FREE! Click here to Join FunTrivia. Thousands of games, quizzes, and lots more!
Trivia Questions and Answers
photo of The Sacraments and the Mass

60 The Sacraments and the Mass Trivia Questions, Answers, and Fun Facts

How much do you know about The Sacraments and the Mass? This category is for trivia questions and answers related to The Sacraments and the Mass (Religion). Each one is filled with fun facts and interesting information.
Related Questions & Answers:   Roman Catholicism   
1 What is another, more formal, term for "Last Rites"?
Answer: Extreme Unction

Prior to Vatican II Extreme Unction was considered a "one shot deal" - that is, once a person received this sacrament they could not receive it again. That being said, if you got your Last Rites and then pulled through, you had better be on your best behavior!

Last Rites is also known as the Anointing of the Sick, and a person can now receive this sacrament as often as necessary.
  From Quiz: The Seven Sacraments
2 How many sacraments of the Catholic Church are there?
Answer: 7

They are Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Annointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Marriage.
  From Quiz: Sacraments of the Catholic Church
3 At the beginning of Mass, the priest, deacon and subdeacon (or priest and server) recite alternatively a Psalm. Which Psalm is this?
Answer: Psalm 42

Psalm 42, commonly called the "Judica me, Deus" is always recited at the beginning of Mass except in Requiem (funeral) Masses and during Passiontide. It expresses most fittingly our joy and confidence in God.
    Your options: [ Psalm 23 ] [ Psalm 26 ] [ Psalm 42 ] [ Psalm 63 ]
  From Quiz: Traditional Catholicism
4 What is the only language the Holy Tridentine may be celebrated in?
Answer: Latin

Latin is often considered a "dead" language, which makes it absolutely fitting for the Mass. The fact that it's "dead" prevents alterations in the meaning of the words, truly uniting all the Masses offered all around the world.
  From Quiz: The Holy Tridentine Mass
5 Which sacrament has sometimes been thought of as an affirmation of another sacrament?
Answer: Confirmation

Confirmation is sometimes described as an affirmation of the Rite of Baptism. That is, the person being confirmed is affirming, or agreeing with, their baptism which was most likely done when the person was an infant. In such cases, the vows were made on their behalf, and this is the time when they take them on as informed adults.
    Your options: [ Penance ] [ Holy Matrimony ] [ Holy Communion ] [ Confirmation ]
  From Quiz: The Seven Sacraments
6 The first Sign of the Cross during Mass is made at the first words: "In nomine Patris, et Filii,+ et Spiritus Sancti. Amen." When is the second Sign of the Cross normally made?
Answer: At the "Adjutorium nostrum + in nomine Domini"

"Adjutorium nostrum + in nomine Domini" means "Our help is in the name of the Lord". The priest signs himself for the second time during this strong statement of faith.
  From Quiz: Traditional Catholicism
7 What is the term used for the physical symbol used in each sacrament?
Answer: matter

The essential matter in Baptism is water. Other optional things are the lighted candle, the Oil of Catechumens, and white garment. The essential form (words) in Baptism are, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
  From Quiz: The Seven Sacraments
8 What does the priest do from the "Deus, tu conversus vivificabis nos" to the "Et clamor meus ad te veniat"?
Answer: He bows

The priest, having just offered the Indulgentiam, bows low to express his and our petition for the remission of our sins.
  From Quiz: Traditional Catholicism
9 During Low Mass, how many candles are lit?
Answer: Two

At Low Mass, which is less solemn and spoken (not sung), only 2 candles are lit. At High Mass, 6 additional candles are lit. And if a Bishop is celebrating Mass in his own diocese, 7 are lit.
  From Quiz: The Holy Tridentine Mass
10 Which are the two Sacraments of Healing?
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.
    Your options: [ Anointing of the Sick and Reconciliation ] [ Marriage and Penance ] [ Eucharist and Confession ] [ Anointing and Holy Orders ]
  From Quiz: Roman Catholic Sacraments
11 By what name is the sacrament of Confession now more commonly known?
Answer: Reconciliation

Although Catholics confess their sin and the sacrament could still be called Confession, the Church refers to the sacrament as Reconciliation these days. This name more accurately describes the process of the sinner becoming reconciled with God.
  From Quiz: The Seven Sacraments
12 Where is the Sign of the Cross made during the Introit at Requiem Masses?
Answer: Over the Missale

