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

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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 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 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 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 1. Paying attention: listening, seeing, being focused Examples: meditation, prayer, retreats, physical exercise

8 2. 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 Look at the stars Remember who you are, Simba

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11 large S 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 directly from God

12 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 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 Reconciliation Heals our relationships with God and each other Anointing of the Sick Heals our body, mind or soul

15 Vocation means calling These sacraments affirm the life to which God has called us Matrimony Called to share our life with another person 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 symbols are obvious: water, bread, oil Some are less obvious Ex. What are the symbols used in Reconciliation? Ritual: a series of repeated symbolic actions The Church calls these rites Involves words, gestures, objects

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 1. How is it tied to events in the life of Jesus? 2. How was it practiced in early Church 3. How has it developed and changed in the past 1500 years? What is it like today?