TheSacraments

St. Mary’sR.C.I.A.

What is a Sacrament?Definitions:

• Rites/rituals performed in/by the Church, to convey God’s “grace” to believers

•Latin: sacramentum; Greek: mysterion

Number of Sacraments?

•Catholics & Orthodox Christians: seven

•Most Protestants: only two (Baptism and Eucharist)

Aspects of each Sacrament:

•Effects and Ministers

•Biblical Basis•Central Words and Actions

Types of SacramentsSacraments of Initiation

•Baptism•Confirmation•Eucharist

Sacraments of Healing•Penance /Reconciliation•Anointing of the Sick

Sacraments of Vocation•Marriage / Matrimony

•Holy Orders

BaptismEffects

•Gk. baptizo = “dipped/immersed” in water.•Becoming a member of Christ’s Church.•Having one's sins forgiven.

Ministers•Bishops•Priests•Deacons•Anyone

(in case of urgent need)

-Original sin and personal sin.

Central Words & ActionsBaptism

Words"I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Actions•Full immersion in water or pouring of water over head

•Other symbols: anointing, candles, white garment

Movie Clip – Jesus of Nazareth

Biblical Basis: Baptism

•Jesus’ Commands:

Matt 28:19

•Evangelists’ Theology: John 3:22; 4:1-2

•Early Church Practice: Acts 2:38-41; 10:47-48 Etc.

EucharistEffects

•Spiritually nourished by body and blood of Christ.•United "in communion" with Christ and community.

•Gk. Eucharistia = “thanksgiving” prayer

Ministers

•Bishops

•Priests

Central Words & ActionsEucharist

Words•Long prayer of “Thanksgiving”

•Especially the Words of Institution

“This is my body…”

“This is my blood…”

Actions

•Bread and wine blessed by minister

•Received/shared by communicants.

• Gospel Theology:

John 6:25-58

• Jesus’ Last Supper:

Mark 14:22-2 Matt 26: 26-30;

Luke 22: 14-20;

1 Cor 11:23-29 Clip-Jesus of Nazareth

• Early Practice:

Luke 24:35

Acts 2:42; etc. Emmaus Clip

Biblical Basis: Eucharist

ConfirmationEffects

•Strengthened by the Holy Spirit

•“Confirmed” in the fullness of Christian Faith

Ministers•Bishops

•Priests (in some cases)

Central Words & ActionsConfirmation

Words•“(Name), be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Actions

•Bishop lays hands on the head of the confirmed

• Jesus

John 20:22

• Apostles

Acts 8:17; 19:6

Acts 10:44-48

Biblical Basis: Confirmation

Penance/Reconciliation

Effects•Forgiven of one’s sins•Reconciled to God

•Reconciled to others

Ministers•Bishops

•Priests

Central Words & Actions

Penance/ReconciliationWords• “I forgive you of all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Actions• confesses his/her sins

• expresses contrition

• proposes amendment

• Jesus: Forgive!John 20:23Matt 16:19; 18:18

• James: Confess!James 5:16

Biblical BasisPenance/Reconciliation

Anointing of the SickEffects• Being strengthened in times of illness

Ministers• Bishops

• Priests

• United in prayer with the community

Central Words & Actions

Anointing of the SickWords• "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."

Actions• Anointing the sick person’s forehead and hands with blessed oil

• Disciples anoint the sick:Mark 6:7-13

• Call elders to pray/anointJames 5:14-16

Biblical BasisAnointing of the

Sick

Matrimony/MarriageEffects• United in the eyes of God and the Church

Ministers• The couple themselves!

• Clergy are witnesses

• Legally recognized as a couple

Central Words & ActionsMatrimony/Marriage

Words• "I, (name), take you, (name), to be my husband/wife. I promise to be true to you…”

Actions

• Husband and wife publicly promise fidelity and love.

• Optional: exchange of rings, lighting of candles, etc.

• God creates Male and FemaleGen 2:24

• Jesus versus DivorceMark 10:2-12; Matt

19:1-9• Paul on spousal unity

Eph 5:22-33; 1 Cor 7:10-16

Biblical BasisMatrimony/Marriage

Holy OrdersEffects• Being “ordained” clergy in leadership “orders:”

Ministers• Bishops (only)

• Priests

• Bishops

• Deacons

Central Words & ActionsHoly Orders

Words• “Prayer of Consecration”

Actions• Laying hands of ordained’s head.

• Anointing hands with holy oil

• Several other symbolic gestures

• Jesus chooses Apostles:

Mark 3:13-19; etc.

• The role of the Apostles

Mark 10: 43-45

• Laying on of Hands:

Acts 6:6

1 Tim 4:14; 5:22

2 Tim 1:6

Biblical BasisHoly Orders

SummaryThe Seven SacramentsSacraments of Initiation

BaptismEucharistConfirmation

Sacraments of HealingPenance/ReconciliationAnointing of the Sick

Sacraments of VocationMatrimony / MarriageHoly Orders