Christian Practices: Baptism, Eucharist, Pilgrimage, Festivals & Church Roles

What is non-liturgical worship?

Worship with no set pattern, may have modern music and sermons.

What is baptism?

A service in which one becomes a Christian by being immersed in water or having water poured over their head while the minister says 'I baptise you in the name of the father, the son and the holy Spirit'.

What is infant baptism?

A service where babies are baptised and welcomed into the Church.

What is evangelism?

Spreading the word of God through action or speech.

What is a mission?

The calling to spread the word of God and evangelise.

What is believer's baptism?

A service where those old enough to decide for themselves are baptised and welcomed into the Church.

What is persecution?

Hostility and ill-treatment of a group of people.

What is consecration?

When a priest blesses the bread and wine during the Eucharist so that it becomes/symbolises Jesus' body and blood.

What is a pilgrimage?

Going on a journey to visit a holy site.

What is Easter?

A Christian festival which celebrates the resurrection of Christ.

What is Christmas?

A Christian festival which celebrates the incarnation (birth) of Christ.

What is prayer?

A communication with God, can be private or public (i.e. during worship).

What is the Eucharist?

A service where bread and wine is received by Christians to remember Jesus' sacrifice.

What is reconciliation?

Restoring friendly relations after a conflict or falling out.

What is liturgical worship?

Formal worship with set prayers, hymns and Bible readings.

What is the Lord's Prayer?

The prayer taught to the disciples by Jesus; also known as the 'Our Father'.

What is private worship?

When a believer praises or honours God on his or her own.

What is a set prayer?

Prayers that have been written down and said more than once by more than one person.

What is adoration in prayer?

Praising God for his goodness.

What is thanksgiving in prayer?

Giving God thanks for his blessings.

What is intercession in prayer?

Praying for others.

What is petition in prayer?

Praying for oneself.

What is confession in prayer?

Asking forgiveness for sins.

Why is baptism important?

Many Christians believe that baptism is important because Jesus was baptised, and it cleanses people from original sin.

What is a sacrament?

Rites and rituals through which the believer receives a special gift of grace.

What happens in Roman Catholic Eucharist?

Catholics gather around the altar, where the priest consecrates the bread and wine so that it becomes the Body and Blood of Jesus.

What is transubstantiation?

The belief that the Holy Spirit transforms the bread and wine into Jesus' body and blood.

What happens in Protestant Eucharist?

Many Protestant denominations have less formal rituals of sharing the Holy Communion.

What is consubstantiation?

The belief that the bread and wine change symbolically.

What happens in Eastern Orthodox Eucharist?

The Orthodox Eucharist is similar to the Catholic Eucharist in belief and structure, but more elaborate in form.

Why do Christians go to Lourdes?

Catholics go on pilgrimage to Lourdes for physical healing as it is believed that the water there has healing effects.

What is pilgrimage and why is it important?

A pilgrimage is a journey made by a Christian to a holy site.

Why do Christians go to Iona?

Christians go there to study the Bible and pray, seeking spiritual growth and following the footsteps of St Columba.

How is Christmas celebrated?

Christmas is celebrated with peace and goodwill, exchanging gifts, decorating with lights, and attending church services including Midnight Mass.

How is Easter celebrated?

Easter is celebrated with special services, processions, the lighting of candles, and the exchange of Easter eggs or chocolate bunnies.

What are street pastors?

Christian volunteers who serve the community by being present in the streets and helping those in need.

What is Trussell Trust?

A food bank organization established in 1997 providing emergency help with food to those in need.

What are food banks?

Charity groups that collect food and distribute it to people in need.

What are prayer networks?

Groups of believers who come together to pray, often formed around a similar prayer need.

What is a church (kuriakon)?

A place of worship (building).

What is the Church (Ekklesia)?

The community of believers.

What is the Great Commission?

Jesus' instruction to spread his teachings to all nations, as stated in Matthew 28:16-18.

How does missionary work differ from evangelism?

Evangelism is broader, while mission is a specific type of evangelism focused on establishing new communities abroad.

What is a missionary?

A person sent on a religious mission to spread their religion through preaching or charity work.

What is Open Doors?

An organization that provides financial support to Christians suffering from discrimination and persecution.

What are examples of the worldwide Church helping persecuted Christians?

Documenting persecution, influencing governments, offering training in human rights law, and helping the oppressed speak up.

What are examples of the worldwide Church working towards reconciliation?

Some Christians act as mediators in conflicts, like Archbishop Desmond Tutu's efforts in South Africa.