Unit Test Study Guide: The Church, Sacraments, and Virtue

Vocabulary flashcards covering the Paschal Mystery, the Sacramental Economy, the Four Marks of the Church, sacramental matter/form/effects, and theological and cardinal virtues.

Paschal Mystery

The passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

The Incarnation

God becoming man so that he could truly suffer and die for humanity, with his rising from the dead showing he is truly God.

Grace

The ultimate gift given by God and the Holy Spirit that cannot be earned or purchased.

End Goal of the Sacramental Economy

To have true union with God in heaven.

One (Mark of the Church)

The mark whose unity has its source in the Holy Trinity, charity, and the profession of faith.

Holy (Mark of the Church)

The mark reflecting that the Church's holiness comes directly from the holiness of Christ, as God is the only one who is holy.

Catholic (Mark of the Church)

Universal; signifies that the Church's message of salvation is meant for everyone at any time.

Apostolic (Mark of the Church)

The mark describing the Church as founded on the apostles with St. Peter as the first pope, professing the same doctrine and way of life taught by them.

Apostolic Succession

The 2000-year unbroken line of authority extending from Jesus to each of the apostles and down to their successors, the bishops, to the present day.

Visible Sign

An outward aspect of a sacrament that points to a reality beyond itself, such as immersion in water during Baptism.

Efficacious Sign

A sign that actually brings about the spiritual reality it points to, such as the inward effect of cleansing the soul of sin.

Sanctifying Grace

A stable and supernatural disposition that perfects the soul itself to enable it to live with God and act by his love.

Ex Opere Operato

A Latin phrase meaning "by the very fact of the action being performed," indicating sacraments are efficacious gifts of divine love rather than mere symbols.

Sacraments of Initiation

The category of sacraments that includes Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.

Sacraments of Healing

The category of sacraments that includes Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick.

Sacraments of Service

The category of sacraments that includes Holy Orders and Matrimony.

Baptism

The sacrament using water (matter), the Trinitarian formula (form), administered by a bishop, priest, or deacon (minister), which forgives original sin, allows entry into heaven, and incorporates one into the Mystical Body of Christ.

Confirmation

The sacrament using sacred chrism and laying on of hands (matter) with the words "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit" (form), ministered by the bishop of the diocese to deepen baptismal graces and imprint an indelible mark for Christ.

Eucharist

The sacrament using bread and wine (matter) and the words "This is my body… This is my blood" (form), consecrated by a bishop or priest to provide spiritual nourishment, communion with Christ, and forgiveness of venial sins.

Reconciliation

The sacrament involving the confession of sins (matter) and words of absolution (form), administered by a priest to forgive sins, give peace, and restore spiritual health and relationship with God.

Holy Orders

The sacrament wherein a bishop lays hands on the ordinand's head (matter) and recites a long prayer of consecration (form), ordaining a minister with the authority to preach, teach, and preside over divine worship.

Anointing of the Sick

The sacrament using blessed oil on the head (matter) and a prayer of healing (form), administered by a priest to offer spiritual strength, peace, fortitude, sin forgiveness, and union with Christ's passion.

Matrimony

The sacrament where the couple serves as the matter and ministers, exchanging vows (form) to establish an indissoluble bond of conjugal love and create a family.

Virtue

Excellence; a habitual and firm disposition to do the good.

Prudence

The cardinal virtue that perfects the intellect.

Justice

The cardinal virtue that perfects the will.

Fortitude

The cardinal virtue that perfects the irascible appetite.

Temperance

The cardinal virtue that perfects the concupiscible appetite.

Faith

The theological virtue of believing all that God has revealed because it is truth itself.

Hope

The theological virtue of desiring the kingdom of heaven and placing our trust in Christ.

Charity (Love)

The theological virtue of loving God above all things for his own sake, and loving others and ourselves for God's sake.

Vice

A disposition to the bad that can lead to sin.

Sin

A decision made against God.

Mortal Sin

A serious sin that causes complete separation from God, requiring grave matter, full knowledge, and free consent of the will.

Venial Sin

Any thought, word, or deed that is against God's word but does not completely separate the soul from God.