Comprehensive Catholic Faith and Scripture: Key Concepts and Figures

Old Testament

The first part of the Bible, containing the story of God's covenant with Israel before Jesus.

New Testament

The second part of the Bible, focusing on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and the early Church.

Parable

A short story with a moral or spiritual lesson, often told by Jesus.

Prophet

A person chosen by God to speak His message to the people.

Abraham

The first patriarch, made a covenant with God, seen as the father of faith.

Moses

Led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God.

David

King of Israel who united the tribes and is an ancestor of Jesus.

Gospel

"Good News" - the four books (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) about Jesus' life.

John the Baptist

Prophet who prepared the way for Jesus and baptized Him.

Trinity

The belief that God is three persons in one: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Jesus

The Son of God, who became human to save us from sin and bring us eternal life.

Resurrection

Jesus rising from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion.

Salvation

Freedom from sin and eternal separation from God; made possible by Jesus.

Incarnation

The Christian belief that God became human in the person of Jesus.

Nicene Creed

A summary of key Christian beliefs, recited in Mass.

Revelation

God making Himself known to humanity, especially through Jesus and Scripture.

Sacrament

A visible sign of God's grace, instituted by Christ.

Baptism

Sacrament of initiation that cleanses sin and welcomes a person into the Church.

Eucharist

Sacrament in which Catholics receive the Body and Blood of Christ.

Reconciliation

Sacrament through which sins are forgiven and we are reconciled with God.

Confirmation

Sacrament that strengthens baptismal grace and seals us with the Holy Spirit.

Anointing of the Sick

Sacrament that brings healing and comfort to the seriously ill.

Holy Orders

Sacrament through which men become deacons, priests, or bishops.

Matrimony

Sacrament in which a man and woman are united in marriage before God.

Prayer

Communicating with God through words, silence, or actions.

Our Father

The prayer Jesus taught His disciples.

Hail Mary

A prayer asking for Mary's intercession.

Glory Be

A prayer glorifying the Trinity.

Mass

The central liturgical celebration in which the Eucharist is consecrated and received.

Advent

The liturgical season of preparation before Christmas.

Lent

A 40-day period of penance and preparation for Easter.

Easter

The celebration of Jesus' resurrection from the dead.

Liturgical Year

The Church's annual cycle of seasons and feasts.

Conscience

The inner voice that helps us choose right from wrong, guided by reason and faith.

Sin

A deliberate choice to disobey God's law.

Grace

God's free gift of love and help to live as His children.

Beatitudes

Teachings from Jesus about how to live a blessed and holy life.

Catholic Social Teaching

The Church's teachings about justice, dignity, and care for others.

Human Dignity

The belief that every person is valuable because they are made in God's image.

Solidarity

Unity and compassion with all people, especially the poor and vulnerable.

Peter

One of Jesus' apostles; became the first Pope and leader of the early Church.

Paul

A missionary and author of many New Testament letters.

Mary

The mother of Jesus; model of faith and obedience to God.

Judas Iscariot

One of Jesus' apostles who betrayed Him for money.

Saint Mary MacKillop

Australia's first saint; known for her work in education and service to the poor.

Pope Francis

The current Pope, known for promoting mercy, care for creation, and social justice.

Covenant

A sacred agreement between God and His people.

Ten Commandments

God's laws given to Moses on Mount Sinai to guide moral living.

Apostles

The twelve men chosen by Jesus to spread His teachings.

Evangelist

A writer of a Gospel: Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John.

Church

The community of people who believe in Jesus and follow His teachings.

Discipleship

Following Jesus through faith and actions.

Holy Spirit

The third person of the Trinity, who guides and strengthens believers.

Paschal Mystery

The suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.

Synagogue

A Jewish place of worship and learning.

Diocese

A regional community of the Church led by a bishop.

Bishop

A leader in the Church who oversees a diocese and teaches, sanctifies, and governs.

Pope

The Bishop of Rome and leader of the worldwide Catholic Church.

Tabernacle

The sacred container in a Catholic church where the Eucharist is kept.

Altar

The table in a church where the Eucharist is consecrated during Mass.

Rosary

A form of meditative prayer using beads to reflect on the life of Jesus and Mary.

Annunciation

The angel Gabriel's message to Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus.

Ascension

Jesus' return to heaven, body and soul, 40 days after His resurrection.

Pentecost

The day the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles; the birthday of the Church.

Mission

The Church's task to spread the Gospel and serve others.

How many decades in a rosary?

5

How many Gospels are in the Bible?

4

Name the four Gospels.

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

What is the Bible divided into?

Old Testament and New Testament

What is the first book of the Bible?

Genesis

What do we call the meal Jesus shared before His death?

The Last Supper

What day do Christians celebrate Jesus' resurrection?

Easter Sunday

What is the Church season before Easter?

Lent

How many days are in Lent (not counting Sundays)?

40

What colour is used during Lent?

Purple

What colour is used during Easter?

White or gold

What prayer begins with 'Our Father...'?

The Lord's Prayer

What prayer do we say with the Hail Mary?

The Rosary

Who leads the worldwide Catholic Church?

The Pope

Who is the first Pope?

Saint Peter

What's the name of your local Church leader?

The Bishop

How many sacraments are there?

7

What is the symbol of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost?

Tongues of fire

What is the name of the bread given at Mass?

The host

What day of the week is the Christian day of rest and worship?

Sunday