Chapter 3 Study Guide Questions: The Sacraments
26. How did the Liturgy of the Eucharist come to be called the Mass?
"Mass" coming from the Latin dismissal, "Ite, missa est." meaning to send forth. Catholics are transformed after receiving the Eucharist and are sent forth in peace of Christ to transform the world.
18. What words of St. Paul reaffirm the early Christian belief in the Real Presence, rather than explaining it as a metaphor?
"The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?"
Benediction
A prayer invoking God's power and care upon some person, place, thing, or undertaking. The prayer of Benediction acknowledges God as the source of all blessing.
31. What are some external ways in which the faithful can participate in the Mass?
Attend the mass with a spirit of prayer, as the church teaches us while being one with words, actions, and gestures of the celebrant who acts in the person of christ. Listen, respond, acclaim, sing, or keep opportune silence. Stand, sit, kneel and be serene. Be punctual, arrive before the priest goes to the altar and leave only after the priest has left. Use your missal, avoid distractions. Dress properly and appropriately.
17. What happens when the priest says the words of consecration?
By the consecration, the whole entire substance of bread and wine is changed in a true, real, and substantial manner into the Body and Blood of Christ, with his soul and divinity.
Koinonia (Communio)
Communio is the Latin translation of the Greek koinonia, meaning communion, fellowship, or association. This term was used by St. Luke to describe both the fellowship of believers and the relationship between the father, son, and holy spirit. St. Paul used Koinonia to denote the intimate union of the believer with Christ and the community that exists among all the faithful themselves.
23. The word koinonia or communio, was used to describe the early Church. Explain the use of these words?
Communio is the Latin translation of the Greek koinonia,which means communion , fellowship or association. This term was used by St. Luke to describe both the fellowship of believers and the relationship between the father, son, and holy spirit. St. Paul used Koinonia to denote the intimate union of the believer with Christ and the community that exists among all the faithful themselves.
11. If Christ was sacrificed only once, then how can we speak of the mass as a sacrifice?
Do you need sacrifice of Christ on the cross is Re-presented in each and every mass that is validly celebrated
20. How did the custom of reserving the Eucharist outside of Mass arise in the early Church?
Even outside of the Mass, Christ remains in our presence in this visible form. He remains as a proof of his love, reminding us that he will be with us until the end of time and that he wishes to share himself with us as often as possible. It became custom in the early Church to reserve, or set aside, the Eucharist when the Mass had ended. The Eucharist could then be taken to those who were not able to attend the Mass.
15. What can we learn about the Eucharist from the bread from Heaven discourse?
From the Bread of Heaven discourse, we learn that the Eucharist is a spiritual food, which gives us the graces needed for everlasting life, and also that the Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Eucharist
From the Greek for "thanksgiving"; also called the Mass or Lord's Supper. It is the principal sacramental celebration of the Church, established by Jesus at the Last Supper, in which the mystery of salvation through participation i the sacrificial renewed and accomplished. This term applies to the species consecrated during the Mass.
Communion
From the Latin for "mutual participation" or "oneness together": in the sense of the Holy Communion, the reception of the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist; in the sense of fellowship, the bond of union with Jesus and all baptized, faithful Christians in the Church.
2. What do Christians mean by the word "communion"?
In receiving the Eucharist, a Christian is united to Christ and to the other members of the Christian community. The sacrament is rightfully called Holy Communion.
29. Who is the high priest who presides over the Eucharist?
In the Mass it is Christ, the eternal High Priest.
9. What are the four requirements of a sacrifice? Explain how the Sacrifice of the Mass fulfills these requirements.
It is offered by priest, the victim is an unblemished male, it is offered in remission for sin, it is destroyed in some manner.
25. What does the word "eucharist" mean? Why was this word chosen to designate the Body and Blood of our Lord?
It means "thanksgiving" and was chosen to give thanks to Jesus through participation in the sacrificial Death and glorious Resurrection of Christ.
5. Briefly describe the Passover meal.
Jesus and his Apostles traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate this great Jewish Feast commemorating the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Jesus took the bread, and blessed, and broke it and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is my body," And he took the up.and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. The Passover meal called for a singing of hymn, which would be followed by the drinking of the "cup of consummation." Jesus had dismissed the Apostles before the most important part of the meal - the culminating act of the Passover ritual.
3. How does the Eucharist transform a person?
Jesus gives us his own Body and Blood as spiritual nourishment to keep the flame of sanctifying grace burning brightly within us and to unite us more fully to himself and to his Body, which is the Church.
6. What did Jesus do in the Passover meal that was different?
Jesus has decided that it was not yet time to drink the "cup of consummation," and in fact he said, "I shall not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
14. In the Bread from Heaven discourse, the thousands who had been following Jesus turned away and left. Why did he not just explain his words in a way that would have been acceptable to them? Apply this to some teachings of the Church today.
Jesus's words would later be revealed to them and other apostles at the Last Supper, and everything he said I the crowd would come true.
