1. Sign, Symbol, & Sacrament A soldier’s Story The account is a symbol of true friendship. The symbols of the Church are the sacraments. Sacraments, Church and Jesus are intimately related and all deal with making God’s love present and felt.

2. Examples of Symbols The FlagThe Flag Peace SignPeace Sign Christmas TreeChristmas Tree WaterWater LightLight Uncle SamUncle Sam The IRSThe IRS The Color BlackThe Color Black The CrucifixThe Crucifix

3. Create a Personal Coat of Arms Your idea of successYour idea of success Your concept of loveYour concept of love Your most noteworthy achievementYour most noteworthy achievement Your attitude toward JesusYour attitude toward Jesus The biggest obstacle that stands in the way of your growth.The biggest obstacle that stands in the way of your growth.

4. Signs vs. Symbols A sign can be anything that points to something else. For example, objects, words, actions, and even persons. A sign can be anything that points to something else. For example, objects, words, actions, and even persons. Signs can be artificial or natural.Signs can be artificial or natural. Symbols are special signs that go beyond just pointing to something. Symbols are signs with deep meanings that are held consciously and subconsciously.Symbols are special signs that go beyond just pointing to something. Symbols are signs with deep meanings that are held consciously and subconsciously.

5. Characteristics of Symbols Symbols reveal part of reality without communicating all of it.Symbols reveal part of reality without communicating all of it. Symbols can reveal or conceal.Symbols can reveal or conceal. Symbols bring about another reality without being identical to it.Symbols bring about another reality without being identical to it. Symbols take time to develop and have many layers of meaning.Symbols take time to develop and have many layers of meaning.

6. Origin of the Word Sacrament Latin: sacramentum—used to translate the Greek word mystery.Latin: sacramentum—used to translate the Greek word mystery. Romans believed sacrament meant “bond or pledge of property” in a contractRomans believed sacrament meant “bond or pledge of property” in a contract Became the word to describe the Christian rite of initiation (baptism) to pledge themselves to Christ.Became the word to describe the Christian rite of initiation (baptism) to pledge themselves to Christ.

7. St. Augustine—5 th Century New definition of Sacrament: “visible sign of an invisible reality, a visible sign of invisible grace.”New definition of Sacrament: “visible sign of an invisible reality, a visible sign of invisible grace.” Grace: definition: A gift of divine life, the gift of God’s friendship. Sanctifying grace enables believers to live morally, good, holy lives.Grace: definition: A gift of divine life, the gift of God’s friendship. Sanctifying grace enables believers to live morally, good, holy lives. Sacrament is a symbol or image through which we can both PERCEIVE & RECEIVE an INVISIBLE GRACESacrament is a symbol or image through which we can both PERCEIVE & RECEIVE an INVISIBLE GRACE It signifies a sacred reality AND actually puts us in touch with it.It signifies a sacred reality AND actually puts us in touch with it.

8. Sacraments Speaks of the mystery of God’s loveSpeaks of the mystery of God’s love Represents a pledge to live a graced lifeRepresents a pledge to live a graced life Is a sacred, visible sign of invisible graceIs a sacred, visible sign of invisible grace Is an efficacious symbolIs an efficacious symbol Jesus is the FIRST sacramentJesus is the FIRST sacrament

9. Church’s Definition of Sacrament and Teachings Sacred Signs and Actions of Jesus’ love and salvation that enable us to share in God’s life more deeply.Sacred Signs and Actions of Jesus’ love and salvation that enable us to share in God’s life more deeply. They were instituted by Christ. They can all be traced to Him in Scripture.They were instituted by Christ. They can all be traced to Him in Scripture. They are symbols of sacred realities.They are symbols of sacred realities. There 7 sacraments that confer grace.There 7 sacraments that confer grace. They do not depend on the intention or purity of the minister.They do not depend on the intention or purity of the minister.