Chapter 1: The mystery of the church in salvation history Lesson 3: Church as a sacrament

Review: What are some meanings of church? What did Pope Paul VI mean when he said “Church is a reality imbued with the hidden presence of God”? What is the difference between a problem and a mystery? How did St. Augustine describe “Mystery”?

What is a sign or a symbol? Something that points to a reality other than itself. For example: A wedding ring => eternal love A stop sign => use breaks Any other general signs or symbols? Show and Tell time. What is your symbol and why?

sacrament Comes from the Latin Sacramentum, which is derived from the Greek Mysterion. Efficacious symbol: A symbol that CAUSES or IS what it symbolizes. A sacrament makes God’s grace-full love visible in signs that make real what they signify.

Sacrament Jesus is the starting point of all sacraments. The notion of sacrament begins in Jesus. The fundamental nature of sacraments is revealed in Jesus. Jesus is what he represents: God-with-us.

Here is the church Here is the church. Here is the steeple. Open the door. See all the people. church is a catholic (open to all) assembly of faithful people whose purpose (like a steeple) is to point to God. His is the Mystery we represent. His is the good news we have to share. His is the good work we continue in the world.

The church is… The people of God. The body of Christ. The temple of the Holy Spirit. How do these images help you understand better the meaning of church?

The church as a sacrament We are the “universal sacrament of salvation” (Jesus’ presence in the world) To say that the Church is a sacrament is to recognize that the church is called to be the sign that God is deep in the world. God is its center of gravity.

The church’s four fold mission 1. Share the Message => KERYGMA “Proclamation” “As the Father has sent me, so….” People need to know Jesus is Lord and Savior. J.C. is the way, the truth and the life. Repent, accept J.C. and be baptized.

The church’s four fold mission 2. Live in Community => Koinonia “Fellowship” Church must proclaim and live the Gospel. A visible sign of love. We must be the light to others thru faith, hope and love that Christ is active in our midst.

The church’s four fold mission 3. Serve Others => Diakonia “Service” Words of love and concrete acts of service Greatness in God’s kingdom requires serving others.

The church’s four fold mission 4. Worship the Lord => Leitourgia “Liturgy” Church must be a worshipping community that believes God is the source of life and all good. God is deserving of adoration, praise and thanksgiving.

In class Activity Handwritten. Heading. Title = Sacrament of Christ’s presence Write and answer the following question: How could your local parish become a better sacrament of Christ’s presence to: A) the Elderly B) People with disabilities C) People your age