CHRISTIANITY Does anyone recognize some of the symbols seen here? Crown of thorns—connected with Jesus, what he wore at his death, symbol of his suffering & sacrifice Church—place of worship for Christians Dove—symbol of peace, symbol of God (connected to story of Noah’s Ark), symbol of the Holy Spirit Cross—most important Christian symbol, Christ died on a cross, symbolizes his sacrifice Fish—Christian symbol, bumper stickers, Christ was a “fisher of men”, many apostles were fishermen 3 Candles—represent the Holy Trinity

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE Old Testament contains the Torah & is also recognized by Muslims New Testament includes the Gospels (about life of Jesus) & Epistles (letters St. Paul wrote to Christian groups) 2 parts: Old and New Testament

THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS sacrament: a rite where God is particularly active in a Christian's life Some Christians think only baptism & Eucharist are important because they were practised by Jesus. Catholics believe most strongly in the significance of all the sacraments while many Protestant sects emphasize some more than others. Performance of the sacraments varies amongst Christian groups e.g. confession—Catholics vs. Anglicans

THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS Baptism: initiation into the Church Confession: tell sins to priest & perform penance to be forgiven Eucharist: eat specially blessed wine & bread as reminder of Christ's sacrifice Baptism: “washes away” original sin, blessed with oil that marks person as follower of Christ Eucharist: Re-enactment of Last Supper, bread represents Christ’s body & wine represents his blood, reminds Christians that Christ died so that they would be forgiven of their sins and have eternal life Transubstantiation: Catholic belief that the blessing of a priest transforms the bread into wine into Christ’s flesh and blood—a key difference between Catholics & Protestants.

THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS Confirmation: older Christian confirms beliefs & receives blessing Marriage: couples receive blessing Last Rites: blessing for those near death Holy Orders: entering priesthood Confirmation: must be older than at baptism and aware of the significance of the pledge, strengthens the blessings of baptism, often done as a teen Marriage: blessing of the union of spouses; symbolic of the relationship between God & the Church

IMPORTANT HOLIDAYS Christmas: Celebrates birth of Christ attend mass, sing carols, exchange gifts & attend family gatherings Lent: 40 days before Easter time of prayer, reflection & repentance may fast & perform charitable work Easter: Observes final days of Christ’s life & his ascension to heaven Christmas: also a commercial holiday celebrated by non-Christians, especially in North America Carols are songs that celebrate the birth of Christ and his sacrifice though there are now popular Christmas songs that have nothing to do with Jesus like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Lent: Mardi Gras/Carnival is a celebration observed in some parts of the world on the eve of Lent—one last night of excess and partying before the more serious time of fasting and reflection Fasting: refraining from eating during a certain time of day or from eating certain foods as part of spiritual observance It is particularly common to give up meat and abstain from vices (e.g. drinking alcohol) during Lent Palm Sunday: so called because Christ rode into the city of Jerusalem upon a humble donkey and the people greeted him by waving palm fronds and laying them at the ground beneath his feet, Christians often carry greenery during this service, it is a happy upbeat service Maundy Thursday: a very sombre service, foot washing, marks the night that Jesus is preparing to die, the Last Supper Good Friday: stations of the cross, symbolic tomb is left empty during overnight prayer vigil Easter Sunday: most important service in the Christian year, promise of eternal life through Christ rising again