Fewer Signs of the Cross are made on the priest and in blessing to the people during Requiem Masses so as to afford all possible graces to the soul whom the Mass is being offered for.
  From Quiz: Traditional Catholicism
13 "Sanctus" means what?
Answer: Holy

"Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts" - "Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth"
  From Quiz: The Holy Tridentine Mass
14 Two sacraments are considered to be of service or ministry to the Roman Catholic Church. Which pair fits this description?
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.
    Your options: [ Marriage and Holy Orders ] [ Holy Orders and Anointing ] [ Marriage and Eucharist ] [ Confirmation and Baptism ]
  From Quiz: Roman Catholic Sacraments
15 As understood by Catholics, there are two types of sin. Both can be absolved through the Rite of Reconciliation. However, one type, a lesser form of sin, can be absolved by prayer alone. What is this lesser type of sin called?
Answer: Venial Sin

Venial Sin is lesser sin. It could be a sin of omission, that is, failing to so something you should have done, or a sin of comission, that is, doing something you shouldn't have. It's still a separation from God, but it's not as severe as a Mortal Sin, such as breaking one of the Ten Commandments. Venial sins can be absolved by saying a prayer, such as the Act of Contrition. A Mortal Sin must be confessed to receive absolution.
  From Quiz: The Seven Sacraments
16 What are the three sacraments of Initiation?
Answer: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation

Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick are the sacraments of Healing. Holy Orders and Marriage are the sacraments of Vocation.
  From Quiz: Sacraments of the Catholic Church
17 What are the first words said during the Offertory for the offering of the host?
Answer: Suscipe, sancte Pater

"Suscipe, sancte Pater" are the beginning words for the offering of the host which goes: "Accept, O Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God, this spotless host, which I, Thy unworthy servant, offer to Thee, to atone for my numberless sins, offenses, and negligences; on behalf of all here present and likewise for all faithful Christians living and dead, that it may profit me and them as a means of salvation to life everlasting. Amen."
  From Quiz: Traditional Catholicism
18 What are the opening prayers, said by the priest alternately with the server, called?
Answer: Prayers at the Foot of the Altar

The Prayers at the Foot of the Altar are said strictly by the priest and server alone. The priest bows while everyone else kneels.
  From Quiz: The Holy Tridentine Mass
19 What are the symbols of Baptism used in the Roman Catholic Church?
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.
  From Quiz: Roman Catholic Sacraments
20 Which sacrament, which is received only once, is the one sacrament that can be administered by a non-ordained Catholic?
Answer: Baptism

Baptism is usually received by an infant. Roman Catholics believe that it seals the infant to the Church and removes the stain of Original Sin. If an infant is in danger of death, and there is no priest or deacon available, then any Catholic in good standing can perform the Baptism.
    Your options: [ Last Rites ] [ Holy Matrimony ] [ Confirmation ] [ Baptism ]
  From Quiz: The Seven Sacraments
21 Eucharist administered to the dying is known by what other name?
Answer: viaticum

Viaticum translated from the latin means "provision for a journey".
  From Quiz: Sacraments of the Catholic Church
22 In the pre-1955 rubrics for Holy Week, what color are the vestments that the priest wears during the actual Mass of the Pre-Sanctified on Good Friday?
Answer: Black

Prior to the reforms of Holy Week by Pope Pius XII, the priest wore only black on Good Friday. After the reforms were implemented, the priest was instructed to changed into purple Mass vestments after the unveiling of the Cross.
  From Quiz: Traditional Catholicism
23 The prayer the priest says before reading the Holy Gospel is called what?
Answer: Munda cor Meum

Munda cor Meum means, "Cleanse my heart", and the English translation of this prayer is: "Cleanse my heart and my lips, O Almighty God, Who cleansed the lips of the Prophet Isaiah with a burning coal. In Your gracious mercy deign so to purify me that I may worthily proclaim Your Holy Gosepl. Through Christ our Lord. Amen."
  From Quiz: The Holy Tridentine Mass
24 Who administers the sacrament of Holy Orders?
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.
  From Quiz: Roman Catholic Sacraments
25 How many sacraments may a priest administer according to the eastern tradition?
Answer: 6

