Sacraments and Grace Concepts

Efficacious signs of grace instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us.

The free and undeserved gift that God gives us to respond to his call. It can be emotional, intellectual, and short-term. It is a help to lead us to God.

Sanctifying grace that comes from direct interactions with Christ in the sacrament. This is a long-term grace that helps us be more like Christ. It preserves our soul.

The union of God's divine nature with human nature in the person of Jesus Christ. It means Jesus is both fully God and fully human.

The phrase the Church uses to describe Jesus as fully human and fully divine. This is the essential part of the Incarnation.

The sacraments get their efficacy not from the ministers performing the sacrament but from Christ himself.

A sacrament that lays the foundation of Christian life and completes our admission into the Church.

A sacrament that is directed towards the salvation of others and the mission of evangelizing the world.

The traditional words said for each sacrament.

The traditional physical element and or gesture used in each sacrament.

The season of the liturgical year where we remember the long wait for the Messiah and are still waiting for Jesus.

The liturgical season that focuses on the mystery of the incarnation, lasting twelve days.

The liturgical season lasting from the feast of the Epiphany to the start of Lent, focusing on the earthly ministry of Jesus.

A period of 40 days where we are encouraged to take an act of penance, practice self-denial, and unite ourselves with the suffering of Christ and the poor around the world.

A three-day period (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday) focusing on the events of Christ's Passion.

The most critical season in the Church, lasting approximately 50 days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost, focusing on the resurrection of Christ.

The liturgical season starting after Pentecost and ending on the feast of Christ the King, the most extended season of the Liturgical Year.

Fairness in agreement and exchange between individuals or private social groups.

Just distribution of resources that God intends for us all to use and share.

This requires citizens to obey the laws of the larger society.

This justice strives to guarantee the equal rights of all people to contribute to the social, political, and economic institutions of society.

The state of human nature after the fall of Adam & Eve, where we are inclined to sin.

A sin committed by an individual, causing harm that only affects them or a small group of people.

Receiving the Eucharist is more than a symbolic act; it's a deep union with Christ, forming a closer relationship with him and bringing us into the unity of the Church.

The Eucharist inspires us to share our blessings with those in need. The act of receiving Christ in the Eucharist reminds us of our duty to care for the less fortunate.

The Eucharist, as a source of spiritual strength, compels us to act on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST), such as the dignity of the human person and the preferential option for the poor.

The sacraments (especially the Eucharist) serve as the foundation for living out Catholic Social Teaching. They provide the spiritual nourishment necessary for us to be active participants in creating a more just world.

Each sacrament offers a unique connection to a specific CST principle, guiding our actions in the world.

Understanding the principles of CST empowers us to identify and respond to social justice issues in our everyday lives.

Living by the principles of CST means putting those values into action, actively striving for a society that respects the dignity of all people.

Study effectively by using various methods such as reviewing notes, practice tests, games, or graphic organizers. Focus on understanding concepts and not just memorizing definitions.

A year-long formation process for adults who want to join the Catholic Church, culminating in baptism and other sacraments at Easter.

A person who is being prepared for baptism and other sacraments of initiation.

A public declaration of faith in the Trinity, rejecting Satan and affirming belief in the Christian faith.

A central element of baptism, it signifies the washing away of sin and the new life in Christ.

A holy oil used in various sacraments, in baptism it symbolizes the gift of the Holy Spirit.

A white garment worn by the newly baptized, symbolizing purity and new life in Christ.

A lit candle given to the newly baptized, signifying the light of Christ and their role as bearers of his light.

A dramatic act during baptism, it signifies the rejection of evil and the embrace of Christ.

Baptism is the first sacrament, opening the door to all other sacraments.

Baptism calls us to live a life of service and holiness, reflecting the example of Christ.

Baptism calls us to share the Gospel message, spreading the good news of Christ's love.

A type of baptism where a person dies with a fervent desire to be baptized but without the physical act.

A type of baptism where a person is martyred for their faith before having the opportunity to receive baptism by water.

The forgiveness of all sins, original and personal, through the power of Christ's sacrifice.

The state of being a child of God and a temple of the Holy Spirit, a new spiritual identity in Christ.

The purposeful ending of human life, often to alleviate suffering.

The idea that suffering can provide an opportunity to connect with Jesus and His suffering.

The belief that a person's worth is determined by their perceived usefulness to society. Euthanasia can contribute to this by suggesting that the elderly and disabled are a burden.

The idea that punishment should be a debt paid to the victim or society, restoring moral order.

The idea that punishment should discourage future crime by instilling fear of consequences.

The act of improving or changing oneself for the better.

The idea that capital punishment cannot be considered punishment because the deceased individual cannot be reformed.

The belief that all life is sacred and deserves protection, from conception to natural death.

The term 'Eucharist' comes from the Greek word 'thanksgiving'. It refers to both the consecrated bread and wine, and the entire celebration of the Mass.

The Mass derives its name from the Latin word 'Missa', which translates to 'dismissal'.

The phrase 'ite missa est', meaning 'Go, she has been sent', signifies that the true work of the Mass begins after the congregation leaves.

The Eucharist is the source of Christian life because Christ Himself is present in it. It is the summit of faith because nothing is higher than receiving Jesus.

The Jewish holiday of Passover, with its Seder Meal, prefigures the Eucharist. Manna, the food provided by God to the Israelites in the desert, also foreshadows the Eucharist.

Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper, the night before his death. He memorialized his death and resurrection, giving Jewish Passover its ultimate meaning.

The main parts of the Mass are the Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, and Concluding Rites. Each section has specific components that flow together.