Guiding Questions for Final Exam Review on the Church

Ecclesiology

The study of the church, its nature, structure, and purpose.

Pentecost

The Christian feast celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, occurring fifty days after Easter.

Holy Spirit

The third person of the Holy Trinity, believed to be the active presence of God in the world.

Heresy

A belief or opinion that deviates from established religious doctrine, especially in Christianity.

Primary Evangelization

The initial proclamation of the Gospel to those who have never heard it.

New Evangelization

Efforts to re-evangelize those who have experienced a crisis of faith or have drifted away from the church.

Infallibility

The doctrine that, under certain conditions, the pope is incapable of making an error in pronouncing doctrine on faith and morals.

Martyr

A person who suffers persecution and death for advocating, renouncing, or refusing to renounce a belief or cause, especially for their faith.

Ecumenism

The principle or aim of promoting unity among the world's Christian churches.

Catholic

Relating to the universal church; often specifically refers to the Roman Catholic Church.

Church Militant

Refers to Christians on earth who are actively engaged in the struggle against sin and evil.

Church Suffering

Refers to the souls in purgatory who are being purified before they can enter heaven.

Church Triumphant

Refers to the souls in heaven who have achieved eternal life and are in the presence of God.

One

United in faith, worship, and leadership.

Holy

Made holy by Christ/God; offers sacraments.

Catholic (as a mark of the Church)

Universal; for all people, everywhere; 'whole.'

Apostolic

Founded on the apostles; led by successors.

The Apostles

Christ established the Church upon the foundation of the Apostles.

Bishops

The Apostles appointed and ordained Bishops to be their successors.

Rites of the Catholic Church (similarities)

Beliefs, sacraments, apostolic origin.

Rites of the Catholic Church (differences)

Architecture, language, art, culture.

Magisterium

The teaching authority of the Church.

Teaching authority/office of the Church

All the bishops and the Pope

The Church is universal

Catholic

The Church is united in its faith

One

The Church teaches its children to know, love, and serve God, and thus to become saints

Holy

The Pope, bishops, priests, and deacons help us to understand God's teachings

Apostolic

The highest example and source of this mystery is the unity, in the Trinity of Persons

One

The Church's main mission is to help all people grow closer to Christ

Holy

The Church is rooted in the teachings of Christ and the Apostles and continues its mission today

Apostolic

Wherever we go, whether in Europe, Africa, Asia, etc, we will find the Church established there

Holy

Petition

A prayer that asks for something, often for oneself or others.

Adoration

A prayer that expresses deep love and reverence for God.

Contrition

A prayer that expresses sorrow for sins and asks for forgiveness.

Thanksgiving

A prayer that expresses gratitude for God's blessings and gifts.

Formal/Memorized

Prayers that are written down or memorized, often used in specific contexts.

Vocal

Prayers that are spoken aloud, either individually or in a group.

Meditation

A reflective prayer that involves deep thinking and contemplation on God or scripture.

Contemplative

A silent prayer focused on being in God's presence, often without words.

Devotion

A prayer that expresses dedication and commitment to God, often involving rituals or practices.

Liturgical

Prayers that are part of a formal worship service, following a set structure.

Is the Church only visible? Only invisible? Or both?

Both. It is visible because of the people in the Church. It is invisible because of the faith they share.

Who was the first Christian martyr?

St. Stephen

What are the two subjects the Pope can speak infallibly about?

Faith and Morals

What are indulgences?

A reduction of temporal punishment due to sins that have been forgiven.

What are the five precepts of the Church?

Attend mass on Sundays and Holy days of obligation. Go to confession at least once a year. Receive the Eucharist at least during the Easter Season. Observe the days of fasting and abstinence. Help provide for the needs of the Church.

What is Heaven? Hell? Purgatory?

Heaven: the ultimate state of eternal happiness and communion with God. Hell: The eternal separation from God. Purgatory: the temporary state of purification for those who die in a state of grace.

Can we pray for the dead? Why should we?

Yes, it assists in lessening their time in purgatory.

What is the primary punishment of Hell?

Separation from God.

Why do Christians (since the times of the Apostles) refer to the Church in the feminine, such as using 'she' or 'her'?

Because it is the bride of Christ.

Who decides whether someone is separated from God forever?

Us

Pope

Head of the Church; successor of St. Peter.

Bishop

Leads a diocese; successor of the Apostles.

Priest

Serves a parish; celebrates sacraments.

Consecrated Religious

Takes vows; lives in community (e.g., nuns, monks).

Laity / Domestic Church

Non-ordained; lives out faith in daily life, especially family.

Christian

Any baptized Christian person.

Mission of the Church

Evangelize.

Baptism - Form

I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism - Matter

Water (poured or immersed).

Baptism - Minister

Ordinary - Bishop, priest, or deacon; Extraordinary - anyone (in emergency, with proper intent).

Confirmation - Form

Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Confirmation - Matter

Sacred Chrism (oil) and laying on of hands.

Confirmation - Minister

Ordinary - Bishop; Extraordinary - priest (with permission).

Eucharist - Form

Words of Consecration: This is my Body... This is my Blood...

Eucharist - Matter

Bread (wheat) and wine (grape).

Eucharist - Minister

Only a validly ordained priest or bishop can consecrate.

Penance - Form

Words of absolution: I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Penance - Matter

Contrition, confession, and satisfaction (penance).

Penance - Minister

Priest or bishop.

Anointing of the Sick - Form

Prayer of the priest during the anointing.

Anointing of the Sick - Matter

Oil of the sick, applied to forehead and hands.

Anointing of the Sick - Minister

Priest or bishop.

Holy Orders - Form

Consecratory prayer proper to each degree (deacon, priest, bishop).

Holy Orders - Matter

Laying on of hands.

Holy Orders - Minister

Only a bishop.

Matrimony - Form

Exchange of vows.

Matrimony - Matter

The mutual consent and bodies of the couple.

Matrimony - Minister

The couple themselves (in the Latin Church); the priest or deacon is the official witness.

Difference between Protestants and Catholics

Protestants have 7 fewer books; Catholics pray to saints, and Protestants only pray to God; Protestants believe that the Eucharist is a symbol; Protestants say that the scripture is the only authority.

Church as Body of Christ

Old: Israel, Noah's Ark, Faithful Remnant; New: Body of Christ, Bride of Christ, Seed of the Kingdom, Family of God, Vine and the Branches, Temple of the Holy Spirit.

Four Marks of the Church

The Church is One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic.