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Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of praying for the dead in Catholic belief?
What is the purpose of praying for the dead in Catholic belief?
What does 'the pilgrim Church' refer to in Catholicism?
What does 'the pilgrim Church' refer to in Catholicism?
What is meant by the term 'triumphant Church'?
What is meant by the term 'triumphant Church'?
What is the significance of the Eucharist in the context of the Church?
What is the significance of the Eucharist in the context of the Church?
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What is necessary for a person to enter the joy of heaven according to Catholic belief?
What is necessary for a person to enter the joy of heaven according to Catholic belief?
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What are the two closely linked meanings of communion within the Church?
What are the two closely linked meanings of communion within the Church?
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How does communion with the saints affect believers according to the content?
How does communion with the saints affect believers according to the content?
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Which of the following spiritual goods is NOT mentioned as being shared among Christ's believers?
Which of the following spiritual goods is NOT mentioned as being shared among Christ's believers?
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According to the content, how do the saints participate in the intercession for believers?
According to the content, how do the saints participate in the intercession for believers?
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What role do the sacraments play according to the beliefs about the Church?
What role do the sacraments play according to the beliefs about the Church?
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What scripture reference is used to emphasize the shared wealth of the believers?
What scripture reference is used to emphasize the shared wealth of the believers?
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What is the nature of the communion involving the dead?
What is the nature of the communion involving the dead?
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What does the celebration of the Holy Eucharist signify in relation to communion?
What does the celebration of the Holy Eucharist signify in relation to communion?
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What is the primary purpose of praying for the dead according to the doctrine of communion of saints?
What is the primary purpose of praying for the dead according to the doctrine of communion of saints?
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Which group is excluded from the communion of saints?
Which group is excluded from the communion of saints?
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What state must individuals be in to fully share in the communion of saints?
What state must individuals be in to fully share in the communion of saints?
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What does Purgatory represent in Catholic theology?
What does Purgatory represent in Catholic theology?
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Why did Judas Maccabeus pray for the dead according to Old Testament practice?
Why did Judas Maccabeus pray for the dead according to Old Testament practice?
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What is one way Catholics can help the souls in Purgatory?
What is one way Catholics can help the souls in Purgatory?
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What aspect of the Church does the communion of saints emphasize?
What aspect of the Church does the communion of saints emphasize?
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What role do the good deeds of the living play for those who are in a state of sin?
What role do the good deeds of the living play for those who are in a state of sin?
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Study Notes
Communion of Saints
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The communion among the different parts of the Church (militant, suffering, triumphant) has two meanings: a communion "in holy things" (sancta) and a communion among holy persons (sancti).
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When celebrating the Eucharist, the mystery of the Church as communion is proclaimed.
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Together with angels and saints in heaven, worship and praise is offered to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
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Communion with the saints brings believers closer to Christ as fellow pilgrims.
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All grace and the life of God's people issues from Christ.
Spiritual Goods Shared by Christ's Believers
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Faith: The faith of the faithful is the faith of the Church.
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Sacraments: The Eucharist is a sacrament, primarily for Christian communities, that celebrates and creates them. Sacraments are for sanctification.
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Charisms: Each person receives charisms for the benefit of all (1 Cor 12:7).
Spiritual Goods Shared by Christ's Believers (cont)
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Wealth: Believers shared everything in common (Acts 4:32).
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Charity: No one lives for themselves, and no one dies for themselves (Rom 14:7). If one part suffers, all the parts suffer, and if one part is honored, all the parts share the joy (1 Cor 12:26-27).
Intercession of Saints
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Saints in heaven continue to unite with Christ, strengthening the whole Church in holiness.
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They intercede with the Father for believers, offering the merits they earned on earth through Christ.
Communion with the Dead
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The Church is aware of the communion with the dead, respecting their memory and praying for them so they may be freed from their sins.
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Prayers for the dead can help them and also make their intercession for the living effective.
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The doctrine of communion of saints points to the Church as a sacrament and mystery of communion.
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The life of all members, especially those suffering, poor and persecuted, is linked to Christ.
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They are nurtured by prayer, the Eucharist, the exchange of spiritual goods and penitential expiation.
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Only those in the state of grace (meaning those who are in a good relationship with God).
Communion with the Dead (cont)
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Those who are in the imperfect state of sin have imperfect communication.
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The good deeds of others can help those in this imperfect state.
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Those in hell are excluded from communion of saints.
The Suffering Church
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People who die suddenly may not have time to confess sins.
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Purgatory is a state of final purification for those in grace but not yet fully purified.
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Purgatory is a cleansing, to attain the necessary holiness for eternal life with God
Why Do Catholics Pray for the Dead?
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Judas Maccabeus prayed and offered sacrifices for a soldier suspected of apostasy (2 Maccabees 12:41-45).
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This is an example of the belief that the living can pray for the dead to help them attain God's forgiveness.
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Prayers and masses can help souls in purgatory to expiate their temporal punishment.
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Prayers for the dead are done for those in God's grace who have not yet attained full holiness. Those who die in grace are assured of eternal salvation, but may need further purification.
The Pilgrim Church
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The militant or pilgrim church to which baptized individuals belong is a sacrament of salvation.
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The church signifies and makes possible the communion of God and humanity.
The Pilgrim Church (cont)
- The Church is the sign and instrument of coming together as the people of God.
The Triumphant Church
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The Church in Heaven is called the triumphant Church.
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The Saints receive their ultimate victory: eternal blessedness, the fullness of life, and contemplation of God.
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On Earth, a foretaste of heaven is experienced through the Eucharist. Those gathered in the Eucharist as the one body of Christ offer praise and thanksgiving to God.
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Description
Explore the profound concepts of the communion of saints and the shared spiritual goods among believers in Christianity. This quiz delves into the meanings of communion, the role of the sacraments, and the importance of faith and charisms in the life of the Church. Test your understanding of how these elements contribute to the unity and sanctification of the faithful.
