CHRISTIANITYCHRISTIANITY

ROMANROMAN

CATHOLICISMCATHOLICISM

SACRAMENTSSACRAMENTS

A A sacramentsacrament is an efficacious is an efficacious sign of sign of gracegrace, , instituted by Christinstituted by Christ and and entrusted entrusted to the Churchto the Church, by which divine life of , by which divine life of grace is dispensed to us through the work grace is dispensed to us through the work of the of the Holy SpiritHoly Spirit (CCC 1131).(CCC 1131).

Sacraments confer the grace they signify.Sacraments confer the grace they signify.– They give the grace they imply.They give the grace they imply.

JESUS CHRISTJESUS CHRIST

Jesus ChristJesus Christ is the living, ever-present is the living, ever-present sacrament of God. sacrament of God. (CCC 1088 - 1090.)(CCC 1088 - 1090.)

The The Roman Catholic ChurchRoman Catholic Church teaches that teaches that it is the it is the universal sacrament of Jesus universal sacrament of Jesus ChristChrist..

The The RomanRoman CatholicCatholic ChurchChurch believes that believes that it has a it has a sacramentalsacramental view of view of allall realityreality..

The Topic of Part 2 of the CatechismThe Topic of Part 2 of the Catechism

““Because the Holy Spirit is the anointing of Christ, Because the Holy Spirit is the anointing of Christ, it is Christ who, as the head of the Body, pours out it is Christ who, as the head of the Body, pours out the Spirit among his members the Spirit among his members – to to nourishnourish, , healheal, and , and organizeorganize them in their them in their

mutual functions, mutual functions, – to to give them lifegive them life, , send them to bear witnesssend them to bear witness and and

associate them to his self-offeringassociate them to his self-offering to the Father to the Father and to his intercession for the whole world.”and to his intercession for the whole world.”

– Through the Church’s sacraments, Christ Through the Church’s sacraments, Christ communicatescommunicates his Holy and sanctifying Spirit to his Holy and sanctifying Spirit to the members of His body.” the members of His body.” CCC 739CCC 739

RedemptionRedemption

RedemptionRedemption is mediated through the is mediated through the seven sacraments. seven sacraments.

ChristChrist acts acts throughthrough the the sacramentssacraments. . (CCC 1084 - 1085)(CCC 1084 - 1085)

They are an They are an experientialexperiential sign of sign of Christ’sChrist’s presencepresence. . (CC 1115 - 1116)(CC 1115 - 1116)

SACRAMENTS OF INITIATIONSACRAMENTS OF INITIATION

BaptismBaptism: the sacrament which is the : the sacrament which is the birth of the baptized into birth of the baptized into new life in new life in ChristChrist. .

In Baptism, In Baptism, Original SinOriginal Sin is is forgivenforgiven along with all personal sins. along with all personal sins.

By it we become By it we become adoptiveadoptive childrenchildren of of the the FatherFather, , members of Christmembers of Christ, and , and templestemples of the Holy Spiritof the Holy Spirit; ;

It also It also incorporatesincorporates us into the us into the ChurchChurch and makes us and makes us sharerssharers in the in the priesthood of Christpriesthood of Christ (CCC 1279-1280).(CCC 1279-1280).

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTSESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

ImmersionImmersion or the or the triple pouring of watertriple pouring of water on the head on the head (CCC 694, 1214, 1217, 1240). (CCC 694, 1214, 1217, 1240).

SayingSaying the the words of the formulawords of the formula (CCC, (CCC, 1240). 1240).

I baptize you in the name of the I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.Holy Spirit.

Baptism constitutes the foundation of communionBaptism constitutes the foundation of communion among among allall ChristiansChristians, including those who are , including those who are notnot yet yet in in fullfull communioncommunion with the with the CatholicCatholic ChurchChurch::

– "For men "For men who believe in Christwho believe in Christ and have been and have been properlyproperly baptizedbaptized are put in some, though are put in some, though imperfectimperfect, , communioncommunion with the with the CatholicCatholic ChurchChurch. .

