Sacraments Final Exam: Fall Semester 2015 (Block A)

The explanation for the correct answer "True" is that the celebration of the Sacraments in the Church involves the use of signs, symbols, and symbolic actions. These elements are essential in expressing the deeper meaning and significance of each sacrament. They help to convey spiritual truths and facilitate the participation and understanding of the faithful. Therefore, the statement that the combination of signs and symbols is central to the celebration of the Sacraments is true.

The statement suggests that God's saving, healing, and sanctifying love is continuously active in the world. This implies that God is always working to bring about salvation, healing, and sanctification for humanity. Therefore, the answer is true, as it aligns with the belief that God's love is constantly present and working in the world.

Godparents are typically chosen by parents to assist in the religious upbringing of their child. This includes helping the child develop their faith and understanding of their religious beliefs. By accepting the responsibility of being a godparent, individuals commit to playing a pivotal role in the faith formation of their godchild. This may involve participating in religious ceremonies, providing guidance and support in matters of faith, and setting a positive example of living a religious life. Therefore, the statement that godparents accept the responsibility to play a pivotal role in the faith formation of their godchild is true.

The explanation for the given correct answer is that Jesus Christ is often referred to as Emmanuel, which means "God with us." This name signifies the belief that Jesus is the incarnation of God and that he came to be with humanity. Therefore, the statement is true.

The given statement is incorrect. Baptism is actually the first sacrament of initiation in the Catholic Church, and it is followed by Confirmation. Baptism is seen as the sacrament through which a person is cleansed of original sin and becomes a member of the Church. Confirmation, on the other hand, is the sacrament through which a person receives the fullness of the Holy Spirit and is strengthened in their faith. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

The correct answer is Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter. These are the four major times of the liturgical year in Christianity. Advent is the season of preparation and anticipation leading up to Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Lent is a period of fasting, repentance, and reflection in preparation for Easter, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Therefore, this answer accurately identifies the four key periods in the liturgical year.

The given statement asserts that God has revealed himself and his divine plan for humanity most fully in Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the Incarnate Son of God. This aligns with the Christian belief that Jesus is the embodiment of God's love, grace, and salvation for humanity. Through his teachings, miracles, and sacrificial death, Jesus is seen as the ultimate revelation of God's nature and purpose for mankind. Therefore, the statement is true according to Christian theology.

Jesus Christ is considered the sacrament of God because he is believed to be the embodiment of God's grace and the fullest revelation of God's divine nature. As the Son of God, Jesus is seen as the mediator between humanity and God, through whom God's grace and salvation are made accessible to all. This understanding is central to Christian theology and is based on the teachings of the Bible and the belief that Jesus is the incarnation of God's love and mercy. Therefore, the statement "Jesus Christ is the sacrament of God. He is the fullest Revelation of God's grace" is true.

The statement is false because the Catholic Church celebrates seven sacraments, not eight. The seven sacraments are baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, reconciliation, anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony. These sacraments are considered essential for the spiritual growth and salvation of Catholics.

Confirmation is actually one of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. It is typically administered by a bishop and involves the laying on of hands and anointing with chrism oil. Through Confirmation, individuals receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit and are strengthened in their faith. It is considered a crucial step in the journey of becoming a fully initiated member of the Christian community. Therefore, the statement that Confirmation is not one of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation is false.

Experiences are often linked to life-changing events such as the death of a friend or loved one, or the birth of a child. These events have a significant impact on our lives and shape our experiences. They can bring a range of emotions and perspectives that can change the way we view the world and ourselves. Therefore, it is true that experiences are often linked to such life-changing events.

Experiencing significant moments has the potential to bring about profound changes in our lives. These moments can be transformative, leading to personal growth, new perspectives, and shifts in our priorities or values. They may inspire us to take action, make important decisions, or pursue new paths. Such experiences can be pivotal in shaping our future and have a lasting impact on our overall well-being and happiness.

The statement suggests that both ordinary and extraordinary experiences can help us understand and recognize God's presence in our lives. This implies that God can be found not only in significant events but also in the mundane aspects of our daily lives. Therefore, the answer "True" aligns with the idea that ordinary and out-of-the-ordinary experiences can contribute to our spiritual awareness.

