Nicene Creed, Sacraments, and Catholic Practices

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the Catholic creeds, the seven sacraments, church precepts, and protocols for Mass and Holy Communion.

Nicene Creed

A detailed explanation of the Catholic faith produced by the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD to combat Arianism; it emphasizes that Jesus Christ is truly God.

Apostles’ Creed

The oldest creed of the Church, adopted before the middle of the 2nd century and based on the teachings of the Apostles; it is commonly used during Baptism.

Arianism

A heresy of Arius that denied the divinity of Jesus Christ.

Consubstantial

A term used in the Nicene Creed to describe Jesus Christ being of the same substance with the Father.

Sacraments

Saving symbolic acts or visible signs instituted by Christ and continued by the Church that help believers become more like Christ through the Holy Spirit.

Baptism

The sacrament of regeneration through water and the Word that removes Original Sin and serves as the first sacrament of Christian initiation.

Confirmation

A sacrament that completes Baptismal grace and strengthens the individual through the gifts of the Holy Spirit to become witnesses of Christ.

Eucharist

The sacrament that completes Christian initiation and allows believers to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, uniting them with Christ and the whole Church.

Confession (Reconciliation)

A sacrament that requires sincere repentance and willingness to avoid sin, through which sins are forgiven and the person is reconciled with God and the Church.

Anointing of the Sick

A sacrament providing spiritual strength, comfort, and healing to the ill, commending them to God's loving care.

Holy Orders

The sacrament that continues Christ's mission to His Apostles, comprising three degrees: Episcopate (Bishops), Presbyterate (Priests), and Diaconate (Deacons).

Marriage (Matrimony)

A sacred covenant between a man and a woman ordered toward the good of the spouses and the upbringing of children.

Episcopate

The degree of Holy Orders referring to Bishops.

Presbyterate

The degree of Holy Orders referring to Priests.

Diaconate

The degree of Holy Orders referring to Deacons.

Five Precepts of the Church

The minimum responsibilities for Catholics, including attending Mass, annual confession, receiving the Eucharist during Easter, fasting/abstinence, and providing for Church needs.

Sacrilege

The disrespect or violation of something sacred, such as receiving Holy Communion while consciously remaining in mortal sin without confession.

Eucharistic fast

The requirement to fast for one hour before Mass as a part of physical and spiritual preparation for receiving Holy Communion.

Amen

The response given by a minister and the communicant when receiving the Host, following the statement 'The Body of Christ.'