– JustifiedJustified by by faithfaith in in BaptismBaptism, [they] are incorporated , [they] are incorporated into into ChristChrist; they therefore have a ; they therefore have a rightright to be to be calledcalled ChChrristians, and with good reason are istians, and with good reason are acceptedaccepted as as brothersbrothers by the by the childrenchildren of the of the CatholicCatholic ChurchChurch." ."

– ""BaptismBaptism therefore therefore constitutesconstitutes the the sacramentalsacramental bondbond of of unityunity existing among existing among allall who through it are who through it are rebornreborn.” .” CCC 271 CCC 271

BAPTISMBAPTISM Effects of the sacrament Effects of the sacrament (CCC 1262-1270).(CCC 1262-1270).

– Die and rise with ChristDie and rise with Christ (CCC 1227).(CCC 1227).

– Freed from Original Sin and all sinsFreed from Original Sin and all sins (CCC 1263).(CCC 1263).

– AdoptedAdopted children of Godchildren of God (CCC 1265-1266).(CCC 1265-1266).

– Members of the ChurchMembers of the Church (CCC 1267-1270).(CCC 1267-1270).

– Indelible Indelible (cannot be removed)(cannot be removed) character character; ; This sacrament This sacrament cannot be repeatedcannot be repeated (CCC (CCC

1272-1274). 1272-1274).

– Holy Spirit and discipleshipHoly Spirit and discipleship (CCC 1241).(CCC 1241).

Every baptized person not yet confirmed can and Every baptized person not yet confirmed can and should receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Since should receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Since Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist form a unity, it Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist form a unity, it follows that "follows that "the faithful are obliged to receive this the faithful are obliged to receive this sacrament at the appropriate timesacrament at the appropriate time," for ," for without without Confirmation and EucharistConfirmation and Eucharist, Baptism is certainly valid , Baptism is certainly valid and efficacious, but and efficacious, but Christian initiation remains Christian initiation remains incompleteincomplete. . CCC 1306CCC 1306

ConfirmationConfirmation: the sacrament in which : the sacrament in which the gift the gift ofof the the Holy Spirit Holy Spirit receivedreceived atat Baptism Baptism isis confirmed confirmed, , strengthenedstrengthened, and , and perfectedperfected for for living the Christian lifeliving the Christian life and and spreading the faith to othersspreading the faith to others; in this sacrament we ; in this sacrament we receive a receive a permanent signpermanent sign or character so it cannot be or character so it cannot be repeated. repeated.

To receive To receive ConfirmationConfirmation one must one must be in a state of be in a state of gracegrace. One should . One should receivereceive the the sacrament of sacrament of PenancePenance in order to be cleansed for the gift of the in order to be cleansed for the gift of the Holy Spirit. More Holy Spirit. More intense prayerintense prayer should prepare should prepare one to receive the strength and graces of the Holy one to receive the strength and graces of the Holy Spirit with docility and readiness to act.Spirit with docility and readiness to act. CCC 1310CCC 1310

Candidates for Confirmation, as for Baptism, Candidates for Confirmation, as for Baptism, fittingly seek the fittingly seek the spiritual help of a sponsorspiritual help of a sponsor. To . To emphasize the emphasize the unityunity of the two sacraments, it is of the two sacraments, it is appropriateappropriate that this be one of the that this be one of the baptismal baptismal godparentsgodparents.. CCC 1311CCC 1311

THEOLOGY OF CONFIRMATIONTHEOLOGY OF CONFIRMATION

"From that time on the apostles, in fulfillment of "From that time on the apostles, in fulfillment of Christ's will, imparted to the newly baptized by the Christ's will, imparted to the newly baptized by the laying on of handslaying on of hands the gift of the Spirit that the gift of the Spirit that completescompletes the the gracegrace of of BaptismBaptism. For this reason in . For this reason in the Letter to the Hebrews the doctrine concerning the Letter to the Hebrews the doctrine concerning Baptism and the laying on of hands is listed Baptism and the laying on of hands is listed among the first elements of Christian instruction. among the first elements of Christian instruction. The imposition of hands The imposition of hands isis rightlyrightly recognizedrecognized byby thethe Catholic tradition Catholic tradition asas thethe origin of the origin of the sacrament of Confirmationsacrament of Confirmation, which in a certain , which in a certain way perpetuates way perpetuates the grace of Pentecostthe grace of Pentecost in the in the Church.” Church.” CCC 1288CCC 1288

