THE SACRAMENTAL LIFE Chapter 24

Efficacious Signs Sacrament = Outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace  7 of them A sign is something visible that represents something else  i.e. a stop sign But they are also efficacious signs  Signs that have the power to do what they signify  i.e. a stop sign that could make cars stop

Why Sacraments We are physical/corporeal beings  We encounter reality through our senses Sacraments are a way we can sense the grace that is active in our lives  The Sacraments help us to truly know that we have received a particular grace or another

Sacrament of Penance Night of the Resurrection in the upper room  “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (John 20:22-23) Original sin is removed in Baptism  All later sins are removed by Penance  AKA Confession, Reconciliation  God knew we would still be weakened by Original Sin Help us to break free from committing sin again Only way of restoring Sanctifying Grace after mortal sin

5 Steps to a Worthy Confession Examine your conscience  Every night  Before Confession Have contrition  True sorrow for one’s sins because they hurt God Firm resolution to sin no more  Resolve to avoid sin and its near occasions Confess sins honestly  Cannot hide sins  Priest is not there to ridicule you  He is in persona Christi  He can’t talk about your sins outside the confessional  Priests are there to give guidance, a real gift from God! Do penance  Penance = act that makes reparation for one’s sins

The Holy Eucharist Real Presence  Jesus’ Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity Under the appearance of bread and wine  Retains its “accidents” Spiritual food “Source and Summit” of the Christian life  Most important Sacrament Holy Communion  We become united to Christ  We are also united to all who have received it

4 Steps to Worthily Receiving the Eucharist State of grace  No mortal sin on the soul  Otherwise it’s sacrilege  “Whoever… eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the Body and Blood of the Lord”  1 Corinthians 11:27 Must truly believe in the Real Presence  Must be a practicing Catholic Eucharistic Fast  No food or drink for 1 hour before receiving Communion  NO GUM/MINTS/COFFEE either!!!  Exceptions: Water, medicine Spend time thanking the Lord after receiving Him

Why we should Receive We should receive often  Sacrament is source of spiritual nourishment Should make a spiritual communion when unable to attend Mass  We ask the Lord to come dwell in us in a special way

Eucharistic Devotion Real Presence of Christ remains in the consecrated Hosts Jesus is therefore kept in the tabernacle  Gold box on altar  His presence is highlighted by the Sanctuary Lamp Adoration  Christ made visible in the monstrance  Golden container which holds up the Eucharist to the Church  Exposition: Eucharist is exposed in the monstrance Benediction: When the priest blesses the people with the Eucharist in the monstrance Eucharistic procession  Seen on Corpus Christi feast day