Four Marks of the Church

Apostasy

the act of renouncing one’s faith

Agape

a relational love directed towards the other. The trinity is an example.

Apostolic

to be founded on the twelve apostles

Schism

a major break that causes division. A schism in the church caused by the refusal to submit to the Pope or to be in communion with the church’s members.

Idolatry

the worship of other beings, creatures, or material goods in a way that is fitting for God.

Apostles Creed and date

A profession of faith or statement of Christian belief, the Apostles’ Creed developed from the baptism creed of the ancient church of Rome and is considered to be a faithful summary of the faith of the Apostles.

• 200 AD

Nicene Creed and date

The formal statement or profession of faith commonly recited during the Eucharist.

• 325 AD

Ecumenical Council

A gathering of the Church’s Bishops from around the world convened by the Pope or approved by him to address pressing issues in the church.

Who is the visible representative of Christ on earth?

The pope

What is Apostolic Succession?

Passing on of the office of bishops starts with 12 apostles generation to generation

sola scriptura

Scripture alone = only source of faith + practice

What is the Trinity? Be able to draw the diagram used to explain the Trinity.

The Trinity is 3 persons in 1 God, The Father, son, + Holy Spirit. It is a central mystery of Christian faith.

What and when was the first major schism in Christianity?

The East - West Schism - 1054

What and when was the second major schism in Christianity?

Protestant Reformation;1500

What was the Protestant Reformation?

A movement that resulted in 95 ideas that challenged the christian belief.

What invention enabled the ideas of this reformation to spread very quickly?

The Printer made it spread quickly

What is Tradition with a capital "T" and what is tradition with a small "t"?

• Capital “T”is the Apostles’ teachings faithful community, celebration of the Eucharist , and prayer, they remain the same.

• Lowercase “t” traditions are customs and not a part of Divine Revelation.

What two dimensions does the Church have? What is the meaning of each?

• Divine = Body of Christ

• Human = members of the Church

Why does the Church exist?

To make members holy because of the Holy Spirit.

What guarantees that the Church is carrying out its mission in spite of the sins and imperfections of its members?

The holy spirit

Explain what God's grace is. What 3 ways can we cooperate with God's grace and growth in holiness?

God’s grace is a gift freely given to us from God.

• We cooperate with God’s grace through the sacraments, scripture, and service.

The word "holy" comes from what Latin word?

Sanctus

What is the difference between a Saint with a capital "S" and a saint with a small "s"?

• saints = every baptized person

• Saint = canonized

Why are canonized Saints important for our own journey in life?

we are able to look up to them for guidance and help in our faith life

What is meant by the Communion of Saints?

The connection between all living and dead baptized Christians.

Do Catholics worship the Saints or worship Mary?

No; Catholics look to saints as guides and intercessors in their life/faith.

How many miracles are needed for a person to be canonized? How is a miracle determined?

2 miracles; there has to be proof of illness being cured after praying to such person.

What is Mary's importance to the Church and to our life of discipleship?

Mary is first among the saints, is the mother of God, and she shows us how to be a true disciple.

Who is first among the Saints?

Mary

What is the Annunciation and the date we celebrate this?

Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive a son through the Holy Spirit and was told to name him Jesus

• March 25th

What is the Immaculate Conception and the date we celebrate this?

Mary was conceived without original sin

• December 8th

What is the Assumption and the date we celebrate this?

Mary ascended into heaven body & soul

• August 15.

What is meant by the word Catholic with a capital "C" and the word catholic with a small "c"?

• catholic = universal

• Catholic = Roman Catholic Church

Explain why no one is beyond the reach of God.

What is evangelization?

Spreading the Gospel.

What is Inculturation?

The global church represents the cultural identity without losing the Gospel’s truth.

Who are the Apostles' successors? How is this authority passed on to each succeeding generation?

The Pope & Bishops are the successors , generation by generation. It is passed on through Holy Orders.

Who are the official teachers and guardians of the Catholic Faith?

magisterium - Pope and bishops

Who are the laity? What is meant by apostolate? And what is then meant by lay apostolate?

The laity are the people in the church that aren’t ordained. Apostolate means bring Gospel into the world

The call to share the Good News of Christ is rooted in what Sacrament?

Baptism

What is the Great Commission at the end of the Gospel of Matthew?

Jesus tells the Apostles to spread the Gospel throughout the earth

What is the Deposit of Faith? Is this God's Revelation to us?

It is the truth of God’s Revelation written in Scripture, inspired by God’s word and transmitted to Catholic teachings.