““This This fullness of the Spiritfullness of the Spirit was was notnot to remain uniquely to remain uniquely the the Messiah'sMessiah's, but was to be , but was to be communicatedcommunicated to the to the whole messianic peoplewhole messianic people. On several occasions . On several occasions Christ promisedChrist promised this this outpouring of the Spiritoutpouring of the Spirit, a , a promise which he fulfilled first on promise which he fulfilled first on Easter SundayEaster Sunday and and then more strikingly at then more strikingly at PentecostPentecost. .

Filled with the Holy Spirit the apostles began to Filled with the Holy Spirit the apostles began to proclaim "the mighty works of God," and Peter proclaim "the mighty works of God," and Peter declared this outpouring of the Spirit to be the declared this outpouring of the Spirit to be the signsign of the messianic ageof the messianic age. Those who believed in the . Those who believed in the apostolic preaching and were baptized received the apostolic preaching and were baptized received the giftgift of the of the HolyHoly SpiritSpirit in their turn.” in their turn.” CCC 1287CCC 1287

FIRST CENTURIESFIRST CENTURIES

““In the first centuries In the first centuries ConfirmationConfirmation generally generally comprised comprised one single celebrationone single celebration with with BaptismBaptism, , forming with it a "forming with it a "doubledouble sacramentsacrament," according ," according to the expression of St. Cyprian. Among other to the expression of St. Cyprian. Among other reasons, reasons,

the the multiplicationmultiplication of of infantinfant baptismsbaptisms all through all through the year, the year,

the the increaseincrease of of ruralrural parishesparishes, and , and the the growthgrowth of of diocesesdioceses often prevented the often prevented the

bishop from being present at all baptismal bishop from being present at all baptismal celebrations. celebrations.

In the WestIn the West thethe desiredesire toto reservereserve thethe completioncompletion ofof BaptismBaptism toto thethe bishopbishop causedcaused thethe temporaltemporal separationseparation ofof thethe two sacramentstwo sacraments..

TheThe EastEast has has keptkept them them unitedunited, so that , so that ConfirmationConfirmation is conferred by the is conferred by the priestpriest whowho baptizesbaptizes. But he can do so only with the . But he can do so only with the "myron" consecrated by a bishop.” "myron" consecrated by a bishop.” CCC 1290CCC 1290

FROM ONE SACRAMENT TO TWOFROM ONE SACRAMENT TO TWO

EFFECTS AND IMPLICATIONSEFFECTS AND IMPLICATIONS PerfectionPerfection of baptismal grace of baptismal grace (CCC 1285).(CCC 1285). Help of Help of Holy Spirit’s giftsHoly Spirit’s gifts and and fruitsfruits (CCC 1830-1832). (CCC 1830-1832).

IndelibleIndelible character; this sacrament character; this sacrament cannotcannot be be repeatedrepeated (CCC 1303-1305).(CCC 1303-1305). – Confirmation, like Baptism, imprints a Confirmation, like Baptism, imprints a spiritualspiritual

markmark or or indelibleindelible charactercharacter on the Christian's soul; on the Christian's soul; for this reason one can for this reason one can receivereceive this sacrament this sacrament onlyonly onceonce in one's life. ( in one's life. (CCCCCC 1317).1317).

CallCall to to spreadspread and and defenddefend faithfaith (CCC 1303).(CCC 1303). DiscernmentDiscernment of of God’sGod’s callcall (CCC 1303).(CCC 1303). StewardshipStewardship (CCC 1303).(CCC 1303).

