Church History Study Guide

Corporal Works of Mercy

Actions that provide for the physical needs of others.

Feed the hungry

Providing food to those in need.

Give drink to the thirsty

Offering water to those who are thirsty or in need.

Clothe the naked

Providing clothing for those who lack sufficient clothing.

Shelter the homeless

Offering shelter to those without a home.

Visit the sick

Spending time with or caring for those who are ill.

Visit the imprisoned

Supporting and visiting those who are in prison.

Burial of the dead

Ensuring that deceased individuals are buried with dignity and respect.

Six Precepts of the Catholic Church

Basic guidelines intended to help Catholics practice their faith.

Attend Mass on Sundays and holy days

A precept that requires Catholics to participate in Mass.

Confess your sins at least once a year

A guideline requiring Catholics to seek reconciliation annually.

Receive Holy Communion at least during the Easter season

A precept that urges participation in the Eucharist during Easter.

Observe days of fasting and abstinence

A guideline that requires adherence to specific fasts set by the Church.

Provide for the needs of the Church

A precept emphasizing support for the Church's requirements.

Participate in the Church's mission to evangelize

A guideline encouraging active participation in the Church's outreach.

Four Marks of the Catholic Church

Essential characteristics that define the Church.

One

The Church is one due to its faith, governance, and the unity of its members.

Holy

The Church is holy because it is founded by Christ and seeks the holiness of its members.

Catholic

The Church is universal, encompassing all believers.

Apostolic

The Church is built on the foundation of the apostles.

Four Cardinal Virtues

Fundamental virtues essential for a moral life.

Prudence

The ability to judge and choose correctly in all situations.

Justice

The commitment to give each person their due and act fairly.

Fortitude

The courage to confront fear and adversity with resolve.

Temperance

The practice of self-control and moderation.

Three Theological Virtues

Foundational virtues that guide the believer's relationship with God.

Faith

Belief in God and all He has revealed.

Hope

Desire for and trust in the promises of God.

Charity (Love)

The virtue to love God and one's neighbor for God's sake.

Three Pillars of the Church's Authority

Foundational elements that support the Church's teachings.

Sacred Scripture

The collection of sacred texts considered authoritative.

Sacred Tradition

Teachings passed down through generations from the apostles.

Magisterium

The teaching authority of the Church.

Three Conditions of a Moral Sin

Criteria determining the nature of a moral sin.

Grave Matter

The act must be of serious nature, violating God's commandments.

Full Knowledge

The individual must be aware that the act is sinful.

Deliberate Consent

The person must freely choose to commit the act.

Three Powers of the Soul

Essential functions of the soul.

Intellect

The power allowing the soul to understand and reason.

Will

The power to make choices and decisions.

Emotion

Feelings and passions that influence thoughts and actions.

Two Greatest Commandments

Jesus's summary of moral law.

Love the Lord your God

First commandment requiring love for God above all.

Love your neighbor as yourself

Second commandment emphasizing love for others.

The Ten Commandments

Guidelines for moral behavior in Catholic teaching.

Baptism

Sacrament of initiation cleansing from original sin.

Confirmation

Sacrament strengthening grace received in Baptism.

Eucharist

Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ in Mass.

Penance (Confession)

Sacrament of reconciliation for confessing sins.

Anointing of the Sick

Sacrament offering healing to the seriously ill.

Holy Orders

Sacrament ordaining a man into the priesthood.

Matrimony (Marriage)

Sacrament uniting a man and a woman in a covenant.

Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy

Actions that address the spiritual needs of others.

Instruct the ignorant

Teaching others about faith and spiritual truths.

Counsel the doubtful

Offering guidance to those uncertain in belief.

Admonish sinners

Gently correcting those who have sinned.

Bear wrongs patiently

Practicing forgiveness and enduring offenses.

Forgive offenses willingly

Giving pardon to wrongdoers without grudges.

Comfort the afflicted

Providing compassion to those in distress.

Pray for the living and the dead

Interceding for others through prayer.