Christian Rites

What is a rite? A formal or ceremonial act or procedure either prescribed or ritual; Often a religious ceremonial practice, milestone, or act worship .

Importance of Christian Rites Involve God’s grace in our lives Show a commitment to faith Remembering the scriptures

Examples of Christian Rites & Rituals

Sunday Worship The Lord's Day: Day of Jesus' Resurrection Liturgy of the Word: Reading from Bible, with homily. Eucharist: Partaking of bread and wine. We are told to keep the Sabbath day ‘holy’

Sacraments Sacred rites instituted by Christ through which God's saving power comes to believers mark a ‘milestone’, a calling, or healing in one’s life. Involve special words, symbols, and passing on tradition

Can we list the 7 Sacraments? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Christian Holy days Two major seasons in the Christian calendar: Christmas – celebrating the birth of Jesus Easter – commemorating the resurrection of Christ Christmas: Advent (four weeks leading up to Christmas day in preparation for the coming of Christ.

Easter: the most important day on the Christian calendar! Ash Wednesday and lent (40 days before Easter, a period of sacrifice and spiritual renewal in preparation for Easter) Holy Week: remembering Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the communion meal, Jesus’ crucifixion and the Resurrection)

Christian Death When one dies, they are judged by God. The righteous go to Heaven and the sinners go to Hell. Purgatory is for those waiting for forgiveness before heaven.

Funerals A funeral mass is held for friends/family to grieve for the loss and to give thanks for their life, and to offer prayers. Bodies are buried, cremated or put in a mausoleum

Daily Worship--Christians live their faith differently! How?? Evangelism and missions – sharing the faith, spreading the message Charity and social service (“what you do unto the least of these you do to me”) Moral principles ranging from conservative to liberal (abortion, homosexuality and other sexual issues, drinking, smoking, dancing, dress, makeup, etc.) Political and social involvement may be active or aloof Monasticism (Catholic and Orthodox) and retreats for spiritual renewal Personal and small group prayer and Bible study Family values

Task: Reflection/Journal entry 1. Think about and explain how you live your daily faith (school, in the community, with family, etc.). 2. What are some rites/rituals that are practiced in your family? Explain the meaning of the rite(s)/ritual(s), and the importance they have. (can be religious or non-religious.)

Types of Prayer “According to scripture, it is the heart that prays. If our heart is far from God, the words of prayer are in vain”

What if you pray in the mind? A prayer said in your mind is called a mental prayer or meditation and it results of thinking about God, spiritual experiences, or from reflections in scripture or liturgy

Types of prayer cont’d Prayer can take place in one of four forms sometimes referred to by the acronym word ACTS: Adoration - Prayer in the form of Adoration acknowledges God as God Contrition - Prayer of Contrition acknowledges that we are sinners in need of God’s mercy. Thanksgiving - Prayer of thanksgiving acknowledges God’s many gifts to us. Supplication - Prayer of supplication acknowledges our need for God’s help.