It is It is evidentevident from its celebration that the from its celebration that the effecteffect of of the the sacramentsacrament of of ConfirmationConfirmation is the is the specialspecial outpouringoutpouring of the of the HolyHoly SpiritSpirit as once granted to as once granted to the apostles on the the apostles on the dayday of of PentecostPentecost. . CCC 1302CCC 1302

EFFECTS AND IMPLICATIONSEFFECTS AND IMPLICATIONS

Confirmation brings an Confirmation brings an increaseincrease and and deepeningdeepening of of baptismal grace:baptismal grace:

it it rootsroots us more us more deeplydeeply in the divine filiation which in the divine filiation which makes us cry, "Abba! Father!"; makes us cry, "Abba! Father!";

it it unitesunites us more us more firmlyfirmly to to ChristChrist;; it it increasesincreases the the giftsgifts of the of the HolyHoly SpiritSpirit in us; in us; it renders it renders ourour bondbond with the with the ChurchChurch more more perfectperfect; and; and

it gives us a it gives us a special strengthspecial strength of the of the HolyHoly SpiritSpirit to: to:– spreadspread and and defenddefend the the faithfaith byby wordword and and actionaction as as

truetrue witnesseswitnesses ofof ChristChrist, ,

– confessconfess the the namename of of ChristChrist boldlyboldly, and , and nevernever to be to be ashamedashamed of the of the CrossCross:: Recall then that you have received Recall then that you have received

– the the spiritualspiritual sealseal, , – the the spiritspirit of of wisdomwisdom and and understandingunderstanding, , – the the spiritspirit of of rightright judgmentjudgment and and couragecourage, , – the the spiritspirit of of knowledgeknowledge and and reverencereverence, , – the the spiritspirit of of holyholy fearfear in in God'sGod's presencepresence. .

Guard what you have received. Guard what you have received. God the Father has marked you with his sign; God the Father has marked you with his sign; ChristChrist the the

LordLord has has confirmedconfirmed youyou and has placed and has placed hishis pledgepledge, the , the SpiritSpirit, , in your heartsin your hearts. . CCC 1303CCC 1303

The essential rite of the sacrament in the Latin The essential rite of the sacrament in the Latin rite, "the rite, "the sacrament of Confirmationsacrament of Confirmation is conferred is conferred through through – the the anointinganointing with with chrismchrism on the on the foreheadforehead, ,

which is done by the laying on of the hand, and which is done by the laying on of the hand, and – through through thethe wordswords: : 'Accipe'Accipe signaculumsignaculum donidoni

SpiritusSpiritus Sancti'Sancti' [ [BeBe sealedsealed withwith thethe GiftGift ofof thethe HolyHoly SpiritSpirit.].” .].” CCC 1300CCC 1300

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTSESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

HOLY EUCHARISTHOLY EUCHARIST

Holy EucharistHoly Eucharist: the sacrament which re-presents : the sacrament which re-presents in the Mass the in the Mass the sacrificialsacrificial DeathDeath ofof ChristChrist and and hishis resurrectionresurrection—making it possible for us to eat his —making it possible for us to eat his Body and drink his Blood Body and drink his Blood (CCC 1323).(CCC 1323).

It is called: It is called: EucharistEucharist, because it is an , because it is an actionaction of of thanksgivingthanksgiving toto GodGod. The Greek words . The Greek words eucharistein and eulogein recall the Jewish eucharistein and eulogein recall the Jewish blessings that blessings that proclaimproclaim - especially during a meal - - especially during a meal - God'sGod's worksworks: : creationcreation, , redemptionredemption, and , and sanctificationsanctification. . (CCC 1328)(CCC 1328)

TheThe Lord'sLord's SupperSupper, because of its connection with the , because of its connection with the supper which the Lord took with his disciples on the eve of his supper which the Lord took with his disciples on the eve of his Passion and because it anticipates the wedding feast of the Lamb Passion and because it anticipates the wedding feast of the Lamb in the heavenly Jerusalem. in the heavenly Jerusalem. CCC 1329CCC 1329

The The BreakingBreaking ofof BreadBread, because Jesus used this rite, part of , because Jesus used this rite, part of a Jewish meal, when as master of the table he blessed and a Jewish meal, when as master of the table he blessed and distributed the bread, above all at the Last Supper. It is by this distributed the bread, above all at the Last Supper. It is by this action that his disciples will recognize him after his Resurrection, action that his disciples will recognize him after his Resurrection, and it is this expression that the first Christians will use to designate and it is this expression that the first Christians will use to designate their Eucharistic assemblies; by doing so they signified that all who their Eucharistic assemblies; by doing so they signified that all who eat the one broken bread, Christ, enter into communion with him eat the one broken bread, Christ, enter into communion with him and form but one body in him.and form but one body in him.

