7.3 Catholic Christianity Key Beliefs: Sacraments (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Flashcards
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Define a sacrament.
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Define a sacrament.
'An outward sign of inward grace' — ordained by God, by which grace is given to the soul.
Define grace (in Catholicism).
The free gift of God's love given to all people.
What are the seven sacraments?
Baptism
Eucharist
Confirmation
Reconciliation
Anointing of the Sick
Matrimony (Marriage)
Holy Orders
True or False?
All Christians accept seven sacraments.
False.
Only Catholic Christians accept seven; many other Christians accept only Baptism and the Eucharist.
What is the 'sacramental nature of reality'?
The idea that the whole of reality can be seen as a sign of God's love, since God created everything.
How was Jesus the sacrament of God's presence?
Through the Incarnation, he was the sign of God's presence on earth.
What does the Catechism say the seven sacraments 'touch'?
'All stages and all important moments of Christian life'.
A sacrament is an outward sign of inward ______.
A sacrament is an outward sign of inward grace.
Besides nature, where can God's presence be seen in the sacramental view of reality?
In people's love for one another.
Give two effects of receiving a sacrament.
It can teach and strengthen a person's faith, strengthen their connection with God, and make them more holy.
Catholics believe there are ______ sacraments through which God communicates his grace.
Catholics believe there are seven sacraments through which God communicates his grace.
Define Baptism.
The first sacrament of initiation — through which a person becomes a member of the Church and a child of God.
Does the Catholic Church practise infant or adult baptism?
Infant baptism — babies are baptised, with parents and godparents making promises on their behalf.
What does the water in baptism represent?
The washing away of sin.
What does the lit candle at baptism symbolise?
Jesus, the 'Light of the world'.
What does the white garment worn at baptism show?
That the child is pure and clothed in Christ.
From which sin does baptism free a person?
Original sin.
True or False?
In Catholicism, only adults can be baptised.
False.
The Catholic Church practises infant baptism.
A person is baptised 'in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy ______'.
A person is baptised 'in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit'.
Whose example does baptism follow?
Jesus', who was baptised by John the Baptist and told his disciples to baptise all followers.
The ______ used to anoint the child at baptism represents strength to fight evil.
The oil used to anoint the child at baptism represents strength to fight evil.
Define Confirmation.
A sacrament of initiation in which a person becomes an adult member of the Church, confirming for themselves their baptismal promises.
What are the three sacraments of initiation?
Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
What does a person do at Confirmation?
They promise for themselves the promises made by their parents and godparents at baptism, taking responsibility for their own faith.
Which oil is used at Confirmation, and what does it symbolise?
Chrism oil, symbolising the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Who must be present at a Confirmation, and why?
A bishop, to show the person is being sent out to spread the Good News, as Jesus sent the apostles.
Which biblical event does Confirmation recall?
Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came to Jesus' followers (as tongues of fire).
True or False?
A person can be confirmed before they are baptised.
False.
Confirmation confirms a person's baptism, so it comes after it.
At Confirmation the words are said: 'Be ______ with the gift of the Holy Spirit'.
At Confirmation the words are said: 'Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit'.
What effect does Confirmation have on a person's relationship with the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is renewed within them, strengthening them to withstand evil.
The ______ on of hands at Confirmation symbolises receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The laying on of hands at Confirmation symbolises receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Define Reconciliation.
The sacrament in which a Catholic confesses their sins to a priest and receives God's forgiveness, restoring good relations with God and others.
By what other name is Reconciliation known?
The sacrament of penance.
Define penance.
The prayers or good deed a priest asks a person to do to make up for their sin.
Through whom does a Catholic receive God's forgiveness in Reconciliation?
The priest, who serves as God's representative on earth.
What does 'absolve' mean?
To forgive — the priest says 'I absolve you from your sins...'.
What authority, given by Jesus, does Reconciliation fulfil?
The authority to forgive sins ('If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven', John 20:23).
True or False?
A Catholic can only ever ask God for forgiveness through the sacrament of Reconciliation.
False.
A person can pray to God for forgiveness at any time, but Reconciliation gives forgiveness through the priest.
The priest says: 'I ______ you from your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit'.
The priest says: 'I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit'.
According to the Catechism, what does Reconciliation restore?
Grace lost by sin — restoring the person's relationship with God.
How does Reconciliation help a person emotionally?
It releases them from the burden of guilt, allowing them to make a fresh start.
Define Anointing of the Sick.
A sacrament of healing given to strengthen those who are seriously ill, elderly or preparing for surgery.
Can Anointing of the Sick be received more than once?
Yes — like Reconciliation and the Eucharist.
With what does the priest anoint the person, and why?
Blessed oil on the forehead and hands, to give strength to bear their suffering.
Why does the priest lay his hands on the person's head?
As a sign of calling upon the Holy Spirit to be with them.
Whose practice does Anointing of the Sick follow?
Jesus', who cared for the sick (and the teaching of James 5:14-15).
