CHAPTER ONE

The Church is the Body of Christ “The Word became flesh, and made his dwelling place among us” (John 1:14) The Church is one body –Our union with Christ Christ is the Head of the Body We seek to be like Christ

The Church is the Body of Christ The Church is the Bride of Christ –“The two will become one flesh” The Church is the pledge of Christ’s fidelity to his people

The Church is the Universal Sacrament of Salvation Church is both human and divine--both a visible and invisible dimension All members of Church called to carry on work of Christ We all contribute to Church’s sacramental presence in the world

Hierarchal structure of Church established by Christ: The Church is the Universal Sacrament of Salvation Pope successor of Peter Bishops successors of Apostles First task is to preach Gospel to the world Governing task

Church is mystery that transcends history “The Church both contains and communicates the invisible grace she signifies” Church is sacrament or sign of intimate union with God The Church is the Universal Sacrament of Salvation

Mysterion New Testament term for sacrament- “mystery” Mysterion used to refer to Christ: – Jesus is great mystery of God’s love for humanity – Jesus is pledge for our salvation – Jesus is sign of God’s grace – Jesus is efficacious sign

What Are Sacraments? “Efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church” Sacraments dispense divine life to us Sacraments are instituted by Christ Sacraments put us in touch with mystery of Christ Sacraments have been entrusted to the Church

Efficacious: Capable of producing a desired effect What Are Sacraments? - Sacraments confer the grace they signify - Grace is “participation in the life of God” - Sacramental grace of the sacrament is a distinct gift

Baptism is beginning of life of grace We are given gift of sanctifying grace –An ongoing or habitual gift of God’s life in us Actual grace also conferred upon us through sacraments –God’s particular way of helping us overcome sin What Are Sacraments?

Sacraments nourish and strengthen our faith Sacramental mission of Church: 1.) Mandate of Jesus to preach gospel and baptize 2.) Words and actions are central to sacramental rites What Are Sacraments?

Three things necessary for each sacrament What Are Sacraments? Proper matter Correct words or form Correct intention

Sacraments are effective because Christ is acting in them Power of sacraments come from Christ himself Effectiveness of sacraments dependent on proper disposition of recipient What Are Sacraments?

Sacraments are effective by virtue of their symbolic power – Bread – Wine – Water – Words – Touch What Are Sacraments?

Church’s liturgy is celebration of the sacraments – Celebration of the Paschal mystery – Continuing work of the Lord’s redemption – Communal prayer Liturgy: The Work of the Holy Trinity

God the Father is source and goal of the liturgy Church blesses, praises, adores, and thanks God All of God’s work is blessing--”divine and life-giving action” God is source and end of all blessings Liturgy: The Work of the Holy Trinity

Jesus instituted sacraments though his words and actions Paschal mystery made present in liturgy Liturgy: The Work of the Holy Trinity

How is Christ present in the liturgy? Liturgy: The Work of the Holy Trinity In the Eucharist In the person of the priest In the scriptures In prayers and song

The Holy Spirit: Liturgy: The Work of the Holy Trinity Prepares our hearts to encounter the Lord Makes the mystery of Christ present in the here and now Gives the grace of faith

Marana tha=“O Lord, come!” Ultimate goal of Christians and of the liturgy –Eternal Life Sacraments help us share in eternal life while we wait for Second Coming Liturgy: The Work of the Holy Trinity