The statement is true because sanctifying grace is a gift that allows us to live in a state of grace and communion with God. It is through this grace that we are able to participate in God's love and carry out His will in our lives. Sanctifying grace is received through the sacraments, particularly through baptism, and it transforms our souls, making us holy and pleasing to God. This grace enables us to grow in virtue and strive for holiness, ultimately leading us closer to God and allowing us to live in His love.

The statement is false because not all of the Nine Sacraments necessarily bring us into a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. While some sacraments, such as Baptism and Holy Communion, do involve a direct encounter with Christ, others, like Marriage or Holy Orders, primarily involve encounters with other individuals or the community. Therefore, it is incorrect to claim that each of the Nine Sacraments brings us into a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.

Baptism is indeed one of the sacraments of Christian Initiation. It is a sacrament through which individuals are initiated into the Christian faith and become members of the Church. It involves the pouring or immersion in water, symbolizing purification and rebirth, and the receiving of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the statement "Baptism is one of the sacraments that fall under the Sacrament of Christian Initiation" is true.

The liturgical year begins on the First Sunday of Advent. Advent is a season observed in many Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas. The First Sunday of Advent marks the start of this period and is considered the beginning of the liturgical year. It is a time for reflection, prayer, and anticipation as Christians prepare their hearts and minds for the coming of Christ.

Sacraments are considered to be experiential signs of Christ's presence in many Christian traditions. They are seen as outward symbols or actions that convey God's grace and presence to believers. Through the sacraments, Christians believe they can encounter and experience the transformative power of Christ in their lives. Therefore, the statement that "Sacraments are the experiential signs of Christ's presence" is true.

The explanation for the answer being True is that in Christian theology, the mystery of the Incarnation refers to the belief that the second person of the Trinity, which is God, became visible and audible in the form of Jesus of Nazareth. This means that Jesus, being fully human and fully divine, made it possible for people to see and hear God in a tangible way. Therefore, the statement that the second person of the Trinity became 'see-able' and 'hear-able' in Jesus of Nazareth is true.

Grace is a divine gift that allows us to grow in faith and strengthens our ability to live according to our beliefs. It is through grace that we are able to trust in something greater than ourselves and find the strength to overcome challenges. This answer aligns with the concept of grace as a source of spiritual growth and empowerment.

Confirmation is indeed part of the Sacrament of Christian Initiation. It is one of the three sacraments, along with Baptism and Eucharist, that are considered essential for full initiation into the Catholic Church. Confirmation is typically received by individuals who have already been baptized and have reached the age of reason, usually around the age of 7 or older. Through the sacrament of Confirmation, individuals are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and are strengthened in their faith journey. Therefore, the statement "Confirmation is not part of the Sacrament of Christian Initiation" is false.

Grace is the free and undeserved gift of God's love to us. It is a concept often associated with Christianity, referring to the unmerited favor and forgiveness that God extends to humanity. Grace is seen as a divine attribute that allows individuals to be reconciled with God and receive salvation. It is not something that can be earned or deserved, but rather a gift given out of God's love and mercy.

Sanctifying Grace refers to the habitual gift of God's divine life that is initially received in Baptism. This grace is said to sanctify and transform the soul, making it holy and pleasing to God. It is a permanent and ongoing state of grace that enables individuals to grow in holiness and participate in the divine life of God. This grace is distinct from actual grace, which refers to temporary divine assistance given to individuals to help them choose what is good and avoid sin. Sacramental grace, on the other hand, refers to the specific grace received through the sacraments. Charism refers to a special gift or talent given by the Holy Spirit for the benefit of the Church.

The Church requires that a godparent be a Catholic who has received the Sacraments of Initiation, practices the Catholic faith, and be a role model in living as a disciple of Jesus. This ensures that the godparent is a committed and active member of the Catholic community, who can guide and support the child in their faith journey. Being a Catholic who has received the Sacraments of Initiation demonstrates a deep understanding and commitment to the Catholic faith, while practicing the Catholic faith and being a role model in living as a disciple of Jesus shows the godparent's ability to live out their faith and set a positive example for the child.

