Unit 1.2 Sacraments Flashcards
The sacramental nature of reality
Christians believe that the whole of God’s creation shows the presence of God in what Catholics call the sacramental nature of reality- God’s power and nature can be understood and seen through the things he has made
What are sacraments?
Sacraments are outward signs that an inward gift of grace has been given by God. The Catholic Church celebrates 7
Practise of baptism
Parents and Godparents bring the child to church and the priest pours water over the child, baptising in the name of the Trinity, anoints with chrism and gives a lighted candle
Symbolism of baptism
Water = washing away of sin
Oil and candle = being claimed by Christ
Meaning of baptism
The original sin with which the child is born is washed away
Why’s baptism important for Catholics?
- The Catechism teaches that without baptism, a person cannot receive the other sacraments
- Baptism makes a person a full member of the Church, ready to begin a new life in the Holy Spirit
- Baptism washes away original sin so that the baptised can achieve salvation and enter Heaven
Practice of confirmation
The candidate renews the vows made on theur behalf as baptism and the bishop lays his hands on the candidate and anionts them with chrism
Symbolism of confirmation
The laying on of hands symbolises the gift of the Holy Spirit and the oil symbolises being called for a special task
Meaning of confirmation
The confirmed person has fully joined the Catholic Church
Why is confirmation important?
- Makes a person a full member of the Church
- Only those who are confirmed can take on lay ministries
- It gives the strength of the Spirit to live the Christian life
- In baptism, promises were made by the person’s parents and godparents, while in confirmation it’s the individuals own choice to declare their belief
What are the sacraments of initiation?
Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist
Recomciliation
