1. Religion 11, Spring 2015 Dr. Yvonne McNeal, Teacher
SACRAMENTS
Religion 11, Spring 2015
Dr. Yvonne McNeal, Teacher

2. The Seven Sacraments The Sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism
Confirmation
Eucharist

3. Sacrament of Initiation: Small Group Work
In general, how do you define “initiation?” Under what circumstances does an initiation take place? Have you ever initiated anyone? Have you ever been initiated?
Based upon your knowledge and/or experience, discuss each of the Sacraments of Initiation. What takes place at a baptism, confirmation and communion? Do you remember when you participated in these rites of initiation?

4. The Seven Sacraments Sacraments of Healing: Penance and Reconciliation
Anointing of the Sick

5. Sacrament of Healing: Small Group Work
Think of a time when you did something that was hurtful to someone. Did you ask for forgiveness? If so, was it granted; how did you feel after being forgiven? If not granted, how did it feel?
Think of someone who was very ill -- perhaps a family member, friend, or even you! Did you think about the reason people suffer, or why God would “allow” suffering? Do you believe God can heal one’s suffering through prayer?

6. The Seven Sacraments Sacraments at the Service of Communion:
Holy Orders
Matrimony

7. Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Small Group Work
Think of your priest, minister, or rabbi. How has he (or she if a minister) create and maintain community?
Think of couples married within the church. How is Christian community built through the couple’s relationship?

8. Sacramental Nature of the Church
Definition of Sacraments (p. 1)
The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions (CCC 1131)

9. Sacramental Nature of the Church
Efficacious signs of grace:
Each sacrament confers a grace
Grace: a participation in the life of God (CCC 1997); it is free and undeserved help that God gives us so that we can respond to his call (CCC 1996)
Grace is a gift that helps us participate in a relationship with God; a gift of the Holy Spirit; includes the ability God gives us to participate in and collaborate with his work.

10. Writing Assignment: Turn-it-in.com ID# 9276020 Password: sacraments
Write an essay that includes the following information:
Describe a community in which you belong: your family, a group of friends, a club or organization.
Describe the people in this community -- who are they, what is the relationship among its members, is there a hierarchy or are all members equal? Is there a person who is the role model for the community (an elder, etc.)?
Describe any celebrations that take place in this community -- be detailed -- on what occasions, any special way to dress, meals, rituals, etc.
Describe what happens when someone in this community does something “wrong” or “hurtful” -- what are the rules of the community for reconciliation? What happens when a community member leaves the community or passes away -- ceremonies, rituals, etc?