before we learn about the seven catholic sacraments, we need to learn about what a sacrament is

17
Introduction to the Sacraments

Upload: andra-gabriella-king

Post on 13-Dec-2015

223 views

Category:

Documents


5 download

TRANSCRIPT

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 presenceSacred, 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 nowan experience of God today, while we are alive, not

just after we die

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”

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

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

“Look at the stars…” “Remember who you are, Simba…”

PART II: The Seven Sacraments of the Church

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

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.

What is a Sacrament?

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

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.

History of the Sacrament Each Sacrament has a long, rich history

and has gone through many changesQuestions to ask of each Scarament

1. How is it tied to events in the life of Jesus?2. How was it practiced in early Church?3. How has it developed and changed in the past

1500 years? What is it like today?

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

The Seven Sacraments

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

Sacraments of Initiation

Reconciliation◦ Heals our relationships with God and each other

Anointing of the Sick◦ Heals our body, mind or soul

Sacraments of Healing

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.

Sacraments of Vocation