Faith & Church
A student says Christians believe in three gods because there are three persons in the Trinity. How would you correct that statement?
One God exists in three divine persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They share the same divine nature and are equal but distinct.
The Bible has two major sections. Compare what each section covers and give the number of books in each.
The Old Testament has 46 books and tells the story of salvation from creation up until the birth of Christ. The New Testament has 27 books and contains the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, letters (Epistles), and Revelation.
Explain why a sacrament is more than just a symbol. Include who instituted the sacraments and what they give us.
A sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ that gives us grace. The Catechism describes it as an efficacious sign of grace entrusted to the Church, through which divine life is given by the work of the Holy Spirit.
A student is trying to decide what is right, has the courage to do it, respects others’ dignity, and avoids excess. Name the four cardinal virtues and connect each to the situation.
Prudence helps us make correct decisions and do good. Fortitude gives strength and courage. Justice moves us to respect the rights and dignity of all people. Temperance helps us enjoy pleasures with moderation and use everything properly.
Faith, Hope, and Charity are theological virtues. Explain how Charity is more than simply being nice to someone.
Charity is the love of God and neighbor.
A classmate says the Church is Catholic only because it is based in Rome. Explain what “Catholic” means in the four marks of the Church.
The Church is Catholic because it is destined to last for all time and strives to teach all the truth God has revealed throughout the world. The Church on earth is also united with the Church in Heaven and Purgatory.
A student remembers that there are four Gospels but can name only two. Name all four and explain what the Gospels belong to.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They are part of the New Testament.
Why are Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation called the Sacraments of Initiation?
They are called the Sacraments of Initiation because through them we become full members of the Church.
Explain the difference between the theological virtues and the cardinal virtues. Name all three theological virtues.
The theological virtues are Faith, Hope, and Charity. The study guide describes Faith as belief in God, Hope as trust in God, and Charity as love of God and neighbor. The cardinal virtues are Prudence, Fortitude, Justice, and Temperance.
A parish organizes a food pantry, visits people in the hospital, and provides coats to people in need. Identify the three corporal works of mercy shown.
Feed the hungry; visit the sick; clothe the naked.
How does Apostolic Succession connect the Church today to Jesus and the Apostles?
Christ gave authority to the Apostles and their successors. This authority has been handed on to bishops through Holy Orders.
Sort these Bible sections into the Old Testament or New Testament: Wisdom Books, Acts of the Apostles, Pentateuch/Torah, Epistles, Prophetic Books, and Revelation.
Old Testament: Wisdom Books, Pentateuch/Torah, and Prophetic Books. New Testament: Acts of the Apostles, Epistles, and Revelation.
At Mass, the priest consecrates the bread and wine. What change takes place, and what is the Church’s word for this?
Through transubstantiation, the bread and wine become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ.
Someone wants to choose the right path and give a friend good advice. Which Gift of the Holy Spirit should the person ask for, and why?
Counsel. It helps us make good decisions, know right from wrong, and advise others.
A student comforts a grieving friend, forgives someone who caused harm, and prays for a deceased relative. Identify the three spiritual works of mercy shown.
Comfort the sorrowful; forgive injuries; pray for the living and the dead.
A person asks: “Who teaches officially for the Catholic Church, and what does the gift of infallibility mean?” Explain both terms.
The Magisterium is the Church’s teaching authority, guided by the Holy Spirit. Infallibility is a special gift from the Holy Spirit whereby the Church can teach without error on matters of faith and morals.
A friend says the Bible was written by God directly and had no human authors. What does the study guide teach about how the Bible was written?
The books were written by human authors who were inspired by the Holy Spirit to remember and write down the truth God wanted us to have for our salvation.
A visitor asks why Catholics say the Mass is both a sacrifice and a meal. Explain both meanings.
The Mass is a sacrifice because it participates in the ever-present, ever-living offering of our Lord on the cross. It is a meal because Jesus shared Passover with the Apostles and nourished them with His Body and Blood.
How does Confirmation strengthen a person’s ability to live and share the faith?
Confirmation gives the fullness of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and strengthens our baptismal grace so we can spread and defend the faith.
A Catholic has not attended Sunday Mass, has not gone to confession in over a year, and has not helped support the Church. Which precepts of the Church relate to these responsibilities? Name all five precepts.
The responsibilities relate to the precepts to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor; confess sins at least once a year; receive the Eucharist at least during the Easter season; observe the Church’s days of fasting and abstinence; and help provide for the needs of the Church.
A student says the Church is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic, but cannot explain the marks "holy" and "apostolic."
Holy: The Church was founded by Jesus Christ, teaches holy doctrines according to His will, and provides the means for members to lead holy lives, especially through the sacraments.
Apostolic: The Church was founded by Christ on the Apostles, received His authority, and continues to be governed by the successors of the Apostles.
Explain how the four Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, Epistles, and Revelation fit into the structure of the New Testament.
The New Testament contains 27 books and includes:
Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Acts of the Apostles: Describes the work of the Apostles.
Epistles: Letters.
Revelation: The final book of the Bible.
Explain the difference between sanctifying grace, actual grace, and sacramental grace. How does each help Catholics?
Sanctifying Grace: Sharing in the life and love of the Holy Trinity.
Actual Grace: Helps us act, enlightens our minds, and strengthens our wills to do good and avoid evil.
Sacramental Grace: The special grace given through each sacrament.
A friend asks how the Gifts of Wisdom, Understanding, and Knowledge differ. Explain each according to the study guide.
Wisdom: Helps us think with the mind of Christ, appreciate divine things, and recognize what is truly important.
Understanding: Gives us deeper insight into our faith so that we can live it and explain it to others.
Knowledge: Helps us receive and accept the faith and see everything in relationship to God and our eternal destiny.
A person is preparing for Confirmation. Explain the matter, form, ordinary minister, and effects of this sacrament.
Matter: Laying on of hands and anointing with Sacred Chrism.
Form: "Name. Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit."
Ordinary Minister: Bishop.
Effects: Receiving a permanent character or seal upon the soul, identifying us with Christ, and receiving an outpouring of the Holy Spirit to strengthen our baptismal grace and His gifts so we can spread and defend the faith.