1. The Sacramental Nature of the Church
Unit I Introduction
The Sacramental Nature of the Church

2. What is the meaning of the Sacraments?
What are the Seven Sacraments?

3. Sacraments An outward or “visible” sign of an invisible grace.
Grace is defined by the Catechism as: a participation in the life of God; free and undeserved help given to us to help us respond to God.
Sacraments are efficacious.

4. Sacraments
Through the Sacraments we encounter the Trinity, and that encounter strengthens and deepens our relationship with God and one another.
Although the actual historical events of the Paschal Mystery occurred only once, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the liturgy makes the events and benefits present today.
The way Christ dispenses or distributes the fruits or the graces of the Paschal Mystery through the Sacraments is known as the sacramental economy.

5. Sacraments
God chooses to come to us through the rituals of the Sacraments
God acts first, and then we act in response
Each sacrament fills us with grace and transforms us

6. Four aspects or dimensions of Sacraments
Memorial – God’s saving action in the past is made present to us for our benefit.
Celebration – the ritual involves objects, words, and actions that gives worship and praise to God.
Communion – an encounter and oneness with God and the members of the community of faith (Church)
Transformation – changes and empowers us to be more holy and to minister and serve others