Catholic Christianity : Practices Flashcards
What is baptism
Represents the moment someone enters the Church - “the door which gives access to the other sacraments” (CCC)
Christians believe that baptism cleanses people from original sin and welcomes a Christian into God’s family
What is reconciliation
Confessing sin to a priest
What is the Eucharist
Catholics believe that transubstantiation takes place - “Do this in memory of me” (Bible) - provides a moment to experience the fullness of Jesus
What is confirmation
Confirm their vows that were made on their behalf when they were baptised
The bishop also puts chrism on the forehead of each candidate in the shape of the cross. This is considered a sign of strength which reminds the candidate of their commitment to follow Christ
What is marriage
This union is represented through the exchange of the rings - reminds the married couple of the endless commitment they have made
What is Holy Orders
During ordination, a bishop lays his hand on the person who is being ordained and invokes the power of the Holy Spirit through prayer
What is the anointing of the sick
Anointed with blessed oil - symbolises strengthening and forgiveness
Priest lays his hands on the person - they are receiving God’s strength
What are different views on the sacraments
Orthodox - all seven sacraments are a vital part of being Christian. This is because they are all seen as contributing to the life journey of a Christian. The sacraments also create several opportunities to receive blessings from God
Protestant - have two sacraments. These are baptism and the Eucharist. Believe that these are the only two sacraments that are authorised by God
What is liturgical worship
Worship that is carried out in a public setting, generally during a church service, and that follows a set structure - easy to understand and follow
For Catholics, the Eucharist service is especially significant - serves as a re-enactment of the Last Supper Jesus had with his disciples
Why is the Eucharist important
Catholics believe the Eucharist is linked to other sacraments - “source and summit of a Christian life” (CCC) - believe it is a key moment that demonstrates faith in God’s love and grace
It is a moment every week when Catholics can feel connected to the presence of God - believe in transubstantiation
What are different views about the Eucharist
Catholic and Angelic - prefer liturgical worship because following a set format helps the worship to become a repeated ritual with a clear place in people’s lives. Also, it connects worshippers to the rest of the Church, because everybody is worshipping in the same way, creating a sense of belonging
Pentecostal - prefer non liturgical because they believe that the Holy Spirit is present and allowing them to carry out God’s wishes, so the services can be quite spontaneous
Evangelic - prefer non liturgical because they worship God with their whole body, not just their minds so they shout and clap during a service
What are the different rites in a Catholic funeral
Home:
Hold a vigil at home. This is a special candlelit service that remembers the person who has died
Church:
The body of the deceased person is taken to church in a procession of clergy and mourners
During the procession, the Office of the Dead is recited
When the coffin is put down in the church, a Paschal candle is put by its head
A Requiem Mass may be sung, and the coffin is sprinkled with holy water
Cemetery:
Catholic tradition is to choose a burial instead of cremation, as many Catholics believe that their body will need to be intact to be resurrected after death at the Final Judgement
What is the purpose of a funeral
The burial of the body shows the link between the Church on Earth and the Church in Heaven - the person’s body has been returned to the Earth
Funerals are important to the church community - they offer a chance to come together, reflect and unite in prayer
What are the types of prayer
Set:
The Lord’s Prayer is the prayer that Catholics believe Jesus taught his followers - emphasises the importance of forgiveness and reminds Catholics of God’s power
Helps Catholics to come together and worship as part of a community
Informal:
Don’t follow a set format or require preparation and involves an element of personal reflection
Used when someone wishes to communicate with God privately and reflect on their relationship with God in a more personal way
What are the forms of prayer
Confession
Adoration
Thanksgiving
Intercession
Petition
What are the forms of popular piety
Rosary:
Form of prayer
Apostles’ Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be
Emphasises the importance in Catholicism of the Virgin Mary
Emphasises God’s power and the role of Jesus
Eucharistic adoration:
Catholics praise God’s presence in the form of the body and blood of Christ - “This is my Body which I have given up for you” (Bible) - believe they are sharing in the person of Jesus
Stations of the Cross:
At each station, Catholics stop to pray and reflect
“The religious sense of the Christian people has always found expression in various forms of piety surrounding the Church’s sacramental life” (CCC) - worship and devotion are connected to the seven sacraments
What are different views towards popular piety
Protestants - remember stations of the cross during Easter services; don’t use the Rosary; believe that the bread and wine hold the spiritual presence of the body and blood of Jesus but do not become it
What is the purpose of pilgrimage
To demonstrate the sacrifices one is prepared to make, e.g. time and money
To feel connected to important figures in the Catholic faith, e.g. the Virgin Mary in Lourdes
What are the pilgrimage sites
Lourdes:
St Bernadette claimed to see a vision of the Virgin Mary. After the vision of Mary appeared, a sacred spring with healing powers appeared
Many Catholics travel to Lourdes hoping that they will be healed
Rome:
Home of the Pope
Many basilicas as well as many relics and sites that commemorate different apostles and saints
Catholics from all over the world travel to Rome to receive blessings
Walsingham:
Richeldis had a vision of the house in Nazareth where Mary lived
“Evoke our earthly journey towards heaven and are traditionally very special occasions for renewal in prayer” (CCC) - a chance for Catholics to work on their faith
What does CAFOD do
Support people in need - they are empowered and able to help themselves in the long term
Provide assistance in times of crisis - “ the Church cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice” (Evangelii Gaudium) - must help as much as they can
How does mission and evangelism work
Local - meet to discuss how to raise awareness of Catholic teachings
Global - fund projects enabling young people to travel abroad and get involved with missionary work
