Sacrament of Baptism

Sacrament of Baptism

• Baptism's primary effect is the forgiveness of all sins and a new birth in the Holy Spirit
• The essential rite involves triple immersion in water, using the Trinitarian formula
• Any unbaptized person can receive Baptism
• In emergencies, anyone with the right intention can perform a valid Baptism
• Natural water is the proper matter for Baptism
• Ordinary ministers include bishops, priests, and deacons
• The theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity are infused
• Baptism removes the guilt of Original Sin
• A white garment symbolizes cleansing from sin
• It primarily concerns the individual's family, not the Church community
• Godparents assist in the Christian formation of the baptized
• A baptismal name signifies incorporation into God's family
• Baptism serves as the gateway to other sacraments
• Lighting the baptismal candle symbolizes enlightenment in Christ
• Personal faith must be present for adult Baptism
• It establishes a sacramental bond of unity with other Christian denominations
• Baptismal promises signify rejecting Satan and professing faith
• It is considered necessary for salvation
• An indelible spiritual mark is imprinted on the soul
• The proper form involves saying "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit"

Sacrament of Confirmation

• Confirmation's primary effect is the perfection of baptismal grace
• The Bishop is the original minister in the Latin Church
• Confirmation is typically administered at the age of reason (around 7)
• Sacred chrism, oil consecrated by the bishop, is used
• Saint Ambrose of Milan called Confirmation the "Sacrament of the Holy Spirit"
• Laying on of hands accompanies the anointing
• The essential rite involves anointing with chrism and laying on of hands
• In Eastern Churches, the priest who performs baptism typically administers Confirmation
• Confirmation imprints an "indelible character"
• Candidates are required to be in a state of grace with proper disposition
• Completion of the other sacraments of initiation
• The sponsor serves as a spiritual witness and guide
• Anointing with chrism symbolizes sealing with the Holy Spirit
• Pentecost is most closely associated with Confirmation
• Sacred chrism is the proper matter
• The form is "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit"
• Traditionally associated spiritual gifts include the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
• It more perfectly binds one to the Church
• Strengthening ability to spread and defend faith
• The community witnesses and welcomes the newly confirmed

The Holy Eucharist

• The primary significance lies in the true presence of Christ's body and blood
• Transubstantiation occurs at the moment of the priest's consecration
• The physical appearances (accidents) remain unchanged
• The Council of Trent definitively defined the doctrine of transubstantiation
• Ordained priests may validly consecrate
• An altar is the proper term for the table
• A priest can celebrate Mass up to three times on Sundays and solemnities
• Being in a state of grace is required for Catholics before receiving
• The Eucharist is a Holy Sacrifice
• The Catholic understanding involves the real, true, and substantial presence of Christ
• The minimum age for First Communion in the Latin Church is 12 years old
• Consecrated hosts remaining after Mass are reserved in the tabernacle
• Unleavened wheat bread only is the proper material for the bread
• One must fast for 1 hour before receiving Communion
• Ciborium is the proper term for the vessel holding consecrated hosts
• Worthy reception guarantees salvation
• Christ is fully present only when both species are together
• Natural wine from grapes is required for the valid matter of the wine
• Bishops, priests, and deacons are ordinary ministers
• Consubstantiation is the proper term for the transformation of the bread and wine

Understanding Lent

• The Lenten season lasts 40 days
• Lent officially begins on Ash Wednesday
• The primary spiritual focus is penitence and preparation
• Feasting is not one of the traditional Lenten practices
• Catholics receive ashes on their foreheads at the beginning
• Catholics aged 18-59 are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
• Purple is traditionally used in church vestments
• The Gloria is suspended in Catholic liturgy
• Holy Thursday (or Maundy Thursday) is the Thursday before Easter
• Catholics were traditionally forbidden to eat meat on Fridays
• Sacrifice is the term for giving something up
• Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week
• "Spring season" is the meaning of the word "Lent"
• Laetare Sunday is known as "Rejoicing Sunday"
• Holy water fonts are emptied
• Lent prepares Christians for Advent
• Operation Rice Bowl is encouraged as almsgiving
• The traditional number of Stations of the Cross is 14
• Lent officially ends on Good Friday
• A special dispensation might be granted for eating meat when St. Patrick's Day falls on a Friday