Theology 4 and 5

Define Apostolic Succession

The uninterrupted passing on of apostolic preaching and authority from the Apostles

Define 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 used in the churches liturgy

Define dogma

Teachings recognized as central to Church teaching. Defined by the Magisterium and considered definitive and authoritative.

Define 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.

Define ecumenism

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

Define 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.

Define heresy

the conscience and deliberate rejection of the truth of faith.

Define indulgence

The means by which the church takes away the punishment that the person would receive in purgatory.

Define Latin Church

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

Define 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.

Define actual grace

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

Define canonize

The act by which the church officially recognizes a deceased catholic as a saint

Define consecrated life

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

Define Holy Orders

The Sacrament by which baptized men are ordained for permanent ministry in the Church as bishops, priests, or deacons.

Define laity

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

Define Theotokos

A Greek title for Mary meaning “God Bearer”

What is another word for “essential feature?”

Mark is another word.

Who gave the Church the gift of unity?

Christ gave the Church the gift of unity.

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

Members of the Church need to pray for and work to keep that unity, and perfect it.

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

The eternal unity of Three Divine Persons of the Trinity.

What should unity not be confused with?

It shouldn’t be confused with uniformity.

Who is the Pope the successor to?

The Pope is the successor to St. Peter.

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

They profess one faith by praying 2 creeds. They are the Nicene Creed and Apostle’s 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 Church’s liturgy can be adapted.

The Church is united by recognizing whose authority?

By recognizing the authority of the Bishops and the Pope.

The Church is united by its reverence for whom?

It is united by reverence for martyrs.

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

The Church recognizes martyrdom as the truest form of communion with Christ.

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

Heresies have often led to that.

Why do schisms occur?

They are a result when a community does not recognize the Supreme authority of the Pope, or otherwise is not in communion with the Church.

(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. God created her 2.She is united with Christ 3. God has given Her everything that we require for salvation.

What does Christ call all members of the Church to?

He calls everyone to perfect holiness.

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

Love is at the heart of holiness and is the principal vocation.

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

The church is fully focused on 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?

God placed in 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?

Sanctifying grace orients us to God and helps us to respond to His call.

Another name is actual grace

What are sacramental graces?

Sacramental graces are gifts that come from the particular sacraments.

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

It refers to the Church, a communion of holy people those living and those who are dead but alive with God.

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

1. They can pray to God on our behalf. 2. Saints encourage others.

What distinguishes Mary from the rest of humanity?

She was born free of Original Sin and remained pure from personal sin.

What happened after Mary’s earthly life was over?

After Mary’s earthly life was over, she was taken up body and soul into Heaven.

Why is Mary the ‘Mother of the Church?’

She is the mother of the Church because of her role in God’s plan of salvation.