Sacramental Imagination

Experiences of wonder and awe Illustrate or write about a place or experience that has filled you with wonder and awe. Describe how you felt in the place or experience. Some people describe these sorts of experiences as ‘being aware of God’s presence’.

What do Sacraments want and desire? To make: Grace of God; Presence of God accessible to people;

Sacramental Imagination It is the way of envisioning reality through the eyes of faith that recognizes that the finite {physical} can indeed mediate the infinite [spiritual], that all aspects of created being can mediate grace.

A Sacramental Principle God is present to humankind and We respond to God’s Grace through the ordinary and everyday life of life in the world.

God’s Spirit and Humankind work together through: Nature Creation Culture Society Our minds, bodies, hearts, souls

God’s Spirit and Humankind work together through: Our labors, efforts, creativity, and art; In the depth of our being; In communion with others; Through every event and experience that comes our way;

God’s Grace expects our Partnership and Responsibility Life in the World is Sacramental… Sacramentality of Life calls us to find the extraordinary in the ordinary.

So what do Sacraments desire? Our transformation Our change of heart Our growth in awareness Our ability to become our best selves - who are able to live responsibly: deeply love, care, respect oneself, others and the world.

The Eucharist—The Sacrament of Sacraments Center of liturgical celebration – the most well- known example of divine-human encounter. Contains elements of all types of prayer ◦ Examination ◦ Repentance ◦ Petition ◦ Forgiveness ◦ Contemplation ◦ Thanksgiving ◦ Celebration

Importance of Eucharist To remember Jesus’ sacrifice; To receive spiritual nourishment; To be able to heal from self- and others inflicted wounds; To be in communion with other people;

Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation Importance: Helps us to engage our overly emotionally and mentally toxic inner lives; Reconciles us with ourselves, others and God; Helps us to live down to earth and truthful lives;

Importance of Reconciliation Helps of to take responsibility, own and let go of our sins because they limit and hurt us and others; Why? Because if we do not have a control of our sins, they start controlling us.

Sins Venial: cracks the relationship Examples: laziness, arrogance, white lies, making up excuses, selfishness, rudeness, unjustified anger, disrespect, unhealthy pride Mortal: breaks the relationship Examples: hatred, murder, terrorism, rape, incest, abortion, adultery, theft, lying about serious matters, diverse addictions

Sacrament of Reconciliation: Four Parts 1) Contrition: True sorrow with intention of not doing it again; 2) Confession: Face our sinning; 3) Act of Penance (Satisfaction): Repair harm done by us; Penance fit the sin; 4) Absolution: God’s forgiveness for sin Purpose of Amendment: Resolution to sin no more

Rite of Reconciliation 1) Priest welcomes penitent 2) Sign of the cross 3) Priest encourages penitent to trust God 4) Reading the word (optional) 5) Confession of sin: true sorrow 6) Act of contrition 7) Absolution 8) Proclaiming God’s praise 9) Dismissal

Seal of confession Every priest who hears confessions is bound under very severe penalties - to keep absolute confidentiality regarding the sins penitents confess.

Anointing of the Sick Illness is a reminder of our frailty and mortality as human beings; When our bodies fail us, we realize how much we depend on God. Outward symbol: Laying on of Hands; Anointing with an oil; Prayer of Faith Inner Grace: healing and strengthening; Awakening the presence of the Holy Spirit

Anointing of the Sick: Importance - Union of the sick with Christ’s Passion; - Gives spiritual healing, strength, peace, courage to endure for a person who is seriously ill; - Forgiveness of sins; - Restoration of health or preparation of passing over to eternal life.

Holy Orders Ordained for permanent ministry as bishop, priest, deacon; Roots in the Last Supper Outward symbol: Laying on of Hands – blessing with Sacred Chrism; Stole; Chalice and Paten Inner grace: - Receiving the Holy Spirit - Missioning to be a representative of Christ;

Holy Orders: Importance - Ordained not for privilege but for service to be: - Teachers; - Good shepherds to make presence of Christ visible and felt in our communities.

Matrimony Ideally: a lifelong covenant; public vocation; Outward symbol: - Rings - Vows Inner Grace: - Shared love - Shared unity

Matrimony: Importance  Sacramental encounter with Christ in each other;  Commitment: through sickness and health;  Deepening of love and intimacy on all levels (intellectual, emotional, spiritual, physical);  Practical benefit: harder to raise children in single family home.