ARK Sacraments and Liturgy 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The term 'transubstantiation' in Catholic teaching means that during the Eucharist:
- The bread and wine remain unchanged but Christ is spiritually present
- The substance of bread and wine is changed into Christ's Body and Blood while appearances remain (Correct answer)
- Bread and wine are transformed into symbols of Christ's sacrifice
- Christ is present alongside the bread and wine without change
Correct answer: The substance of bread and wine is changed into Christ's Body and Blood while appearances remain
Transubstantiation holds that the substance (inner reality) of bread and wine becomes Christ's Body and Blood while the accidents (appearances) remain.
Transubstantiation was defined at the Fourth Lateran Council (1215) and reaffirmed at Trent (1551). Using Aristotelian categories, it distinguishes the substance (what something essentially is) from accidents (observable properties). At consecration, the substance changes to Christ's Body and Blood while the accidents of bread and wine remain. This distinguishes Catholic teaching from Lutheran consubstantiation (Christ present with the substance of bread/wine) and Reformed memorial views.
Question 2: Which sacrament in the Catholic Church is known as the 'sacrament of healing' and involves anointing with oil?
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- Anointing of the Sick (Correct answer)
- Penance
Correct answer: Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick (formerly 'Extreme Unction') is administered to those who are seriously ill or elderly, offering spiritual strength, forgiveness of sins, and sometimes physical healing.
Anointing of the Sick (James 5:14-15; Mark 6:13) was historically reserved for the dying ('Extreme Unction' — last anointing) but Vatican II broadened it to include the seriously ill and elderly. It is administered by a priest using holy oil (oleum infirmorum), accompanied by prayers for spiritual strengthening, forgiveness of sins, and physical healing if God wills. It may be received multiple times during serious illness.
Question 3: The Liturgy of the Word in the Catholic Mass includes readings drawn from:
- Only the New Testament
- Only the Psalms and Gospels
- The Old Testament, Psalms, New Testament letters, and Gospels (Correct answer)
- Only the Four Gospels
Correct answer: The Old Testament, Psalms, New Testament letters, and Gospels
The Liturgy of the Word in Sunday Mass includes a first reading (usually OT), Responsorial Psalm, second reading (NT epistle), and Gospel — drawn from the three-year Lectionary cycle.
The reformed Roman Rite's Lectionary (1969, revised 1981) follows a three-year Sunday cycle (Year A: Matthew; Year B: Mark; Year C: Luke; John used each year in special seasons) and a two-year weekday cycle. Sunday Mass includes: OT reading (often typologically linked to Gospel), Responsorial Psalm (sung/recited), NT epistle, Alleluia, and Gospel. The Lectionary was designed to ensure Catholics hear 'the whole of God's word' (Dei Verbum).
Question 4: In Catholic sacramental theology, 'matter' and 'form' refer to:
- The physical church building and its design
- The physical element used and the words spoken that together make a sacrament (Correct answer)
- The minister and the recipient
- The intention and the grace received
Correct answer: The physical element used and the words spoken that together make a sacrament
Every sacrament has matter (the physical element — water, oil, bread, wine) and form (the words spoken that give the action its specific meaning and validity).
Scholastic theology (Thomas Aquinas following Hugh of Saint Victor) analyzed sacraments using Aristotelian hylomorphism: matter (the sensible element: water in Baptism, oil in Anointing, bread and wine in Eucharist) and form (the essential words: 'I baptize you in the name of...'; 'This is my body'). Both are required for sacramental validity. A change in the form words can invalidate the sacrament — hence the precision required in liturgical texts.
Question 5: The Order of Mass begins with which liturgical action?
- The Penitential Act
- The Greeting
- The Introductory Rites including the Entrance Procession and Greeting (Correct answer)
- The Liturgy of the Word
Correct answer: The Introductory Rites including the Entrance Procession and Greeting
The Mass begins with the Introductory Rites: Entrance Procession/Song, Greeting, Penitential Act (or Rite of Blessing and Sprinkling), Gloria, and Collect.
The Roman Rite Mass follows the structure: Introductory Rites (Entrance, Greeting, Penitential Act, Gloria, Collect) → Liturgy of the Word (Readings, Homily, Creed, Prayers of the Faithful) → Liturgy of the Eucharist (Preparation, Eucharistic Prayer, Communion Rite) → Concluding Rites (Blessing, Dismissal). The structure reflects the gathering of the community, nourishment by Word and Sacrament, and sending forth to mission.
Question 6: Confirmation in the Catholic Church is understood to complete Baptism by:
- Forgiving sins committed after baptism
- Strengthening the gifts of the Holy Spirit for full Christian life and witness (Correct answer)
- Admitting the confirmed to receive Holy Communion
- Making the recipient a member of the Church
Correct answer: Strengthening the gifts of the Holy Spirit for full Christian life and witness
Confirmation strengthens the gifts of the Holy Spirit received at Baptism, equipping the recipient for mature Christian life, witness, and apostolate.
Confirmation (using chrism oil administered by a bishop, usually) completes the baptismal grace, strengthening the confirmed as witnesses to Christ. The CCC (1285-1321) teaches that through Confirmation the Holy Spirit's gifts are perfected, the confirmed are more perfectly bound to the Church, and are more strictly obligated to spread and defend the faith. The laying on of hands and anointing with chrism are the essential rite, accompanied by 'Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.'
ARK Sacraments and Liturgy 2
The term 'transubstantiation' in Catholic teaching means that during the Eucharist: