Catholic Priesthood, Bishops, and Sacraments: Study Guide

When did Christ institute the priesthood of the Church?

At the Last Supper.

What does it mean that the Catholic Church is an apostolic church?

It means she guards and hands on the teachings of the Apostles.

Where does the priesthood originate?

In the Old Testament with the tribe of Levi.

What was the responsibility of the Levites?

To offer gifts and sacrifices to God on behalf of the community.

Who was Melchizedek?

An Old Testament priest who prefigured Christ.

What gifts did Melchizedek bring to Abram?

Bread and wine.

What is the role of a bishop?

Spiritual leader of the Church and pastor of their people.

Who can ordain a bishop?

Only the pope.

What is the principal task of every bishop?

To proclaim the gospel.

What is the duty of a bishop to sanctify?

To administer the sacraments.

What is the role of the pope in the Church?

Successor of St. Peter and bishop of Rome.

What does infallibility mean in the context of the pope?

He cannot err when he proclaims a doctrine ex cathedra.

What is the college of bishops?

The group that shares in the gift of infallibility when teaching about faith and morals.

What is the whole mission of priests?

Liturgical, as ministers of the Sacraments.

What is the difference between diocesan priests and religious priests?

Diocesan priests are bound to a geographical area; religious priests take vows and are not bound to one diocese.

What are the functions of a deacon?

Preach, do baptisms, witness weddings, serve the sick.

Can permanent deacons be married?

Yes, or they must be willing to stay single.

What is the Magisterium?

The pope and all bishops in union with him.

Who saw bishops as symbols of unity in the Church?

St. Ignatius of Antioch.

What is the altar of holocaust?

A small mound of stones for burning the flesh of sacrificed animals.

What is apostolic succession?

The handing on of the Apostles' preaching and authority to bishops.

Who is responsible for electing a new pope?

The college of cardinals.

What is a crosier?

A bishop's staff.

What is the chrism mass?

The liturgy at which the sacred oils are blessed.

What is the diaconate?

The order of deacons.

What is a diocese?

A geographical district headed by a bishop.

What is the episcopate?

The order of bishops.

Who is the ultimate High Priest?

Jesus Christ.

What is an ecumenical council?

An assembly of representatives from the Church for consultation on Church matters.

What is the sensus fidei?

The inability of the whole body of the faithful to err in matters of faith and morals.

What is the liturgy of the hours?

The official daily prayer of the Church.

What is the ministerial priesthood?

The priesthood of Christ received in the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

What are permanent deacons?

Ordained deacons who will permanently remain deacons.

What is papal primacy?

The authority of the Bishop of Rome over the entire universal Church.

What is a rectory?

The house in which a pastor and other parish priests live.

What are transitional deacons?

Ordained deacons who are only deacons temporarily as a step to becoming a priest.

Who is the successor of St. Peter?

The pope.

What is the presbyterate?

The order of priests.