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SACRAMENTS

Understanding Prayer & Sacraments

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“The liturgical life of the Church revolves around the seven sacraments, with central emphasis on the Eucharist. Fundamental principles apply to catechesis for each of the sacraments. Catechesis for a sacrament should:

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  • Present a comprehensive and systematic formation in the faith, one that integrates knowledge of the faith with living the faith

  • Center on initiation into the life of the Triune God, and present Christian life as a lifelong journey

  • Be appropriate to the age level, maturity, circumstances, language, and ethnic background of those being catechized

  • Be directed to all members of the Christian community, and be offered within and through the whole community of faith

  • Involve parents in the formation of their children

  • Be integrated into the total catechetical program

  • Focus primarily on the symbols, rituals, and prayers contained in the rite for each sacrament

  • Enable the believer to reflect on the meaning of the sacrament received by implementing a thorough experience of mystagogia following the celebration”

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National Directory for Catechesis, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, #35 B., pages 113-114.

THE SACRAMENTS DECONSTRUCTED
BAPTISM

Baptism is the sacrament of faith. The faith required for Baptism is not a perfect and mature faith, but a beginning that is called to develop....

COMMUNION

The holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configure more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord’s own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist...

CONFIRMATION

Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “sacraments of Christian initiation,” whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of Baptismal grace...

HOLY MATRIMONY
ANOINTING OF THE SICK

“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament”...

The sacrament of the anointing of the sick is an extension of Christ’s own healing ministry. It can be celebrated in any location.  Contact our office about the scheduling of public celebrations.

Most parishes, care facilities, and hospitals have volunteers who will bring holy communion regularly to those who are unable to come to church for an extended period of time...

PRESENTATION | QUINCEAÑERA

Even though this is not a Sacrament, the celebration of the Quinceañera is a special time for the girl and her family. Parents and friends publicly present her as a gesture of thanks and gratitude for the gift of life.  For the Quineceañera it is an affirmation of her commitment to Christ.

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