30. Who may celebrate the Liturgy of the Mass?
Mass may be celebrated by all followers of Christ.
24. How was the meaning of communio expressed in the Eucharist?
Participation in the Eucharist expresses a unity which, in their case, did not exist. First, the divisions in the community must be healed, and only then can we approach the Eucharist, which is a sign and expression of unity. Through the Eucharist, we participate in the deepest mystery of the Christian Faith, and through that participation, we are strengthened in our communion and love of God and with each other.
32. List several ways in which a person may privately or internally participate in Mass.
Pray before Mass in preparation for it and take into consideration that the Eucharistic sacrifice is the most important event of each day. We must be united to the Sacrifice of Jesus and through him, we also offer to God the Father, with the Holy Spirit, all sacrifices, sufferings, self-denials, and tribulations of each day. To receive Holy communion be in the state of grace, have the right intention, and to keep the Eucharistic fast.
28. What is the significance of being free from mortal sin when receiving the Eucharist?
Receiving the Eucharist is receiving the Body of Christ who is free from sin and as the Eucharist transforms us into the Body of Christ it is customary that we are free from mortal sin as well.
19. What is meant by the word transubstantiation?
The Catholic Church teaches that by the COnsecration, the whole and entire substance of bread and wine is changed in a true real and substantial manner into the Body and Blood of Christ, with his soul and divinity. This change from one substance to another is called transubstantiation. Belief in the transubstantiation of the Body and Blood of Jesus is demonstrated in the liturgy when people kneel during the Consecration and genuflect or bow when approaching the altar.
22. Describe three different types of Eucharistic Adoration?
The Eucharist is placed on the altar in a monstrance, and believers gather to pray and meditate in front of Christ's presence in the Eucharist. Benediction if a liturgical service whose name is derived from the Latin meaning to bless. Often occurring at the conclusion of a period of adoration, the priest or deacon conducting the service blesses all present with the Eucharist. Eucharistic processions often take place on the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi. The Eucharist will be placed in monstrance and then carried either through the Church, around the Church, or through the streets of the town or city.
4. What was the Exodus?
The Exodus from Egypt was the escape by the Israelites (Jews from slavery in Egypt.
13. Explain the analogy between Jesus and manna.
The Israelites ate manna from Heaven in the desert and Jesus compares himself to that would offer his body and blood for the nourishment of the soul and he is from heaven.
35. How did the custom of worshiping on Sunday arise?
The Jewish Christians were expelled from the synagogues and there was an influx in Gentile Christians, so they were left with only Sunday to worship and eventually combined the two celebrations.
33. What are the two parts of the Mass? What is the origin of these two parts?
The Liturgy of the Word is the ordinary form of the Latin Rite and was the liturgical service in the synagogue for Jewish Christians and the Liturgy of the Eucharist was held after with the Breaking of the Bread.
8. Explain the significance of the Mass as a memorial and as a sacrifice.
The celebration of the Eucharist is a memorial a reminder of Christ passion and death on the cross. it is the actual sacrifice of Jesus that is re-presented to us and the liturgy of the Eucharist
21. What are ways in which the Church shows respect for the Holy Eucharist?
The church respects the Eucharist by acknowledging the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist in devotions, which is an expression of our love for Christ. Some common devotions are the Benediction, Eucharistic adoration, Eucharistic processions and Forty Hours Devotion.
7. What is the "cup of consummation" for Christians?
The cup of consummation left untouched at the meal is Jesus own death which would inaugurate the new covenant with God.
36. Why were the Liturgy of the Word an the Liturgy of the Eucharist united into one liturgical service?
The expel of the the Jewish Christians from the synagogues meant that they needed a new place to worship and this lead to them both being celebrated together in the same place on Sunday.
27. Why is it important to fast before receiving the Eucharist?
The fast before receiving holy Communion creates a physical hunger and thirst for the Lord, which in turn augments the spiritual hunger and thirst we ought to have. In the Old Testament, fasting prepared individuals to receive the action of God and to be placed in His presence.
16. Select three of the fruits of receiving the Eucharist and explain them in your own words.
The fruit which, "strengthens us to avoid grave sins" helps by giving us graces which help us to not sin. The fruit that, "diminishes sinful love of self" helps to remind us not to be self centered or selfish. Finally, the fruit which "decreases purgatorial debt" allows us to repent and serve some time which we would need to be in purgatory, so we might sooner be with the Father.
10. How is a Christian united to the sacrifice of Christ?
The sacrifice of the mass is Christ's gifts which allows us to participate in the sacrifice and to receive the benefits won for us on Calvary.
1. What does the "Real Presence" mean?
The unique and true presence of the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ in the Eucharist under the appearances of bread and wine. The church invites the faithful to deepen their faith in the Real Presence of Christ through worship and communion in the Eucharistic liturgy, and through the acts of adoration outside of mass.
