1. Introduction to the Sacraments

2. Before we learn about the seven Catholic sacraments, we need to learn about what a sacrament is.

3. What is a sacrament? (broad definition; “sacrament with a small s”)
God’s loving presence made visible and tangible in our life here and now.

4. What is a sacrament? God’s presence A loving presence
Sacred, holy, but not just a nameless spirit, or “special feeling”
A loving presence
a true experience of God must be an experience of love
visible and tangible
an experience of the human senses
seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching
our life here and now
an experience of God today, while we are alive, not just after we die

5. sacramental awareness
a special appreciation of the sacred (that is, God) in the world
In our daily class prayer we say: “Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God”

6. Sacramental Dullness lack of awareness of the sacred in everyday life
Causes of sacramental dullness:
Busyness, distraction
Pain and suffering
Ignorance: Not knowing what to look for or where to look

7. Two skills for developing sacramental awareness
Paying attention: listening, seeing, being focused
Examples: meditation, prayer, retreats, physical exercise

8. Two skills for developing sacramental awareness
Responding
all true listening calls for a response
an experience of God calls us to respond by treating ourselves, others, the world, and God differently
Kairos
Loaves and Fishes
Rock for Peace

9. Sacramental moments
After developing sacramental awareness, we may begin to see God and the sacred in our daily lives
“Finding God in all things” St. Ignatius of Loyola
These sacramental moments can come after long practice…
Or can be sudden and unexpected
“Remember who you are, Simba…”
“Look at the stars…”

10. PART II: The seven Sacraments of the church

11. What is a Sacrament? According to the Church, a Sacrament is…
An outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace
Outward sign
Each sacrament is visible and tangible
Each sacrament uses signs, symbols, and rituals
Instituted by Christ
Each sacrament can be traced back to something Jesus Christ did
To give grace
Each sacrament gives those who receive it certain gifts from God

12. The Seven Sacraments Sacraments can be divided into three groups
Sacraments of Initiation
Baptism
Confirmation
Eucharist
Sacraments of Healing
Reconciliation (also called Penance)
Anointing of the Sick
Sacraments of Vocation
Matrimony (also called Marriage)
Holy Orders

13. Sacraments of Initiation
Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation
Considered “initiation rituals” because they make us full members of the Church community
At Easter Vigil, new adult members of the Church receive all three of these Sacraments

14. Sacraments of Healing Reconciliation Anointing of the Sick
Heals our relationships with God and each other
Anointing of the Sick
Heals our body, mind or soul

15. Sacraments of Vocation
Vocation means “calling”
These sacraments affirm the life to which God has called us
Matrimony
Called to share our life with another
Holy Orders
Called to dedicate our life in service to Christ and the community as a priest
Also called the Sacraments of Commitment, because those receiving are committing themselves to a way of life.

16. Symbols and Rituals Each Sacrament has certain symbols and rituals
Symbol: something that represents something else
Some are clear and obvious: water, bread, oil
Some are less obvious
(What are the symbols used in Reconciliation?)
Ritual: a series of repeated actions
The Church calls these rites
Example: RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

17. Effects Each Sacrament has certain effects on the person receiving it
Example: Baptism
Main effect is initiation into the Church
It also cleanses a person from Original Sin
IMPORTANT!!! This cleansing is not just symbolic, but is actual. The water in Baptism really works.

18. History
Each Sacrament has a long, rich history and has gone through many changes
Tied to events in the life of Jesus
Practiced in early Church
Developed and changed in the past years, still changing today!