Name an effect of Anointing of the Sick.
Spiritual comfort, forgiveness of sins, strength and courage to accept illness, and peace (plus physical healing if it is God's will).
True or False?
Anointing of the Sick always brings physical healing.
False.
It brings comfort, peace and courage; physical healing only comes if it is God's will.
Anointing of the Sick is known as a sacrament of ______.
Anointing of the Sick is known as a sacrament of healing.
How does Anointing of the Sick help someone who is close to death?
It gives relief from anxiety and peace, so they are less anxious about death, and their sins are forgiven.
The Catechism teaches this sacrament gives 'strength, peace, and ______ to endure suffering'.
The Catechism teaches this sacrament gives 'strength, peace, and courage to endure suffering'.
Define Matrimony.
The sacrament of marriage — when a man and woman freely agree to join together for life.
How long is a Catholic marriage meant to last?
Life — it is a lifelong, once-only commitment.
What do the rings exchanged at a wedding symbolise?
That the couple's love is endless and precious.
Which teaching of Jesus underlines the permanence of marriage?
'What God has joined together, let no one separate' (Mark 10:6-9).
Why is marriage a sacrament?
Because God is present at the ceremony, the promises are made before God, and God blesses the couple.
What does 'life-giving' mean in Catholic marriage?
The loving relationship is the place to welcome children and bring them up in the faith.
True or False?
A Catholic marriage can be repeated many times.
False.
Marriage should take place only once — it is a lifelong commitment.
The couple make ______ (promises) to one another before God, agreeing to love one another for life.
The couple make vows (promises) to one another before God, agreeing to love one another for life.
What does the word SPELL summarise about Catholic marriage?
Sacrament, Permanent, Exclusive, Life-giving, Love.
Marriage is an ______ union — the couple promise to be faithful to one another for life.
Marriage is an exclusive union — the couple promise to be faithful to one another for life.
Define Holy Orders.
The sacrament (also called ordination) in which a person becomes a priest, deacon or bishop.
Which position must a person hold before being ordained a priest?
A deacon.
Who leads the ordination ceremony, and why?
A bishop, to show the person is being sent out to spread the Good News, as Jesus sent the apostles.
Define celibacy.
The promise a priest takes to commit himself to God rather than having a family, freeing him to serve others.
Name a power a priest receives through Holy Orders.
The power to pass on God's forgiveness in Reconciliation, consecrate the bread and wine, and preach the Gospel.
What is the central role of a priest?
To make God present in people's lives by performing the sacraments and caring for the Church.
True or False?
A Catholic priest may marry and have a family.
False.
A priest takes a promise of celibacy, committing himself to God rather than to a family.
At an ordination, the bishop lays his hands on the person's head and anoints their hands with ______.
At an ordination, the bishop lays his hands on the person's head and anoints their hands with chrism.
Whose example does a priest follow by committing to service without marriage?
Jesus', who committed to caring for others without marrying.
In Holy Orders, a person promises to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments, especially the ______.
In Holy Orders, a person promises to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
Define the Eucharist.
The sacrament meaning 'thanksgiving', re-enacting the Last Supper; also known as Mass, the main Catholic act of worship.
Define transubstantiation.
The belief that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus Christ at Mass.
Which command of Jesus does the Eucharist fulfil?
'Do this in memory of me' (Luke 22:19) — re-enacting the Last Supper.
What are the two main parts of the Mass?
The Liturgy of the Word (Bible readings) and the Liturgy of the Eucharist (the most important part).
What happens during the Liturgy of the Eucharist?
The priest blesses the bread and wine (which become the body and blood of Jesus) and the congregation receive them.
How does the Catechism describe the Eucharist?
'The source and summit of the Christian life' (CCC 1324).
What effects does the Eucharist have on Catholics?
They receive God's grace and power to resist sin, remember Jesus' sacrifice, and come closer to God.
What do Baptists (and some Protestants) believe about the bread and wine?
That they are symbolic — the purpose is to remember, not re-enact, the Last Supper.
True or False?
All Christians believe the bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ.
False.
Catholics and Orthodox believe in transubstantiation; many Protestants (e.g. Baptists) see it as symbolic.
The word 'Eucharist' means '______'.
The word 'Eucharist' means 'thanksgiving'.
What is the penitential rite in the Mass?
A time of reflection where people express sorrow for their sins and ask God for mercy and forgiveness.
Define iconostasis.
The screen in Orthodox churches behind which the consecration takes place — considered too holy for the congregation to see.
For Catholics, the Mass is a ______ of Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross.
For Catholics, the Mass is a re-enactment of Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross.
What is the difference between the words 'Mass' and 'Eucharist'?
Mass refers to the whole service; Eucharist is the specific part where the bread and wine are blessed and given.
How do Anglican beliefs about the Eucharist vary?
Some share the Catholic belief in transubstantiation; others believe Christ is only spiritually present in the sharing.
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