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Introduction to the Sacraments

Introduction to the Sacraments. Before we learn about the seven Catholic sacraments, we need to learn about what a sacrament is. What is a sacrament?. Definition #1 “God’s loving presence made visible and tangible in our life here and now”. What is a sacrament?. God’s presence

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Introduction to the Sacraments

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  1. Introduction to the Sacraments

  2. Before we learn about the seven Catholic sacraments, we need to learn about what a sacrament is.

  3. What is a sacrament? Definition #1 • “God’s loving presence made visible and tangible in our life here and now”

  4. What is a sacrament? • God’s presence • Sacred, holy, but not just a nameless spirit, or “special feeling” • A loving presence • a true experience of God must be an experience of love • visible and tangible • an experience of the human senses • seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching • our life here and now • an experience of God today, while we are alive, not just after we die

  5. Sacramental Awareness • a special appreciation of the sacred (that is, God) in the world • In our daily class prayer we say: “Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God”

  6. Sacramental Dullness • lack of awareness of the sacred in everyday life • Causes of sacramental dullness: • Busyness, distraction • Pain and suffering • Ignorance: Not knowing what to look for or where to look

  7. Sacramental moments • After developing sacramental awareness, we may begin to see God and the sacred in our daily lives • “Finding God in all things” St. Ignatius of Loyola • These sacramental moments can come after long practice… • Or can be sudden and unexpected “Remember who you are, Simba…” “Look at the stars…”

  8. PART II: The Seven Sacraments of the Church

  9. What is a Sacrament? • Definition #2 • According to the Church, a Sacrament is… An outward sign of invisible grace… • Outward sign • Each sacrament is visible and tangible • Each sacrament uses signs, symbols, and rituals • Invisible grace • Each sacrament gives those who receive it certain gifts directly from God • Grace: A gift from God that helps us participate in a relationship with him

  10. What is a Sacrament? • According to the Church, a Sacrament is… An outward sign of invisible grace… • …instituted by Christ and entrusted to his Church • Instituted by Christ • Each sacrament can be traced back to something Jesus Christ did during his ministry • Entrusted to his Church • Each sacrament is the Church’s way of continuing the saving work of Christ in the world.

  11. Symbols and Rituals used in a Sacrament • Each Sacrament has certain symbols and rituals • Symbol: something that represents something else • Some symbols are obvious: water, bread, oil • Some are less obvious • Ex. What are the symbols used in Reconciliation? • Ritual: a series of repeated symbolic actions • The Church calls these “rites” • Involves words, gestures, objects

  12. Effects of the Sacrament • Each Sacrament is efficacious, that is, it has certain effects on the person receiving it • Example: Baptism • Main effect is initiation into the Church • It also cleanses a person from Original Sin • IMPORTANT!!! This cleansing is not just symbolic, but is actual. The water in Baptism really works.

  13. History of the Sacrament • Each Sacrament has a long, rich history and has gone through many changes Questions to ask of each Scarament • How is it tied to events in the life of Jesus? • How was it practiced in early Church? • How has it developed and changed in the past 1500 years? What is it like today?

  14. The Seven Sacraments • Sacraments can be divided into three groups • Sacraments of Initiation • Baptism • Confirmation • Eucharist • Sacraments of Healing • Reconciliation (also called Penance) • Anointing of the Sick • Sacraments of Vocation • Matrimony (also called Marriage) • Holy Orders

  15. Sacraments of Initiation • Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation • Considered “initiation rituals” because they make us full members of the Church community • At Easter Vigil, new adult members of the Church receive all three of these Sacraments

  16. Sacraments of Healing • Reconciliation • Heals our relationships with God and each other • Anointing of the Sick • Heals our body, mind or soul

  17. Sacraments of Vocation • Vocation means “calling” • These sacraments affirm the life to which God has called us • Matrimony • Called to share our life with another person • Holy Orders • Called to dedicate our life in service to Christ and the community as a priest • Also called the Sacraments of Commitment, because those receiving are committing themselves to a way of life.

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