1. SACRED SYMBOLS GOD IS NOT “OUT THERE”, BUT “WITH US” IN EVERY SINGLE ASPECT OF OUR LIVES AND IN THE WORLD. HE’S TRYING TO REACH US THROUGH SYMBOLS

2. God and sacred actions are encountered in the ordinary things and events of everyday life. Even though we don’t usually think this way, our visible actions communicate God’s invisible presence in the simplest of ways.

3. Hugs Handshake Good Conversation Sharing Food Laughter Moments of grace transform us, Sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. Even if we don’t recognize God, Grace still helps us grow into the fullness of appreciating life. “MOMENTS OF GRACE”

4. A Handshake A Peace sign A Hug Blowing out candles Watching the ball drop Fireworks A Salute A toast DoYou SeeGod Here?

5. WE LOOK FOR WAYS TO CELEBRATE GOD’S PRESENCE IN THE ORDINARY MATERIAL WORLD.

6. SYMBOLS IN OUR SACRED COMMUNITY Water Wine Oil Bread Rings Ashes Palms Candles Beads Symbols in the church are powerful ways to express meaning. A symbol’s physical reality represents an invisible reality.

7. We look for ways to celebrate God’s saving grace in ordinary materials and actions from everyday life.

8. QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT THE SYMBOLS OF THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS Why do couples exchange rings? Why do we drink wine from the same cup? Why do we take a Confirmation name? How does a priest make water ‘holy’? Why do we tell a priest what we did wrong? What does the sign of the cross actually mean? Why do we prepare in a class to receive first Communion and confirmation? Why do we put oil on a person who is sick or dying? Why are candles used at holy occasions? Why do we pour water on babies?