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Key Terms
Chapter 1
Confirmed in the Spirit
Holy Spirit - the giver of life who was sent by Jesus to guide the Church and who comes to dwell within us at Baptism. The third person of the Trinity: the love between the Father and the Son.
Paraclete-name for the Holy Spirit that means helper, advocate, defender, and consoler
Confirmation- the sacrament of initiation that seals what happened at Baptism; through it in the Spirit and the Spirit's gifts are strengthened in us and we are linked more closely to Christ and the Church
Sanctifying Grace- divine life, God dwelling within us that makes us holy
Saint-a person who cooperated with the graces of the Spirit and lived a Christ-like life on earth and so now enjoys life with God in heaven forever.
Chapter 2
Confirmed in Discipleship
Pentecost-the Jewish feast day when the Spirit came to Mary and the disciples; the public manifestation of the Church; called the birthday of the Church
Baptism- the sacrament of initiation in which we were cleansed from original sin and filled with God's life. At Baptism God came to dwell in us and we became God's adopted children and heirs to heaven. We first experienced the saving acts of Christ and became Christians. The gifts of the Spirit were given to us.
Eucharist-the sacrament of initiation that is the climax, source, and center of the Christian life. In it Christians remember and make present Christ's saving acts. We offer ourselves with Him to the Father. We are nourished by God's word and by the body and blood of Christ. We are united with God and one another.
Sacrament-an outward sign of an inward grace that was instituted by Christ to make us holy.
Character- the permanent sign bestowed by the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation.
Grace- divine life
Covenant-a solemn agreement or contract
Chrism-a mixture of olive (or plant) oil and balsam (or perfume) used in anointing during the sacrament of Confirmation to consecrate us for the Christian roles of king, prophet, and priest
Imposition-the action that evokes and symbolizes the coming down of the Spirit
laying on the hands-the right hand imposed in the anointing that confers the Sacrament of Confirmation as the words"{name}, be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit" are said
Sponsor-the person who acts as model and guide for a candidate preparing for Confirmation
Discernment-a process of prayer, consultant, and reflection that leads to the discovery of God's will
Baptism makes you a member of the church. It removes all sin from your soul and gives you sanctifying grace. It is a sacrament of initiation. It confers on you the Christian life. It marks you with permanent character.
Eucharist fully expresses the unity of the Christian community. It is a sacrament of initiation. It is the climax, source, and center of Christian life. It strengthens you in the Christian life.
Confirmation calls you to a deeper commitment to spread and defend the faith. It is the sacrament of initiation. It is a chance to publicly confirm your membership in the Church. It intensifies the presence of the Holy Spirit and His gifts within you. It marks you with permanent character. It strengthens your Christian life.
Chapter 3
Confirmed in Faith
Apostles' Creed, Nicene Creed-the prayers that contain the basic doctrines of the Catholic Church
Faith-believing in what God has revealed and trusting in Him
Trinity-the three Persons in one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Scripture-God's word; revelation; the Bible, which was inspired by God and written by human beings
Tradition-revealed truths handed down since the time of the Apostles by word, teaching, customs, and example
Original Sin-the first sin of Adam and Eve that all members of the human race inherit
Sacramental grace-power given in each sacrament to fulfill the purpose of that sacrament
Paschal Mystery-the passion, death, resurrection , and ascension of Jesus
Actual Sin- personal sin
Social sin- unjust systems and structures that oppress people and deny them their rights
Church-the community of those who believe in Christ and follow his teachings; a pilgrim people on the way to the Father; Christ's body and a visible society governed by the pope and bishops
Chapter 4
Confirmed in Love
Beatitudes In Matthew's Gospel a set of guidelines for Christlike living that will make us happy and lead us to eternal life.
justice - Any book in which are recorded one's reflection on life, including one's growing relationship with the Lord.
works of mercy - the traditional forms of Christian service to others. The seven spiritual works minister to the soul or spirit. The seven corporal works minister to the body
new commandment - " Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35
Chapter 5
Confirmed in Holiness
theological virtues - the powers received at Baptism that help us direct our life toward God: faith, hope, and love.
cardinal moral virtues - powers given at baptism that help us act the right way: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.
gifts of the Spirit- supernatural habits that perfect the soul beyond the virtues enabling one to be ready and responsive to divine grace. The seven gifts are wisdom, understanding, right judgment (counsel), knowledge, courage ( fortitude), reverence (piety), and wonder and awe (fear of the Lord).
charisms - a special gift given by the Holy Spirit to an individual member of the Church for the good of the entire Church; charismatic gifts.
Chapter 6
Confirmed in the Church
venial sin - an offense that weakens but does not destroy our relationship with God
mortal sin - a serious offense against God that destroys our friendship with him and causes us to lose grace and eternal life.
Eucharist - the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ; a sacrifice of love and a sacred meal. The Eucharist is the fullness of Christian initiation.
contrition - true sorrow for sin with the intention not to sin again. Contrition includes conversion, a resolution to change one's life according to Jesus' teachings.
penance/reconciliation - the sacrament through which our sins are forgiven and we are reconciled or made one with God, the community, and ourselves.
absolution - forgiveness or pardon for sin. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the priest acts with God's power to give absolution.
Liturgy of the Word - the extension of the praise and worship of the Eucharist into certain hours of the day by Scripture, prayers, and spiritual reading; the official, unending public prayer of universal Church.
Liturgy of the Eucharist - the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ; a sacrifice of love and a sacred meal. The Eucharist is fullness of Christian initiation.
Chapter 7
Confirmed in Grace
novena - nine days of public or private devotion to obtain special graces.
rite - the words or actions that make up a religious celebration
general imposition -in the Rite of Confirmation the laying on of the hands that precedes the confering of the sacrament
Chapter 8
Confirmed in Witness
fruits of the Spirit -supernatural works that result from and manifest the presence of the Holy Spirit. The traditional list includes charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, longanimity, benignity, faith, modesty, chastity, and continency.