Sacraments

How many Sacraments can you name? Can you match these pictures to the sacraments you have named. Explain to your partner why you think you have a match.

What do you think a Sacrament is? Discuss with a partner Catholics believe that God is present in our ordinary lives. In everything we do and are God is present. But a lot of the time we forget that god is with us. Sacraments remind us of this reality that God is with us. Sacraments are visible reminders that god is with us

They bring us Grace. Grace is an awareness of God’s loving presence, his gift to us that helps us respond to him. They celebrate the presence of Christ in our lives Sacraments use signs and symbols to help make us aware of their meaning They are community celebrations because we believe that we need other people in our lives and the community can help us on our journey to God. We receive different sacraments at different stages of our journey towards God

To fully understand sacraments for each one we need to know: A) What does it mean B) How do we celebrate it and what meaning do the symbols hold C) How should it change our lives.

The Sacrament of Marriage

Look up these scripture references. What do they teach us about marriage? Mt Corinthians 13:4-7 Ruth

The Wedding Ceremony The priest does not marry two people. They marry each other the priest is a witness to the promises they make.

The Promises (also called Vows) This is what the couple promise each other : “I call upon these persons here present to witness that I (full name,), do take thee ((full name,), to be my lawful wedded wife / husband to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.

In your own words what are the couple promising each other? Are these good promises to make? Which would say were the most important promises? Why? Do you think they might be difficult to keep? Read part of the words of the song called ‘It takes Three’ which is often used at weddings and try to think about the words then answer the questions.

The meaning of the Rings. The rings are circular in shape. The circle is used quite often when talking about God. (for example the Advent wreath) What does it mean? What is it trying to say about marriage? When the couple place the ring on each other fingers they say: (Name), take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. What do you think these words mean?

Becoming a priest In the Catholic Church only men can become priests. A man has to train for a long time to become a priest and there are many stages along the way. When he is finally ready he becomes a priest by being Ordained. This happens during the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Only a Bishop can ordain a priest.

The Ceremony of Ordination Look up this reference from John’s Gospel. (This happens after Jesus’ resurrection )John How does this link to the ordination ceremony Why do you think the priest given a chalice and a paten? Why do you think a priests hands are anointed?