The Sacrament of Healing includes Penance because Penance is one of the two sacraments of healing in the Catholic Church, along with Anointing of the Sick. Penance, also known as Reconciliation or Confession, is a sacrament where Catholics confess their sins to a priest and receive absolution. It is considered a healing sacrament because it offers forgiveness and reconciliation with God, restoring the spiritual health of the individual. Therefore, the statement that the Sacrament of Healing includes Penance is true.

The statement is false because the Anointing of the Sick is not part of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. The Sacraments of Christian Initiation include Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Anointing of the Sick is a separate sacrament that is part of the Sacrament of Healing, along with the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and the sacrament of the Eucharist (Holy Communion).

The statement "We acknowledge that all life is a gift" aligns with the concept of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a time when people express gratitude and appreciation for the blessings and gifts they have received in life. By acknowledging that all life is a gift, it implies that one is recognizing and giving thanks for the existence and value of life itself. Therefore, the correct answer is Thanksgiving.

The statement is true because matrimony is not considered as one of the sacraments of Christian initiation. The sacraments of Christian initiation include baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist. Matrimony is a sacrament in the Catholic Church, but it is not part of the initiation process into the Christian faith.

Charisms are spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to individuals for the purpose of building up the Church. These gifts are not for personal benefit, but rather for the common good of the community of believers. They are unique abilities or talents that enable individuals to serve and minister to others in specific ways. Charisms play a vital role in the growth and development of the Church, as they contribute to its mission and the spreading of the Gospel.

Actual graces refer to the moments when God intervenes in our lives, providing us with the necessary help and guidance to make good choices and grow in our relationship with Him. These graces are temporary and specific to a particular situation or need, prompting us to act in accordance with God's will. Unlike sanctifying graces, which permanently reside in our souls and make us holy, actual graces are transient and can be received by anyone, regardless of their state of grace. They are a manifestation of God's love and mercy, constantly reaching out to us and inviting us to respond to His call.

The given statement suggests that the speaker acknowledges their relationship with others and also prays for them. This indicates that they are engaging in intercession, which is the act of praying on behalf of others. Intercession involves advocating for others and seeking blessings or guidance for them through prayer. Therefore, the correct answer is intercession.

The explanation for the given answer is that the sacred authors of the New Testament did not use the Greek term "mysterion" to describe "God's Day". The term "mysterion" actually refers to something hidden or secret, and it is used in the New Testament to describe the hidden truths or teachings of God that were revealed through Jesus Christ. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

Holy Orders is indeed part of the Sacrament at the Service of Communion. The Sacrament at the Service of Communion includes Holy Orders, along with Matrimony. Holy Orders is a sacrament through which men are ordained as deacons, priests, or bishops, and are given the authority to serve and lead the Church. It is a sacrament that is essential for the continuation of the Church's ministry and the celebration of the other sacraments. Therefore, the statement is true.

Baptism is a sacrament in Christianity that symbolizes the believer's identification with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through baptism, believers are spiritually united with Christ and experience a symbolic death to their old selves. They are then raised to new life in Christ, receiving the gift of salvation and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. This understanding is supported by biblical teachings and is a fundamental belief in many Christian denominations. Therefore, the statement that through baptism we die with Christ and receive the gift of new life in Christ is true.

The Eucharist is indeed a representation of the Sacrament of Christian Initiation. The Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper, is a central ritual in Christianity where believers partake in bread and wine, symbolizing the body and blood of Jesus Christ. This sacrament is often considered a key moment of initiation into the Christian faith, as it signifies a deepening relationship with Christ and membership in the community of believers. Therefore, the statement that the Eucharist is a representation of the Sacrament of Christian Initiation is true.

The liturgical year is made up of four major times. This means that there are four main periods or seasons in the liturgical calendar that are significant in the Christian faith. These times may include Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter, among others. Each of these major times has its own specific themes, rituals, and celebrations that are observed by the Christian community throughout the year.

The statement that the celebration of the Sacraments is at the center of the Liturgy of the Church and the representation of injustice is false. The celebration of the Sacraments, such as Baptism and Holy Communion, is an important part of the Liturgy, but it is not the center. The Liturgy of the Church encompasses various elements, including prayers, readings, and hymns, which all contribute to the worship and spiritual experience of believers. The representation of injustice is not a characteristic of the Sacraments or the Liturgy, as they are meant to bring about grace, forgiveness, and spiritual growth.

