The season of fasting and penance will soon be upon us, quiz maniacs. Lent is a special time when we Catholics can learn much about ourselves and our faith. I hope this quiz helps enrich your Lenten journey.
1) LENTEN PRACTICES
During Lent, Catholics are encouraged to do all the following except which one?
a) Go to daily Mass
b) Receive the sacrament of reconciliation
c) Give 10% of their income monthly
d) Practice self-denial
2) ASH WEDNESDAY
Can a non-Catholic receive ashes on Ash Wednesday?
a) Yes
b) No
3) A GIVING HEART
The word “alms,” referring to charitable gifts of money, food or goods given to the poor and needy, comes to us from the Greek word “eleos,” which means:
a) gift
b) love
c) mercy
d) sacrifice
4) SCRIPTURE
Complete this line from the first reading for Ash Wednesday, Joel 2:12-18: “Rend your ____ not your garments.”
a) soul
b) heart
c) tears
d) prayer
5) DEVOTIONS
Which of the following is not one of the five sorrowful mysteries of the rosary?
a) the agony in the garden
b) the scourging at the pillar
c) the crowning with thorns
d) the condemnation of Jesus to death
6) VIA DOLOROSA
Which religious order is credited with establishing the tradition of the Stations of the Cross?
a) Jesuits
b) Franciscans
c) Sulpicians
d) Dominicans
7) FASTING
Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, unless pregnant or ill. How many meals are you allowed to have on those days?
a) None. It’s a day of total fasting.
b) One full meal a day at most, although taking of other, smaller quantities of food at the other customary mealtimes is permitted.
c) Three snacks, no regular meals.
d) Three regular meals as long as you eat only fish.
8) EASTERN RITES
In the Orthodox Catholic Lenten tradition, the Monday before Lent starts — when children fly kites and families go on picnics — is known by what name?
a) Clean Monday
b) Maundy Monday
c) Mardi Gras
d) Pascha Monday
Answers: 1) c, 2) a, 3) c, 4) b, 5) d, 6) b, 7) b, 8) a