These are visible rites seen as signs and efficacious channels of the grace of God to all those who receive them with the proper disposition.

Sign, symbol, sacrament St. Thomas Aquinas taught that human development is marked by seven stages which parallel the seven sacraments. We are born: Baptism We grow: Confirmation We are fed: Eucharist We are healed: Penance We recover: Anointing of the Sick We need and form family: Matrimony We need and respond to leaders: Holy Orders

Other definitions of sacrament St. Paul – sacramentum = mysterion God’s hidden plan to fulfill all things in Christ. St. Augustine stressed sign and symbol (something concrete that points to something else.) St. Thomas Aquinas added that sacraments are efficacious signs or symbols of grace. They effect, cause, and are what they signify.

The Sacraments of Healing The Sacraments of Service The seven sacraments The Sacraments of Initiation Confirmation Holy Eucharist Baptism The Sacraments of Healing Anointing of the Sick Penance The Sacraments of Service Matrimony Holy Orders

baptism Comes from the Greek word that means “to plunge” or “to immerse” The symbolic plunging and rising up again from the water reminds us that a new Catholic enters into Christ’s death and then rises to a new life of grace.

Water – water represents cleansing SYMBOLS IN BAPTISM Water – water represents cleansing Oil – in ancient world, oil was used to anoint kings and queens to show they were set apart White garment – Purity, means putting on Christ, similar to a bride Candle – Christ is the light of the world and so we should be as well

Baptism Matter Form Minister Effects Water …I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit… Priest or Deacon Anyone Cleanses original sin Make us Christians Children of God Heirs of Heaven Temple of the Holy Spirit * Character

Holy Eucharist The Eucharist is the celebration of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. In the Bible, it is called the Lord's Supper. Christians are invited to celebrate the Eucharist every week during Mass. Children usually make their First Holy Communion at the age of 7 or 8.

Holy eucharist Christ instituted the Eucharist during a Passover meal held at the Last Supper as a memorial of his Death and Resurrection. At the Council of Trent (1545 – 1563) the doctrine of transubstantiation was defined and the Roman Missal was published by Pope Pius V.

HOLY EUCHARIST Matter Form Minister Effects Bread and Wine “This is my body...” “This is my blood...” Priest or Bishop Increase of sanctifying grace Union with Christ Remission of venial sins

ConfIrmation A sacrament in which the Holy Spirit is perfected in those already baptized in order to make them strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.

Confirmation completes the baptismal grace. Confirmation confers a sacramental character that cannot be erased and that predisposes the Christian person to receive the very life of God, and his divine protection. Confirmation completes the baptismal grace. The Christian participates now fully in the body of Christ with rights an obligations of a spiritual and temporal character. The Confirmed person is compelled to witness the Christian faith with conviction by word and deeds.

Confirmation Matter Form Minister Effects Chrism Oil Laying on of hands and anointing with chrism on the forehead with the words: "(Name), be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit." Bishop Increase of sanctifying grace Gifts of the Holy Spirit Character

penance Penance renews, restores, and strengthens our relationship with God and the community after it has been damaged by sin. Penance shows that God’s love is without limits

penance The acts of the person who undergoes conversion Contrition Confession Satisfaction The intervention of the Church Absolution from the priest All Catholics are required to go to confession at least once per year to confess serious sins

penance Matter Form Minister Effects ...I absolve you from all your sins in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Priest Forgiveness of sins Reconciliation with God Revival of all merits Healing

Anointing of the sick The sacrament encourages those who are sick to overcome the alienation caused by illness. Jesus continues to bring healing through the prayers of the Church, and through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and the Anointing of the Sick.

Viaticum – is the final reception of the Eucharist. Anointing of the sick In the Middle Ages the sacrament was administered only to the dying and was called Extreme Unction – “the Last Anointing.” Viaticum – is the final reception of the Eucharist. Since Vatican II, this sacrament is celebrated for those suffering from serious illness, for the elderly, for those facing major surgery -- and for the dying.

Anointing of the sick Matter Form Minister Effects Priest/ Bishop Chrism Oil 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 raise you up. Amen. Priest/ Bishop Healing (Physical & Spiritual) Increase of sanctifying grace Trust in God Strength to resist temptations

matrimony Marriage is a sacred covenant --that is an agreement between the husband and wife, and between the couple and God.

The goodness of Marriage includes: matrimony From the time of creation, marriage has been an institution established by God, not by man. Sacramental marriage was modeled on the relationship between Christ and the Church The goodness of Marriage includes: The procreation of children. The chastity of the spouses and their fidelity to each other. The indissoluble union of marriage.

The essential element of Matrimony is the mutual consent to marry. The words of consent must be freely given. Catholics must marry in the presence of a priest or a deacon, and in the presence of two witnesses. The spouses themselves are the ministers of the sacrament.

Exchange of Marriage Vows matrimony Matter Form Minister Effects Exchange of Marriage Vows Mutual consent: I do… Couple Unity Procreative Parenting

Holy orders The ministerial priesthood. Sacramental ordination consecrates certain baptized men to one of three degrees of a sacred order: Episcopate – bishops Presbyterate – priests Diaconate – deacons

A call by God to serve the Church in a very special way. Holy orders A call by God to serve the Church in a very special way. Essential rite includes: the laying on of hands by the bishop accompanied by a special prayer of consecration. An indelible spiritual character is conferred on the ordained man.

Holy orders Matter Form Minister Effects Chrism Oil Prayer of consecration Bishop Spiritual power Character Teach Govern Increase of sanctifying grace