3- Introduction to the Sacraments

Readings: Catechism of the : paragraphs 1113- 1134 Scripture: Mk 6:25-34; Lk 5:17; 6:19; 8:46, 2 Pet 1:4 Catholic Faith Handbook 145-153

Definition: 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 .

I. Efficacious Sign of Grace a. Efficacious means “having a desired effect”, the Sacraments are powerful and they do what they say they do b. Christ himself is at work in the sacraments, producing His intended effect on the Church c. The Sacraments bear fruit in those who receive them properly d. Participants be properly “disposed,” have the inner attitude and readiness, or else the will have no effect in us. e. We receive grace, God’s free and undeserved gift, through the sacraments

II. Instituted by Christ a. All Sacraments were established by Christ b. Jesus’ words and actions during his life announced and prepared what he was going to give the Church

III. Entrusted to the Church a. In the Sacraments the Church receives the guarantee of her inheritance b. Even now the Church shares in everlasting life, through the Sacraments c. The Sacraments are a true taste of Heaven on earth!

IV. Divine Life is Dispensed a. Sacraments are “powers that comes forth” from the Body of Christ Lk 5:17; 6:19; 8:46 b. The purpose of the Sacraments is to sanctify men, to build up the Body of Christ, and to give worship to God. c. Sacraments not only assume we have faith, but they also nourish, strengthen, and express it.

V. Through the Work of the Holy Spirit a. As fire transforms into itself everything it touches, so the Holy Spirit transforms into the divine lie whatever is subjected to his power b. The Holy Spirit makes us “partakers in the divine nature” by uniting us in a living union with the Son of God, through the Sacraments 2 Pet 1:4

Sacraments confer grace based on the belief of ex opere operato / ex opere operatus, which means they work by the very grace of God and are not dependent upon the worthiness of the minister or the recipient. By the very fact that a priest or person intends to do what the Church intends means the sacraments work. For a sacrament to be considered "valid and licit" two things must be present. The proper matter and form need be used. If the proper matter is not used, the sacrament is invalid. If the proper form is not used, the sacrament is illicit. The sacraments also need to be performed by the proper minister with the faculties to perform it. In some situations, others, including in some cases, the laity, may be given permission to act as extraordinary ministers of the sacraments. The matter, simply put, is the material used for the sacrament, for example, water for baptism. It is the sensible, visible part of the sacrament. The form or formula is the prayer that goes with the sacrament, for example, "I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Sacrament Matter Form Minister Priest or Deacon “I baptize you in the name of (in emergencies

Baptism (Flowing) water the Father and of the Son and anyone may of the Holy Spirit” baptize)

Anointing with “Be Sealed with the gift of the

Confirmation Chrism Holy Spirit” A priest is needed to consecrate the Eucharist. Wheat based The : A priest and and

Eucharist bread and pure “This is my Body.. deacon act as grape wine This is my Blood...” ordinary ministers of Holy .

“Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the Anointing of Anointing with oil grace of the Holy Spirit. May Priest

the Sick on the forehead. the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.”

The Acts of the Penitent: “...I absolve you of your sins Contrition, in the name of the Father and

Penance Confession of Priest of the Son and of the Holy Sins, Amending Spirit.” one’s life, making of reparation.

Mutual offering of Mutual reception of the

Marriage consent to enter couple’s consent by the Priest or Deacon marriage Church’s minister Laying on of The prayer of ordination Holy Orders Hands (In all three according to the particular Bishop orders) order

DISCUSSION 1. Start with something fun or interesting! 2. Name the seven sacraments. Why did God establish these seven and not more or less? 3. Which ones help you the most in your every day life? 4. What is the difference between a symbol and a sign? Why are sacraments called “signs of grace” and not “symbols of grace”? 5. What does it mean to be “properly disposed” to receive the sacraments? What are some things that can keep us from being properly prepared to receive the sacraments? 6. What do you think heaven is like? How could we make earth more like heaven? How could the Sacraments help? 7. Read Luke 5:17-26, Luke 6:17-19, and Luke 8:40-56. Think of an area in your life where you need help. How could God’s Grace help in that area? How could the Sacraments bring God’s grace into that area of your life? 8. Read 2:Peter 1:4. What does it mean to you to be a “partaker in the divine nature”? How do you think the Sacraments make you a partaker in the divine nature?