Sacramental graces are the gifts of the Holy Spirit that we receive through the sacraments, which help us live out our vocation. These graces strengthen and empower us to live a life of holiness and fulfill our purpose in life. They are specific to each sacrament and are given to us to assist us in our spiritual journey. Through the reception of the sacraments, we are infused with these graces, which enable us to grow in faith, hope, and charity, and to live out our calling as children of God.

Grace helps us to choose to work towards overcoming the consequences of Original Sin and the power of evil in our lives. Original Sin refers to the inherited sinful nature that all humans are born with as a result of Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. This sin has caused a separation from God and has tainted human nature. However, through God's grace, we are given the ability to recognize and overcome the effects of Original Sin, allowing us to live a life that is pleasing to God.

The given statement acknowledges God as the only true God, recognizing that everything exists because of Him and that our purpose is to worship and praise Him. It emphasizes the importance of praising God for His greatness, power, and love. The other options, purpose and perpetual help, do not capture the essence of the statement, as they do not specifically mention acknowledging God or praising Him.

Grace empowers us to know God truly and to love and serve God freely because it is through God's grace that we are forgiven and redeemed. Grace is a gift from God that is freely given to us, without any reservations or conditions. It is through this grace that we are able to have a genuine relationship with God and freely choose to love and serve Him.

The correct answer is "God alone saves" and "God alone kept them safe from all that threatened to destroy them." These descriptions highlight the belief that the people of Israel attribute their salvation and protection solely to God. They acknowledge that God is the only source of deliverance and safety in their lives.

The given statement suggests that the person is acknowledging their relationship with God and asking for forgiveness. This aligns with the concept of a petition, which is a formal request made to a higher authority. In this case, the person is making a request to God for forgiveness, indicating that the correct answer is petition.

This statement suggests that everyone has moments that make them question the meaning of life. However, the correct answer is False, indicating that not everyone experiences such moments.

Blessing and adoration are forms of prayer where we acknowledge and honor God's greatness and goodness. We recognize that God is the source of everything in our lives and that we are His children. By offering blessings and adoration, we express our gratitude and reverence towards God, acknowledging His power and love. This form of prayer helps us deepen our relationship with God and align our hearts with His will.

Jesus Christ is considered one of the High Priests and Mediators because, according to Christian beliefs, he is the Son of God and the savior of humanity. As a High Priest, Jesus intercedes on behalf of believers and offers forgiveness for their sins. Additionally, he serves as a mediator between God and humanity, bridging the gap between sinful humans and a holy God. This role is central to Christian theology and is supported by biblical teachings, making the statement true.

The Church is considered the sacrament of Salvation because it is through the Church that individuals receive the sacraments, which are believed to bring them closer to God and grant them salvation. Additionally, the Church is seen as both the means and goals of God's plan for humanity, as it is the institution established by Jesus Christ to guide and lead believers towards eternal life with God.

Grace enhances rather than restricts our freedom because grace is often associated with forgiveness, compassion, and acceptance. When we experience grace, we are given the freedom to make mistakes, learn from them, and grow as individuals. Grace allows us to let go of guilt and shame, enabling us to live authentically and embrace our true selves. It empowers us to make choices based on love and understanding rather than fear or judgment. Therefore, grace expands our freedom rather than limiting it.

The liturgical year concludes with the Solemnity of Knowing Christ the King. This feast celebrates the kingship of Jesus Christ and acknowledges his authority and dominion over all creation. It reminds believers of the ultimate victory of Christ and the establishment of his kingdom. This solemnity is usually celebrated on the last Sunday of the liturgical year, just before the season of Advent begins. It serves as a reminder to Christians that Jesus is the ultimate ruler and that they should submit to his lordship in their lives.

The correct answer is Holy Trinity. The explanation for this answer is that God offers us grace out of His unconditional love and desire for us to live in communion with the Holy Trinity. The Holy Trinity refers to the Christian belief that God exists as three persons - the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit - who are distinct but inseparable. This belief is central to the Christian faith and understanding of God's nature.