The contest is held in double-elimination format with two brackets. All teams start in the upper bracket and stay in that bracket until they lose.The contest is held in double-elimination format with two brackets. All teams start in the upper bracket and stay in that bracket until they lose.
Two teams face off in each game, each fielding four members at a time. The losing team moves to the lower bracket, where it competes until it loses a second time; a second loss eliminates the team from further completion.
The questions are asked and must be answered "Jeopardy" style.
For example: Q: They are the three Persons of the Blessed Trinity.
A: Who is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit?
Each game consists of two 10-minute halves with a 2-minute break in between; substitutions may be made during the break.
The first question asked is referred to as a "toss-up," meaning that any member of either team may answer after being the first to buzz in.
When a team member answers a toss-up question correctly, the team is awarded 10 points and the opportunity to answer a bonus question, which is worth between 10 and 20 points. Then the play returns to another toss-up.
Any and all information related to the Catholic Church is fair game for questions. This includes the Old and New Testaments, History, Doctrine, Mary, Prayers, Sacraments, and more. However questions in Division 1 and 2 are limited to more common knowledge, such as that found in grade appropriate textbook on the Faith and the "Penny Catechism" and information about Mary, the saints, etc. Penny Catechisms can be purchased from Tan Books.
Judges—generally people, clergy or laity, that are catechists—are provided for each game. Judge's decisions during a game are final. Dubious answers or problematic questions may be brought to their attention after the game is finished, but this will in no way affect the final score of the game.
Books and other resources that might be useful in preparation are as follows: (This list is not comprehensive; there are many more!)
Penny Catechism ($4.00) call Tan Books at 1-866-522-8465
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Books on the lives of the Saints
Textbooks on the Faith used in classrooms
The Bible
Catholic Encyclopedias
Catholic history books
Papal encyclicals (for older divisions)
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