12. What meaning is being conveyed with the words "representation" and "re-enactment" when applied to the Mass?
The words of representation and reenactment are you describe the sacrifice of the mass however inadequate attempts to express the idea that the mass makes present and effective in our lives the one redeeming sacrifice of Christ on Calvary.
34. How did the early Christians fulfill the Commandment to keep the Sabbath?
They would meet every Saturday in their local synagogue for the worship of the Sabbath, then early Sunday morning they would meet in someone's home to tell stories of Jesus and celebrate the Breaking of the Bread.
Adoration
Worship. This is the humble acknowledgment by human beings that they were creatures of the thrice-holy creator. By obeying the First Commandment, people acknowledge and respond to the revelation of the glory and power of God.
Passover
a Jewish feast commemorating the deliverance of their first-born males from death by the blood of the lamb sprinkled on the doorposts while in bondage in Egypt. The angel of death passed over their homes, allowing them to leave Egypt for the Promised Land. This was a type of the sacrificial Passion and Death of Jesus Christ, saving mankind from bondage to sin. The Eucharist celebrates Christ's Passover.
Missalette
a booklet for the use of the laity which generally contains the prayers, songs, and Scripture readings used at Mass.
Excommunication
a censure by means of which a person is excluded from the communion of the faithful in response to a grave, habitual, public sin. An excommunicated person is forbidden to have a ministerial role in the celebration of the sacraments and other public ceremonies, to receive the sacraments, or to exercise church offices or ministries.
Spiritual Communion
a conscious, burning desire to receive Holy Communion when unbe to do so physically.
Victim
a living being sacrificed to a deity in the performance of a religious ritual. For Christians, Jesus is the victim, par excellence, by his loving and freely made offering of himself on the Cross to his Father for the salvation of the world.
Sacrifice
a ritual offering made to God by a priest on behalf of the people as a sign of adoration, thanksgiving, supplication, and communion. The perfect sacrifice was offered by Christ, the High Priest of the new an eternal covenant. This sacrifice of the Cross is commemorated and made present sacramentally in the Eucharistic Sacrifice of the Mass.
Covenant
a solemn promise or contract regarding future action binding on the participants and fortified by an oath, expressed either in words or symbolic action.
Monstrance
a vessel of precious metal used for exposing the Blessed Sacrament for adoration. At the center of the monstrance is a glass disc which allows the faithful to view the Blessed Sacrament during exposition.
Mass
also called the Eucharist or Lord's Supper. This name is derived from the Latin dismissal of the faithful, "Ite, missa est." It is the principal sacramental celebration of the Church, established of salvation through participation in the sacrificial death and glorious resurrection of Christ is renewed and accomplished.
Tabernacle
an ornamented receptacle in the church in which the consecrated Eucharist is reserved for communion for the sick and dying as well as for adoration. In Israelite history, the tabernacle was the curtained tent containing the Ark of the Covenant and other sacred items. This portable sanctuary was taken throughout their wandering in the wilderness until the building of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Consecration
dedication to a sacred purpose; to sanctify. This can refer to a church building, person, or object set aside for worship. It can refer specifically to entry into a permanent state of life entered freely in response to the all of Christ and characterized by the profession of vows. In the Mass, consecration refers to the moment when the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ.
Missal
sometimes called a Sacramentary, a liturgical book which contains the prayers of the Mass for the use of the priest at the altar, along with instructions for the celebrant of the liturgy, Scripture readings are contained in the book called a Lectionary.
Anaphora
the Eucharistic prayer that is prayed by the priest at mass. It begins with the preface and ends with the Great Amen.
Age of Reason
the age at which a person becomes morally responsible for his or her actions. It is also the age at which people are eligible to receive the Sacraments of Eucharist, Confirmation, and the Anointing of the Sick. In most parts of the world, this age is set at seven years.
Epiclesis
the calling down of the Holy Spirit. During Mass, as the Priest extends his hands over the gifts of bread and wine, he calls down the Holy Spirit to change them into the Body and Blood of Jesus.
State of Grace
the condition whereby one enjoys the friendship of God. One who possesses "sanctifying grace" or "habitual grace" is enabled to know, love, and serve God and others in reference to him. The state of grace is lost by committing mortal sin by may be regained through the Sacrament of Penance or by an act of perfect contrition.
Paschal Lamb
the pure and spotless lamb prepared for the ritual Passover meal by the Jews. It also refers to Jesus the sacrificial Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world and established a new covenant between God and his people.
Sacramental Presence
the real, true, and substantial existence of Christ's divinity and humanity in the Holy Eucharist under the appearances of bread and wine.
Transubstantiation
the scholastic term used to designate the unique change, in a true, real, and substantial manner, of the entire substance of the Eucharistic bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, with his soul and divinity, leaving intact the accidents.
Real Presence
the unique and true presence of the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ in the Eucharist under the appearances of bread and wine. The church invites the faithful to deepen their faith in the Real Presence of Christ through worship and communion in the Eucharistic liturgy, and through the acts of adoration outside of mass.