The Seven Sacraments

Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, Marriage

Sacraments

Sacrament: An efficacious sign of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us through the work of the Holy Spirit.

-CCC 1131 Efficacious means effective. The sacraments make us holy.

Sacraments of Initiation

Baptism Confirmation Holy Eucharist

blood (Eucharist) & water (Baptism)

Baptism John 3:5 “No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.” In cases of necessity, even an un-baptized person can baptize. Effects: 1. purification/sanctification (original & personal sin) 2. rebirth (requires future growth)

Crossing the Red Sea

Adult baptism -throughout scripture -RCIA Infant baptism Acts 16:31-33 -entire households -certainly since 2 nd century

Trinitarian formula (form) & water (matter)

Once baptized  always (Indelible mark) New existence Adopted child of God the Father Member of Christ’s body (Church) Temple of Holy Spirit Baptismal priesthood Concupiscence remains 

Confirmation

Confirmation

Effects: “ Confirms ” & strengthens baptism.

Empowers us to be true witnesses of Jesus. Perpetuates grace of Pentecost

Confirmation

NEED: laying on of hands, oil for anointing East & West East: Confirmed as infants “Chrismation” – anointed with chrism

“Christian” means “anointed.”

Symbolism of Anointing abundance (oil is costly) cleansing healing (soothes wounds) beautifies Seal of Holy Spirit.

Eucharist

Jesus is the Passover Lamb

Last Supper

Take this, all of you, and eat of it, for this is my Body, which will be given up for you.

Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my Blood, the Blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me.

Consecration

Holy Communion

 nourishes the soul.

  True presence, Christ hasn’t abandoned us.

Eucharistia means thanksgiving  Symbolism of cup: martyrdom

St. Justin Martyr, 155AD

On the day we call the day of the sun, all who dwell in the city or country gather in the same place. The memoirs of the apostles and the writings of the prophets are read, as much as time permits. When the reader has finished, he who presides over those gathered admonishes and challenges them to imitate these beautiful things. Then we all rise together and offer prayers* for ourselves . . .and for all others, wherever they may be, so that we may be found righteous by our life and actions, and faithful to the commandments, so as to obtain eternal salvation. When the prayers are concluded we exchange the kiss. Then someone brings bread and a cup of water and wine mixed together to him who presides over the brethren. He takes them and offers praise and glory to the Father of the universe, through the name of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and for a considerable time he gives thanks (in Greek: eucharistian ) that we have been judged worthy of these gifts. When he has concluded the prayers and thanksgivings, all present give voice to an acclamation by saying: 'Amen.' When he who presides has given thanks and the people have responded, those whom we call deacons give to those present the "eucharisted" bread, wine and water and take them to those who are absent.

Sacraments of Healing

Reconciliation & Anointing of the Sick

Reconciliation

God wants to forgive.

Effects: Sins forgiven (eternal punishment) Reconciled to God & Church

Reconciliation

God used priests to forgive and atone for the sins of others. (Lev 5:4-6; 19:21-22) "Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained." (Jn 20,23) “And all this is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Cor 5:18)

Who can forgive? What sins can be forgiven? How often should I go?

I forgot how to make a confession.

Examination of Conscience (You will need a conscience.) Confess.

Be absolved.

Do penance.

“sacramental seal” of confession

Anointing of the Sick

For those seriously ill or advanced in age.

Was called, “Extreme Unction.” Can be repeated.

Priest administers sacrament.

Oil of the sick

“Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.”

Effects:

 Unites suffering to Christ  Strength, peace, courage  Forgiveness of sins  Possibly the restoration of health  Preparation for final Passover

Sacraments of Service

Marriage & Holy Orders

Marriage

Covenant not contract “Till death do us part” indissoluble marriage bond Vows Free Faithful Fruitful

It’s natural.

Husband and wife are ministers. Priest witnesses.

Marriage is holy.

Not destroyed in the flood.

Domestic Church Building block of society.

Marital sex is holy. Renews marriage vows.

Holy Orders

It’s supernatural

a call from God, rather than a natural desire

Indelible mark, permanent change Bishop: fullness of orders acts in person of Christ the Head Priest: coworkers of the bishop, acts in person of Christ the Head Deacons: service of Christ

Symbols are important.

The symbols used during the sacraments help explain what’s happening.

What symbols are used?