Chapter Vocab: Baptism

Question 0

Affusion

Answer 0

The practice of baptizing by means of pouring water over the head of the baptized. The Catholic Rite of Baptism provides for Baptism by immersion or this process (also known as infusion).

Question 1

Actual Sin

Answer 1

A thought, word, deed, or omission contrary to God’s eternal law. It is a human act that presumes (a) knowledge of wrongdoing, (b) awareness of malice in one’s conduct, and (c) consent of the will. It damages a person’s relationship with God.

Question 2

Ascension

Answer 2

Forty days after his Resurrection, the entry of Jesus’ humanity into divine glory.

Question 3

Baptism

Answer 3

The first of the Seven Sacraments that gives access to the other sacraments; first and chief Sacrament of Forgiveness of Sins because the Christian receives the remission of both personal and Original Sin. It incorporates him or her into the Church, the body of Christ. (cf. CCC 977, 1213)

Question 4

Baptism of Blood

Answer 4

One who suffers death for the sake of the Faith, without having been baptized, is “baptized” by his or her death for and with Christ.

Question 5

Baptism of Desire

Answer 5

For those who strive to serve God as best they are able but die before having been baptized, their implicit desire to receive Baptism—together with repentance for their sins and charity—assures them the salvation that they were not able to receive sacramentally.

Question 6

Catechumen

Answer 6

From the Greek for “one being instructed.” This new convert is being instructed in the Christian Faith before Baptism.

Question 7

Catechumenate

Answer 7

The instruction and formation of catechumens, those being prepared for Baptism. This also refers to the catechumens collectively and their position with respect to the Church.

Question 8

Communion of Saints

Answer 8

The unity in Christ of all the redeemed, those on earth and those who have died, especially the unity of faith and charity through the Eucharist.

Question 9

Concupiscence

Answer 9

The disordered human appetites or desires which remain even after Baptism due to the temporal consequences of Original Sin and which constitute an inclination to sin. This is often used to refer to desires resulting from strong sensual urges or attachment to things of the world.

Question 10

Conditional Baptism

Answer 10

Administered when there is a doubt that Baptism was validly conferred and so is done “conditionally,” that is, on the condition that the Sacrament was not previously received.

Question 11

Didache

Answer 11

An early Christian writing (ca. AD 60) of unknown authorship. It summarizes morality as a choice between the path of life and the path of death, liturgical practice, and disciplinary norms.

Question 12

Domestic Church

Answer 12

An ancient expression for the Christian family. The family manifests and lives out the communal and familial nature of the Church as the family of God. Each family member, in accord with his or her own role, exercises the Baptismal priesthood and contributes toward making the family a community of grace and prayer, a school of human and Christian virtue, and the place where the Faith is first proclaimed to children.

Question 13

Easter Vigil

Answer 13

The great celebration that takes place after sundown on Holy Saturday before Easter Sunday. In this Mass, the wonders of our salvation are celebrated. Those wishing to become Christians through Baptism as well as those already baptized who desire full communion with the Catholic Church are welcomed into God’s family.

Question 14

Enlightenment

Answer 14

Another name for the Sacrament of Baptism. Those who receive catechetical instruction are enlightened in their understanding. The person baptized becomes a son or daughter of light.

Question 15

Ephphatha

Answer 15

An Aramaic word that means literally “be opened!” It is the word that Jesus spoke when he cured a deaf-mute. It is the prayer said over the mouth and ears of a newly baptized infant asking that his or her ears may be opened to hear God’s word, and his or her mouth be opened to sing God’s praises.

Question 16

Ex Opere Operato

Answer 16

A Latin phrase that means literally, “by the very fact of the action’s being performed.” (CCC 1128) This is a guarantee to the faithful that if they are properly disposed, they will receive grace through the sacraments regardless of the personal sanctity of the person conferring the sacrament, since it is really Jesus who is acting through the minister.

Question 17

Exorcism

Answer 17

The public and authoritative act of the Church to protect or liberate a person, place, or object from the power of the devil (demonic possession) in the name of Christ.

Question 18

Godparent

Answer 18

The sponsor of one who is baptized. Assumes the responsibility to assist the newly baptized child or adult in the practice of the Christian Faith.

Question 19

Immersion

Answer 19

A method of baptizing whereby the whole person is submerged in water. The Catholic rite of Baptism provides for Baptism by this or affusion (infusion).

Question 20

Justification

Answer 20

Being made right (righteous) with God. It is a free and undeserved gift of God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Question 21

Moral Evil

Answer 21

Evil consequences or suffering that is a direct effect of sinful behavior.

Question 22

Prefigure (Type)

Answer 22

An event or person in Scripture that points forward to a later event or person.

Question 23

Profession of Faith

Answer 23

A synthesis or summary of the Faith professed by Christians. They are also known as “Symbols of Faith” or “Creeds,” derived from the Latin credo, meaning “I believe.” The most common Creeds are the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed.

Question 24

Sacramental Character (Seal)

Answer 24

An indelible mark imprinted on the soul by the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders that gives the Christian a greater share in the priesthood of Christ.

Question 25

Sponsor

Answer 25

A baptized, confirmed, and practicing Catholic who presents a child or adult for Baptism or Confirmation (and professes the Faith in the case of an infant). This person prays for the one being sponsored and helps with his or her religious instruction.

Question 26

Trinitarian Formula

Answer 26

Part of the form used in the Sacrament of Baptism: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” “The essential rite of Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water or pouring water on his head, while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit” (CCC 1278).

Question 27

Vocation

Answer 27

The particular plan or calling that God has for each individual in this life and hereafter. All people have one to love and serve God and are called to the perfection of holiness. The one of the laity consists in seeking the Kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and by directing them according to God’s will. Priestly and religious ones are dedicated to the service of the Church.