Sacraments

The Seven Sacraments : 

The Seven Sacraments St Martha Church

Sacraments : 

Sacraments The word sacrament comes from the Latin word “sacramentum” which means a sign of the sacred.

Signs, Rituals, Symbols : 

Signs, Rituals, Symbols As human beings they are important to us What rituals do you have as a family every year?

Matter and Form : 

Matter and Form Each of the seven sacraments is something visible or sensibly perceptible. The water poured in Baptism, The oil used in Confirmation, The bread and wine for the Eucharist, along with the words pronounced and the ritual seen, are all perceptible to the senses.

Sacraments are -- : 

Sacraments are -- Signs which signify. They manifest something beyond the visible ritual performed. Thus water signifies washing, Oil signifies strengthening or healing, Eating and drinking signify being nourished. The external sign signifies some internal change taking place in the human spirit. This change is in the supernatural order, including some area or aspect of divine grace.

What and Why Sacraments? : 

What and Why Sacraments? A sacrament is a visible sign instituted by Christ which effectively communicates His presence among us and God’s grace In the presence of Jesus people felt; Belonging=Baptism, Affirmation= Confirmation, Unity and fellowship = Eucharist, Love = Marriage, Destined and Called=Holy Orders, Healing and Forgiven = anointing and reconcilliation

A sacramental mind : 

A sacramental mind Catholics believe the sacraments are channels of God’s grace. Grace helps us live the Christian life and be faithful followers of Christ in this world. Catholics believe that conversion and participation in the sacraments are important steps in the process of spiritual growth and holiness.

Why then, did He choose to dispense His grace through the sacraments? : 

Why then, did He choose to dispense His grace through the sacraments? So that the mysterious effects of His infinite power should be made intelligible by means of certain signs that are evident to our senses. As humans that is important to us

Catholics and the sacraments : 

Catholics and the sacraments Catholics are Sacramental people. The Catholic mind recognizes that God is at work in humanity and all of Creation. Catholics believe that God reaches out to us every day. Catholics believe that the life of grace begins in baptism and continues throughout our lives.

What is grace? : 

What is grace? The divine life that comes from God alone. Grace makes us holy. Grace help us follow God’s will in every day life. Sacraments are channels for Grace

Why do we need Grace? : 

Why do we need Grace? Most Catholic theology says we are sinners and we need the help of Gods Grace to get closer to Him and be more like Jesus. We cannot do it without His Grace! Our major source of Grace is through the Sacraments Concupiscense

A sacramental mind : 

A sacramental mind Catholics are linked to the sacraments. From birth to death the sacraments mark the lives of the Christian. Jesus left us the sacraments so that we can be strengthened in our journey to eternal life. Catholics believe that without prayer, conversion and the sacraments the call to Holiness is impossible.

Sacramental life : 

Sacramental life A sacramental life is a good life marked by love, conversion, and service to God and one’s fellow men and women. The sacraments make us one with God and help us understand and follow his plan of salvation. The sacraments make us whole.

Slide 14: 

The Old Law of the Old Testament Vs The New Law of Jesus Christ.

Sacraments : 

Sacraments Catholics, Orthodox, and Anglicans traditions practice all seven sacraments. Most other Christian denominations only celebrate baptism and communion.

Sacraments : 

Sacraments The are seven Sacraments divided in three categories. These categories are: Initiation, Healing, Mission and Service. Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism Confirmation Eucharist

Sacraments : 

Sacraments Sacraments of Healing: 4. Reconciliation or Penace 5. Sacrament of the sick

Baptism : 

Baptism Baptism water, real and natural “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Priest the remission of all sin, original sin and actual, and of all penalties incurred through this guilt.

Slide 19: 

Confirmation anointing the forehead of the baptized with sacred chrism “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit”. Bishop Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.

Eucharist : 

Eucharist Bread and Wine "This is my body which will be given up for you. . . . This is the cup of my blood. . . ." Validly, ordained priest Increases the communicant's union with the Lord, forgives his venial sins, and preserves him from grave sins. Since receiving this sacrament strengthens the bonds of charity between the communicant and Christ, it also reinforces the unity of the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ. The Eucharist is also offered in reparation for the sins of the living and the dead and to obtain spiritual or temporal benefits from God.

Reconcilitation : 

Reconcilitation The acts of penitence, which are divided into three parts repentance, confession or disclosure of sins to the priest, and the intention to make reparation and do works of reparation. The absolution of the Priest: “I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Priest Reconciliation with God by which the penitent recovers grace; reconciliation with the Church; remission of the eternal punishment incurred by mortal sins; remission, at least in part, of temporal punishments resulting from sin; peace and serenity of conscience, and spiritual consolation; an increase of spiritual strength for the Christian battle.

Anointing of the Sick : 

Anointing of the Sick Oil blessed by the Bishop the anointing of the forehead and hands of the sick person. “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit” “May the Lord who frees you from sin, save you and raise you up”. Priest Uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church; the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age; the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of Penance; the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul; the preparation for passing over to eternal life.

Ordination : 

Ordination Laying on of hands followed by a solemn prayer of consecration asking God to grant the ordinand the graces of the Holy Spirit required for his ministry. Bishop Benefit, growth in grace, to the end that whosoever is ordained may be a worthy minister.

Matrimony : 

Matrimony Marriage is based on the consent of the contracting parties, i.e., the husband and wife. The sacrament thus perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life.

Discussion Questions : 

Discussion Questions What sacrament is the most important to you? How did/or does receiving this sacrament make you feel? Do you understand Grace?

How necessary are the sacraments? : 

How necessary are the sacraments? They are necessary for salvation. Because we need the GRACE that they supply to us to be more like Jesus and to get to heaven even if not all are necessary for each individual.

Slide 27: 

The sacraments are a continuation of Christ’s work of redemption. They are the link between His Passion on Calvary and our present needs on earth. They are the channels by which His saving merits are now conveyed to a sinful world. The sacraments provide a marvelous bond of visible unity among the members of Christ’s Church. By means of the sacraments we make a public profession of our faith, and others witness to what we profess to believe.