Roman Catholic Sacraments Trivia Quiz

Answer: Participation

In the Roman Catholic Church the seven sacraments are divided into three categories. They are Initiation, Healing and Service.

This is the definition from the Baltimore Catechism: "A Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace."

All sacraments are something you can see, feel and experience.

Some of them start or feed a person's relationship with God. These are called Sacraments of Initiation.

Some help to correct or mend problems in a person's relationship with God. These are called Sacraments of Healing.

Some help to prepare a person to serve God in either ministry to the Church (note the capital C) or a personal relationship of marriage which is considered ministry to the church (note the small c).

Answer: Anointing

In the Roman Catholic Church the three Sacraments of Initiation are Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Anointing is a Sacrament of Healing.

Baptism brings a person into the Church.

Confirmation confirms a person's decision to be part of the Church.

Eucharist feeds a person's active participation in the Church.

Answer: Anointing

Each of the three names for this sacrament focuses on a different aspect.

Confession is the telling of the sins.
Penance is the act of repentance performed to obtain absolution.
Reconciliation is the purpose of the sacrament: to make peace with God.

Answer: Anointing of the Sick and Reconciliation

Confession, also known as Penance or Reconciliation, is the first Sacrament of Healing in the Roman Catholic Church.

Anointing of the Sick used to be called Last Rites or Extreme Unction and was usually reserved as the last sacrament received before death.

Now it is acceptable for Anointing to be received any time a person is suffering a grave illness.

Answer: Marriage and Holy Orders

The Sacraments of Service are Marriage and Holy Orders.

In Marriage, two people commit themselves to serve of each other and any children that might result. This is considered service to the church (small c).

In Holy Orders, a person is committing himself to service to the Church (capital C) as a whole, under the authority of the Bishop who consecrates him, and of the Bishop's successors.

Answer: Water, oil, candle, white garment

Water, oil, a candle, and a white garment are symbols used in most Roman Catholic baptismal rituals.

Water cleanses.

Oil seals and heals. Christening means anointing.

The candle represents the light of Christ which the baptised person shares.

The white garment symbolizes the purification and cleansing that Baptism confers. The baptized person's soul is now free of all stain of sin and the white garment represents this.

Answer: Bishop

The Sacrament of Holy Orders is administered by the Bishop or Archbishop of the diocese.

A priest is ordained for service in a particular diocese.

Answer: Bishop

The Sacrament of Confirmation is administered by the local Bishop.

In times of extreme need when the Bishop cannot attend to the Confirmation of all candidates, the authority MAY be delegated to a priest.

Answer: The couple being married

The Sacrament of Marriage is administered by the couple themselves. All the other people mentioned are simply witnesses. The priest presides over the ceremony, but the sacrament is between the two people being married.

Answer: They give grace.

Again referencing the Baltimore Catechism: "Sacraments are an outward sign, instituted by Christ, to give Grace." While the other answers may be true, grace is the most fundamental.

Sacraments celebrated in the midst of the community will help to build up the community.

The celebration of The Sacraments can provide many opportunities for the celebrant to enhance the understanding of all participants and observers. These are frequently referred to as teaching moments.