Unit 1: Liturgy, Sacraments, and Church Teachings Study Guide

Liturgy

The Church's official, public, communal worship; God's work in which we participate.

Magisterium

The Church's teaching authority, guided by the Holy Spirit.

Tradition

Passing on the Gospel message through word, writing, and practice.

Trinity

Father, Son, Holy Spirit - all active in the liturgy.

Liturgical Year

The Church calendar celebrating Christ's life (starts with Advent).

Symbol

Object/action pointing to a deeper reality.

Ritual

Repeated symbolic action with meaning (like sign of the cross).

Paschal Mystery

Jesus' Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension.

Sacrament

Efficacious sign of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church.

Sacramental Economy

How grace (God's life) flows through the sacraments.

Sanctifying Grace

Share in God's life (given in Baptism).

Actual Grace

Help to live according to God's will.

Redemption

Jesus freeing us from sin.

Ordained Ministries

Bishops, priests, deacons.

Prayer

Communication with God.

Liturgy of the Hours

Daily prayer of the Church (Divine Office).

Efficacious

They really work because Christ acts through them (not magic).

Advent

The season that starts the Liturgical Year, waiting for Jesus.

Christmas

The season celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Ordinary Time

The season reflecting on Jesus' life and teachings.

Lent

The season of penance, preparing for Easter.

Triduum

The three days from Holy Thursday to Easter Vigil.

Easter

The season celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus.

Ordinary Time (part 2)

The season returning to Jesus' public ministry.

Sacraments

Signs of Christ and channels of grace.

Baptism

Cleansing, new life; gives sanctifying grace. (Water)

Confirmation

Strength in faith; gives gifts of the Holy Spirit. (Chrism oil)

Eucharist

Unity with Christ; gives spiritual nourishment. (Bread and wine)

Penance (Reconciliation)

Forgiveness; gives healing grace. (Words of absolution)

Anointing of the Sick

Healing; gives strength & peace. (Oil of the sick)

Holy Orders

Service in ministry; gives grace to serve God's people. (Laying on of hands)

Marriage (Matrimony)

Union of love; gives grace of unity & fidelity. (Exchange of vows)

Vocal prayer

Spoken words. (1 of the 3 Expressions of Prayer)

Meditation

Reflection on Scripture or God's truth. (1 of the 3 Expressions of Prayer)

Contemplation

Silent presence with God. (1 of the 3 Expressions of Prayer)

Types of prayer

Includes blessing/adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, praise.

Popular piety

Cultural devotions like rosary, novenas.

Deposit of Faith

Scripture + Tradition.

List the seasons of the Liturgical Year in order.

Advent → Christmas → Ordinary Time → Lent → Triduum → Easter → Ordinary Time (Part 2)

Color for Advent

Purple — symbolizes waiting and preparation.

Color for Christmas

White or Gold — symbolizes joy and purity.

Color for Ordinary Time

Green — symbolizes growth and life.

Color for Lent

Purple — symbolizes penance and reflection.

Color for Triduum

Red — symbolizes sacrifice and the Holy Spirit.

Color for Easter

White or Gold — symbolizes new life and glory.

What is the Deposit of Faith?

All that God has revealed in Scripture and Tradition, guarded by the Magisterium.

How is the Holy Spirit active in the Liturgy?

The Spirit prepares us to encounter Christ, helps us understand Scripture, unites the community, and makes the sacraments effective.

How is Christ present in the Mass?

In the priest, in the Word, in the Eucharist, and in the people gathered.

How is the Church the sacrament of Christ?

The Church makes Christ visible in the world and shares His saving work.

How is Christ the sacrament of God?

Christ makes God’s invisible love and presence visible to humanity.

Sacramentals

Sacred signs (like holy water, crucifix, or rosary) that prepare us to receive grace and remind us of God’s presence.

Prayer of the Heart

Deep, personal prayer focused on loving union with God beyond words.

wise words

The best way to clear up muddy water is to leave it alone - Alan watts

wise words

Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of christ - st jerome

wise words

While the world changes, the cross stands firm - st bruno