MCC Sacramental Theology & Liturgy 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes a 'sacramental' as distinct from a sacrament?
- A sacramental confers grace by its own power independent of the Church
- A sacramental is a sacred sign instituted by the Church to prepare one to receive grace (Correct answer)
- A sacramental is only used by ordained ministers
- A sacramental replaces a sacrament when the proper minister is unavailable
Correct answer: A sacramental is a sacred sign instituted by the Church to prepare one to receive grace
Sacramentals (e.g., blessed objects, holy water, the Sign of the Cross) are sacred signs instituted by the Church that prepare us to receive grace and sanctify various circumstances.
Question 2: During the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), what is the name of the period of intense preparation immediately before Baptism?
- Precatechumenate
- Purification and Enlightenment (Correct answer)
- Mystagogy
- Catechumenate
Correct answer: Purification and Enlightenment
The Period of Purification and Enlightenment coincides with Lent and is a time of deeper spiritual preparation for the elect who will receive the sacraments at the Easter Vigil.
Question 3: What theological term describes the full, conscious, and active participation in liturgy called for by Vatican II?
- Actuosa participatio (Correct answer)
- Lex orandi
- Sensus fidelium
- Communio sanctorum
Correct answer: Actuosa participatio
Sacrosanctum Concilium (§14) calls for actuosa participatio — full, conscious, and active participation by all the faithful in liturgical celebrations.
Question 4: In the sacrament of Reconciliation, which element is provided by the penitent that completes the sacramental act?
- Contrition, confession, and satisfaction (Correct answer)
- Absolution and imposition of hands
- Anointing with blessed oil
- Recitation of the Nicene Creed
Correct answer: Contrition, confession, and satisfaction
The penitent's acts — contrition (sorrow), confession (of sins), and satisfaction (penance) — together with the priest's absolution constitute the sacrament of Penance.
Question 5: The principle 'lex orandi, lex credendi' means:
- Only ordained ministers may lead prayer
- The law of prayer establishes the law of belief (Correct answer)
- Scripture alone determines liturgical practice
- Liturgy must be celebrated in Latin
Correct answer: The law of prayer establishes the law of belief
Lex orandi, lex credendi ('the law of praying is the law of believing') expresses the reciprocal relationship between liturgical prayer and doctrinal faith in Catholic theology.
Question 6: Which action by the priest during the Eucharistic Prayer calls down the Holy Spirit upon the gifts?
- The Preface
- The Epiclesis (Correct answer)
- The Institution Narrative
- The Doxology
Correct answer: The Epiclesis
The epiclesis is the invocation of the Holy Spirit upon the bread and wine, asking God to transform them into the Body and Blood of Christ.
Question 7: In the Rite of Anointing of the Sick, what is the essential matter of the sacrament?
- Laying on of hands alone
- Anointing with blessed olive oil on forehead and hands (Correct answer)
- Sprinkling with holy water
- Application of chrism oil to the crown of the head
Correct answer: Anointing with blessed olive oil on forehead and hands
The matter of Anointing of the Sick is the anointing with oil of the sick on the forehead and hands, accompanied by the sacramental form spoken by the priest.
MCC Sacramental Theology & Liturgy 3
Which of the following best describes a 'sacramental' as distinct from a sacrament?