An introduction to the Sacraments Year 8

What is a Sacrament? The Latin word sacramentum means "a sign of the sacred." The seven sacraments are ceremonies that point to what is sacred, significant and important for Christians. They are special occasions for experiencing God's saving presence. For more information on the Sacraments, click: Definition of a sacrament and general information Sacraments of the Catholic Church The Seven Sacraments of the Church: an overview Online Trivia

Do you know the 7 sacraments?

What are the seven sacraments? Baptism Reconciliation Eucharist Confirmation Marriage Holy Orders Anointing of the Sick The Sacramental Words - a short clip

Class Activity Pick one of the seven sacraments. Write a list of adjectives that connect to this sacrament. Collect images that directly or indirectly connect to your words. Prepare an online collage. Bring to class for discussion.

1. Baptism First step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship (usually infant Baptism) Become part of God’s family Washing away of original sin For more information on Baptism, click: Baptism in the Catholic Church Baptism: the details The Sacrament of Baptism: Catechism of the Catholic Church Baptism: Common Questions Baptism Quiz and Extension

2. Reconciliation Experience God's unconditional forgiveness; as a result we are called to forgive others. Includes three elements: Conversion Confession; and Celebration. For more information on Reconciliation, click: The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) The Sacrament of Healing: Catechism of the Catholic Church Reconciliation: the details How to prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Reconciliation Quiz and Extension

3. Eucharist Both a sacrifice and a meal Real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we are are nourished spiritually and become ‘tabernacles of God’. For more information on the Eucharist, click: The Eucharist: an overview The Eucharist: the details Eucharist Quiz and Extension

4. Confirmation Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. Receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit. For more information on Confirmation, click: Sacrament of Confirmation: the details Confirmation: an overview Confirmation Quiz and Extension

5. Marriage A public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values. For more information on Marriage, click: Marriage: the details Marriage: the Catechism of the Catholic Church Matrimony Quiz and Extension

6. Holy Orders A person becomes a priest to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness. For more information on Holy Orders, click: Holy Order: the details Bishop, Priest, and Deacon Holy Order: Catechism of the Catholic Church Holy Orders Quiz and Extension

7. Anointing of the Sick A ritual of healing before someone dies; appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness. For more information on the Anointing of the Sick, click: Anointing of the Sick: an overview Anointing of the sick: the details The effects of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick Anointing of the Sick Quiz and Extension

Brief summary Sacrament Human Level Spiritual Level Baptism The infant is introduced to a life of love through the efforts of his/her parents This sacrament takes away original sin Baptism initiates the one baptized into the Church, Christian community, people of God The priest pours water on the forehead of the one to be baptized while saying: I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Confirmation Passing from the childhood state of taking, to the mature state of giving The sacrament of maturity by means of accepting, responsibility, commitment The Holy Spirit descends upon the one who is confirmed The recipient assumes his/her Christian Responsibilities, role, obligations, duties The bishop lays hands on the one to be confirmed, recipient, the candidate and anoints the forehead of the recipient with oil while saying: (Name) to be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit Eucharist A communal celebration of those who share similar Ideals, beliefs, faith The sharing of a ritual meal by an assembly of people who all believe in God, Christ Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ Re-enactment of Jesus’ sacrifice on Mount Calvary, Golgotha The priest says: “This is my body” and “This is my blood - Do this in memory of me or remembrance of me”. Then the participants all receive communion, the Eucharist, the bread and wine

Brief summary Reconciliation Matrimony Holy Orders The community forgives any offenses against itself through its representative , the priest God forgives our sins But in order to receive God’s forgiveness, we must confess our sins and also be absolved, forgiven The penitent tells the priest his/her sins and the priest says, “I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Matrimony Man and woman together for ever, life Bringing children into the people of God, love What God has joined together, let no man put asunder, apart Union of husband and wife is a symbol of the union between Christ and His people, church, faithful, followers The bride and groom in the presence of the priest and the witnesses each say I take this woman/man to be my lawfully wedded wife/husband Holy Orders Community chooses and sets apart a representative to be its leader of liturgy, celebration, worship, assembly, prayer The priest is ordained to become another Christ (reason for no woman priests The bishop lays his hands on the head of the ordained or the recipient and then says: “We ask you, almighty Father, to give these servants of yours the dignity of the priesthood Anointing of the Sick Human support in one’s last sickness, agony, suffering, illness, moments, day, hour, breath God prepares the soul for death, heaven, glory, afterlife The priest anoints the head and hands of each sick, old, or dying person. Then he says: “Through this holy anointing and his great love for you, may the Lord fill you with the power of the Holy Spirit. The priest adds: “In His goodness, may He ease your suffering and extend his saving grace to you, freed from all power of sin, evil.

Test yourself Activity: What Sacrament is it? Activity: Match the Sacrament