1. Sacraments Signs and Symbols

2. Symbols and Rituals Symbol – from Greek – to throw together Symbol – from Greek – to throw together combine concrete with abstract combine concrete with abstract Sign – an object that refers an object that represents something else Ritual – symbolic action, symbols including actions and words

3. Covenant symbols Consecration with oil Consecration with oil Immersion in water Immersion in water Laying on of hands Laying on of hands

4. Nature symbols Darkness Darkness Light Light Water Water Fire Fire

5. Sacraments Point to something beyond the words and symbolic actions Point to something beyond the words and symbolic actions Jesus acts in and through the ritual Jesus acts in and through the ritual The Holy Spirit gives the grace of Christ’s actions to those who are participating The Holy Spirit gives the grace of Christ’s actions to those who are participating Makes the spiritual reality present Makes the spiritual reality present Efficacious – causes change in us and in the world because of God’s power, not our own Efficacious – causes change in us and in the world because of God’s power, not our own

6. Sacraments Disposition – the inner attitude and readiness on our part Disposition – the inner attitude and readiness on our part Grace – free and undeserved gifts received from God; being loved as a child of God so we can live our lives in love and service to God and others Grace – free and undeserved gifts received from God; being loved as a child of God so we can live our lives in love and service to God and others Types of grace: sanctifying, actual, sacramental, charisma Types of grace: sanctifying, actual, sacramental, charisma

7. Sacraments Jesus Christ is the greatest sacrament of salvation Jesus Christ is the greatest sacrament of salvation Catechism definition: Catechism definition: “efficacious sign of grace, instituted by Christ, and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed through the power of the Holy Spirit”

8. Seven sacraments Official seven sacraments of the Church are Official seven sacraments of the Church are –Rooted in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ –Rooted in the tradition of the Catholic Church –Seven primary ways in which God’s grace is active in our lives

9. Sacrament divisions Sacraments of initiation Sacraments of initiation –Baptism –Confirmation –Eucharist Sacraments of healing Penance (reconciliation) Anointing of the sick Anointing of the sick Sacraments of service Holy Orders Holy Orders Matrimony Matrimony

10. Sacramental signs and ministers Baptism – water and words – anyone (normally ordained minister) Baptism – water and words – anyone (normally ordained minister) Confirmation – anointing with chrism, laying on of hands – bishop Confirmation – anointing with chrism, laying on of hands – bishop Eucharist – bread and wine after consecration – priest Eucharist – bread and wine after consecration – priest Penance – words of absolution, laying on of hands – priest Penance – words of absolution, laying on of hands – priest Anointing of the sick – anointing with oil of the sick and prayer – priest Anointing of the sick – anointing with oil of the sick and prayer – priest Holy Orders – laying on of hands and prayer– Bishop Holy Orders – laying on of hands and prayer– Bishop Matrimony – exchange of vows – couple being married Matrimony – exchange of vows – couple being married

11. Sacramentals Action or object that is sometimes blessed Action or object that is sometimes blessed Examples: holy water, making the Sign of the Cross, medals, icons, incense, ashes Examples: holy water, making the Sign of the Cross, medals, icons, incense, ashes Blessings – prayer that calls on God to care for a person, place, thing, or undertaking Blessings – prayer that calls on God to care for a person, place, thing, or undertaking