”

Another word of essential feature is Mark

Who gave the Church the gift of unity?

Christ gave the gift of unity

How do members of the Church keep and perfect the gift of unity?

They pray for and work to keep the gift of unity

What is the ultimate example and source of the Church’s unity?

The eternal unity if the Three Divine Persons of the Trinity

What should unity not be confused with?

Uniformity

Who is the Pope the successor to?

He is the successor to Peter

(a) How do people all over the world profess the one faith? (b) What are the two prayers?

By praying two creeds. The two creeds are the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed

What is both a sign of the Church’s unity and a way to create that unity?

The Eucharist

While the essential elements of the Mass are the same across the world, aspects of what can be adapted to fit different cultures?

Aspects of the liturgy

The Church is united by recognizing whose authority?

The authority of the Pope and Bishops

The Church is united by its reverence for whom?

The Martyrs for died for Christ

What does the Church recognize as the truest form of communion with Christ?

Martydom

What has often led to the establishment of opposing groups within the Church?

Heresies

Why do schisms occur?

They occur when a community does not recognize the supreme authority of the Pope

(a) What divided Christians in the early sixteenth century? (b) Who was a major figure in this division?

The Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther

What are the three ways in which the Church is holy?

1. She is united with Christ

2. God created Her

3.God has given Her everything that we require for salvation

What does Christ call all members of the Church to?

Perfect Holiness

What is at the heart of holiness and is the principle vocation of each person?

Love

Along with Christ, what is the Church fully focused on doing?

Saving people from sin

What are two important means for us to grow in holiness?

1. Repentance

2. Conversion

What desire did God place on our hearts?

The desire for God alone

What enables us to avoid things that separate us from God?

Grace

(a) What does sanctifying grace do for us? (b) What is another name for sanctifying grace?

It orients us to God and helps us to respond to His call. Habitual grace

What are sacramental graces?

Gifts that come from the particular sacraments

What does the term “communion of saints” refer to?

The Church

What two specific things can the saints in Heaven do for us?

1. Encourage others

2. Pray on our behalf in a special way

What distinguishes Mary from the rest of humanity?

She was born free of original sin

What happened after Mary’s earthly life was over?

She was taken up into heaven

Why is Mary the ‘Mother of the Church?

Because of Her role in God’s plan of salvation