Sacraments: Chapters 1-3 Study Guide

textbook: "The Sacraments" by Sophia Institute

Sacrament

An outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace. Efficacious signs because they actively work through Jesus to give us grace, which is their purpose. Word comes from the Latin term “sacramentum,” which was an initiation oath into the Roman army that grants soldiers a new status and purpose, just as these do.

Efficacious

Effective, or something that brings about/does what it signifies.

Matter

The physical material used during a sacrament, revealing the presence of Jesus.

Form

The words/prayer said by the minister of the sacrament which communicates what God is doing.

Minister

The human person Christ works through, and the one who administers the sacrament.

Paschal Mystery

Christ’s work of redemption accomplished by His Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension.

Liturgy

Public work of worship of the Church, and prayers which are of particular sacramental celebrations and express what we ask God to do and show what He does.

Disposition

Quality or state of mind, or one of which that is necessary to be prepared for an encounter with God/sacrament. We need this for the sacrament to truly work in us.

Ex Opere Operato

Latin for “by the work worked,” which tells us that so long as the correct matter and form is used, the sacrament will work through God who works through the human minister. The holiness of the human minister themselves has no impact on the sacrament in this way.

Incarnation

The fact that the Son of Man assumed human nature for our redemption.

Grace

The free and undeserved Divine Life of God given to us as a gift through the sacraments to make us more like God and be adopted as his children.

Actual Grace

Grace given to us for the performance of good acts in the spur of the moment, helping us to act in the right way.

Sanctifying Grace

Grace given to us through the sacraments that help form us into saints and make us holy.

Intellect

Our power to know.

Will

Our power to choose.

Jesus

The primary minister of sacraments, and a sacrament Himself as He reveals He is God through everything He says and does.

Church

The means which Christ remains present with us today and is His instrument because it is used to continue His saving work. It is a sign revealing Jesus’ saving work, therefore making it a universal sacrament.

Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi

Latin for “the law of prayer is the law of belief,” showing us that how we pray forms what we believe, and vice versa. The liturgical prayer expressed Sacred Tradition in this way.

Sacramental View

Looking at the world with God, the divine Artist who created everything, in mind. A way of realizing that all of creation reveals something about Him and He created not to increase His glory, but to show it. In this way, creation is a sacrament as it reveals things about God the Creator.

Body and Soul Union

Humans consist of a body (physical component) and a soul (spiritual component). Original Sin affects our bodies and souls, so Jesus assumed this body/soul nature to heal us from Original Sin’s effects. Through this, God can reveal Himself to us. He communicates to us through physical signs because we are physical bodies, and we can see Him and His works clearer through the material means of the sacraments.

Full, Conscious, and Active Participation

The act of recognizing, understanding, and engaging in the liturgy when it is happening. Being active during the liturgy and therefore letting the work of the sacrament work through you and fill you with grace. Being aware of what’s happening and participating in it.