 Refers to any object that represents something else  Usually has one simple meaning  It is always that meaning

A stop sign always means STOP

A SIGNature is always a sign of someone’s name

American Sign Language

 Like a sign, refers to any object that represents something else  Is more complex than a simple sign  Three characteristics that distinguish a sign from a symbol: 1.A symbol may have more than one meaning 2.What a symbol stands for is connected to what it is 3.A symbol evokes more than one kind of response from us

 Universal Symbol  Cultural Symbol

 Symbolic thinking calls us to think “outside the box” rather than literally.  Symbolic thinking allows us to describe emotional, intellectual, moral, and spiritual experiences.  Literal thinking: “You scored more points than anyone else last night!”  Symbolic thinking: “You were on fire last night!”

Routine Repeated, practical actions with one meaning and purpose Brushing your teeth “Morning routine” Workout program Daily school schedule Rotating, special, assembly, single block—these break the routine Any other examples?

Ritual Symbolic actions that help us concretely or physically express our beliefs, values, or concerns Like routines, rituals have repeated actions Usually involve the whole community Important movements, events and celebrations Making the Sign of the Cross Birthday party, Thanksgiving dinner Olympic Opening Ceremony, Presidential Inauguration Mass, the Sacraments Reconciliation, Baptism, Anointing, Ordination Any other examples?

Routines are often mistakenly called rituals The morning “ritual” Rituals can often become routines Example: Sunday Mass, the same actions and order repeated over and over, can lose its special meaning. How can we make a ritual (like Mass) more meaningful?