1st Quarter Theology Exam — Study Guide
5th Grade · River Ridge / Frilot · We Believe
Filled answers from the chapter notes for Beau’s exam study guide
Exam Study Guide Questions (Answered)
1. What are the Sacraments of Christian Initiation?
Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist
These are the process of becoming a member of the Catholic Church.
2. What are the Sacraments of Healing?
Penance and Reconciliation (Confession) and Anointing of the Sick
3. What are the Sacraments at the Service of Communion?
Holy Orders and Matrimony
Also called sacraments at the service of others. They strengthen people to serve God and the Church through a particular vocation.
4. What happens to us through the Sacrament of Baptism?
Baptism is the sacrament in which we are freed from sin, become children of God, and are welcomed into the Church.
- We are joined to Christ and rise to new life in him.
- We become members of the Church, the Body of Christ, and the People of God.
- We are united with all others who have been baptized.
- We are freed from original sin and all personal sins are forgiven.
- Baptism is the first sacrament; it opens the doors of grace to our souls.
5. How are the sacraments different from ordinary signs? What is an example?
Unlike ordinary signs, the sacraments truly bring about what they represent.
A sacrament is an effective sign given to us by Jesus through which we share in God’s life.
Example: Baptism doesn’t just “look like” washing — it really frees us from sin and makes us children of God.
6. What was Jesus’ mission? How did he complete this mission?
Mission: to share the life of God with all people and to save them from sin.
He completed this mission by:
- Healing the sick
- Forgiving sins
- Raising the dead
- Loving all people
- Suffering, dying, and rising for us
Key Definitions
Incarnation
The truth that the Son of God became man.
Salvation
The forgiveness of sins and restoring our friendship with God.
Eternal Life
Living in happiness with God forever in Heaven.
Sanctifying Grace
The gift of sharing in God’s life that we receive through the sacraments.
Kingdom of God
The power of God’s love active in our lives and in the world.
Disciples
Those who follow Jesus and help build the Kingdom of God. We are all called to be disciples.
Holiness
Sharing in God’s goodness and responding to his love by the way we live. Jesus is our model.
Original Sin
The result of Adam and Eve’s disobedience (eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil).
Saints
Followers of Christ who lived lives of holiness on earth and now share eternal life with God in heaven.
The Advocate
Another name for the Holy Spirit (John 16:7).
Chapter 1 — Jesus Christ Shares His Life with Us
Baptism of Jesus & the Trinity
- St. John the Baptist was the cousin of Jesus and prepared the way for his mission.
- When John baptized Jesus, the Holy Spirit came down as a dove.
- A voice from heaven (God the Father) said: “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.”
- This was the first time we see the love of the Trinity made known in Scripture.
Apostles & the Church
- Jesus chose 12 Apostles to share in his mission in a special way.
- They continued Jesus’ saving work after he returned to his Father in heaven.
- At the Ascension, Jesus promised the Advocate (Holy Spirit).
- The Holy Spirit descended ten days after the Ascension, giving the Apostles courage and strength.
- They spread the good news — the beginning of the Catholic Church.
- The Church = those who believe in Jesus Christ, have been baptized, and follow his teachings.
The Seven Sacraments
Three groups
- Christian Initiation: Baptism · Confirmation · Eucharist
- Healing: Penance and Reconciliation (Confession) · Anointing of the Sick
- Service of Communion: Holy Orders · Matrimony
Quick facts
- Confirmation: sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit; continues what Baptism began.
- Eucharist: Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ; strengthens God’s life in us.
- Penance: reconciled with God and the Church; those truly sorry are forgiven.
- Anointing of the Sick: for the very sick or near death; grace to respond with hope.
- Holy Orders: ordained as bishops, priests, or deacons; continues the Apostles’ mission.
- Matrimony: a man and woman pledge to love each other as God loves them; life of service to each other and their children.
Baptism — Why & Celebration
Why we need Baptism
- Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil → Original Sin.
- We are all born with Original Sin and are tempted to commit personal sin.
- God promised to save us; he sent his Son. By his death and resurrection, Jesus saves us.
- Like faith, Baptism is necessary for salvation.
- We are sealed forever in Christ, so Baptism is received only once.
- As Church members we share in Jesus’ role of priest, prophet, and king.
Six parts of the Baptism celebration (babies / young children)
- Reception: celebrant greets the family; sign of the cross on the child’s forehead.
- Liturgy of the Word: Bible readings remind us God is present.
- Oil of catechumens: cleanses and strengthens the child about to be baptized.
- Baptism: immerses or pours water three times — “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
- Sacred Chrism: perfumed oil blessed by the bishop; anointing on the head.
- White garment & lit candle: white garment = new life in Christ; candle = Christ has enlightened the newly baptized.