A priest may administer any sacrament other than Holy Orders according to the eastern tradition. According to the western tradition the answer would be five as in the western tradition the husband and wife are the administers of the sacrament of Marriage. Though normally in the western tradition a bishop administers confirmation, a priest may do so under extraordinary circumstances.
  From Quiz: Sacraments of the Catholic Church
26 Which Gift of the Holy Spirit gives us a deeper appreciation of other persons, and of the mysteries of our Faith?
Answer: Understanding

These four seem similar at first, but they each have a different meaning. Wisdom helps us see the "whole picture" and look toward what ultimately matters in life. Prudence leads us to use sound judgment in the decisions we make. Knowledge aids us in our quest for the truth.
    Your options: [ Prudence ] [ Wisdom ] [ Understanding ] [ Knowledge ]
  From Quiz: The Seven Sacraments
27 When the priest says: "Dominus Vobiscum", the correct response made by the server is...?
Answer: "Et cum spiritu tuo"

"Et cum spiritu tuo" translates as: "And with your spirit".
  From Quiz: The Holy Tridentine Mass
28 Who usually administers the Sacrament of Confirmation?
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.
  From Quiz: Roman Catholic Sacraments
29 How many sacraments does the Catholic Church typically recognize as valid if performed by another denomination other than the Eastern Orthodox or Catholic Church?
Answer: 2

The Catholic Church accepts both Baptism and Marriage as valid if performed by other denominations. Marriage is preferably performed by a Catholic priest, but, according to the Catechism, the sacrament of matrimony is a gift the two spouses give each other.
  From Quiz: Sacraments of the Catholic Church
30 How many crosses are made with the Host during the Minor Elevation?
Answer: Five

First there are three made over the chalice: "Per ip + sum, et cum ip + so, et in ip +so," and then two between the chalice and the priest: "est tibi Deo Patri + omnipotenti, in unitate Spiritus + Sancti, omnis honor et gloria."
  From Quiz: Traditional Catholicism
31 In the Roman Canon, what is the first prayer?
Answer: Prayer for the Church

The priest offers prayers for the Pope, the local bishop, and all true believers who cherish the Catholic and Apostolic Faith.
  From Quiz: The Holy Tridentine Mass
32 Who administers the Roman Catholic Sacrament of Matrimony?
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.
  From Quiz: Roman Catholic Sacraments
33 At the end of the Pater Noster (the Our Father), who says the "Amen" and how does he say it?
Answer: The priest, silently

The priest prays the Our Father up until "and lead us not into temptation" to which the server responds, "But deliver us from evil." and the priest, inaudibly, answers "Amen."
  From Quiz: Traditional Catholicism
34 What is the Pater Noster?
Answer: The Lord's Prayer

Surely you can remember the priest chanting the words of the Our Father: "Pater Noster, qui es in coelis: sanctificetur nomen tuum..."
  From Quiz: The Holy Tridentine Mass
35 In Roman Catholic teaching, what is the most important thing that all Seven Sacraments have in common?
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.
  From Quiz: Roman Catholic Sacraments
36 How many sacraments leave an indelible mark on one's soul according to the Catholic Church?
Answer: 3

The three are Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders.
  From Quiz: Sacraments of the Catholic Church
37 While the priest is reciting the Agnus Dei, what must he do?
Answer: Strikes his breast

Three times he strikes his breast, once for each "Agnus Dei".
  From Quiz: Traditional Catholicism
38 What are the prayers called that are said while purifying the sacred vessels?
Answer: The Ablutions

The Ablutions include a prayers for holiness and grace from Holy Communion.
  From Quiz: The Holy Tridentine Mass
39 In which part of the Mass (right after the greeting) do the priest and congregation turn to Jesus to ask for mercy?
Answer: Penitential Rite

After the Penitential Rite comes the Gloria, and then the Collect. Later on are the General Intercessions, Offertory, Preface, Eucharistic Prayer, and Communion.
    Your options: [ Adoration ] [ Preface ] [ Penitential Rite ] [ Collect ]
  From Quiz: The Seven Sacraments
40 The Last Gospel is usually read at the very end of the Mass. Who is the Evangelist that wrote this?
Answer: St. John

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God..."
  From Quiz: The Holy Tridentine Mass
The rest of the questions and answers can be found in our quizzes here:
The Sacraments and the Mass Quizzes