The The EucharisticEucharistic assembly (synaxis), because the Eucharist is assembly (synaxis), because the Eucharist is celebrated amid the assembly of the faithful, the visible expression celebrated amid the assembly of the faithful, the visible expression of the Church.of the Church.

We speak of the We speak of the MostMost BlessedBlessed SacramentSacrament because it is because it is the Sacrament of sacraments. The Eucharistic species reserved in the Sacrament of sacraments. The Eucharistic species reserved in the tabernacle are designated by this same name. the tabernacle are designated by this same name. CCC 1330CCC 1330

HOLY EUCHARISTHOLY EUCHARIST

We must therefore consider the We must therefore consider the EucharistEucharist as: as:– thanksgivingthanksgiving and and praisepraise to the Father; to the Father;– the the sacrificialsacrificial memorialmemorial of of ChristChrist and his and his BodyBody;;– the the presencepresence of of ChristChrist by the by the powerpower ofof hishis wordword

and of and of hishis SpiritSpirit. . (CCC 1358).(CCC 1358).

Seen as the Seen as the centercenter of the of the Church’sChurch’s lifelife. . (1343)(1343)

The The essentialessential signssigns of the of the EucharisticEucharistic sacrament are sacrament are wheatwheat breadbread and and grapegrape winewine, on which the , on which the blessingblessing of the of the HolyHoly SpiritSpirit is invoked and the is invoked and the priestpriest pronouncespronounces the the wordswords of of consecrationconsecration spoken by spoken by Jesus during the Last Supper: "Jesus during the Last Supper: "ThisThis is my bodyis my body which will be given up for youwhich will be given up for you. . . . . . . . This is the cup of This is the cup of my bloodmy blood. . . .” . . . .” CCC 1412CCC 1412

By the consecration the By the consecration the transubstantiationtransubstantiation of the of the breadbread and and winewine into the into the BodyBody and and BloodBlood ofof ChristChrist is is brought about. Under the consecrated species of brought about. Under the consecrated species of bread and wine bread and wine ChristChrist himselfhimself, , livingliving and and gloriousglorious, is , is presentpresent in a in a truetrue, , realreal, and , and substantialsubstantial manner: his manner: his Body and his Blood, with his soul and his divinity (cf. Body and his Blood, with his soul and his divinity (cf. Council of Trent: DS 1640; 1651). Council of Trent: DS 1640; 1651). CCC 1413CCC 1413

CHRIST’S REAL PRESENCECHRIST’S REAL PRESENCE

"This "This presencepresence is called is called 'real''real' - by which is - by which is not intendednot intended to to excludeexclude the other types of the other types of presence as if they could not be 'real' too, presence as if they could not be 'real' too, but because it is but because it is presence in the fullest presence in the fullest sensesense: that is to say, it is a substantial : that is to say, it is a substantial presence by which Christ, God and man, presence by which Christ, God and man, makes himself makes himself whollywholly and and entirelyentirely presentpresent.” .” (CCC 1374)(CCC 1374)

St. John Chrysostom declares: It is St. John Chrysostom declares: It is not mannot man that causes the that causes the thingsthings offeredoffered to to becomebecome the the BodyBody and and BloodBlood of of ChristChrist, but he who was , but he who was

crucified for us, crucified for us, Christ himselfChrist himself. .

The The priestpriest, in the role of Christ, , in the role of Christ, pronouncespronounces these these wordswords, , butbut their power and grace aretheir power and grace are God'sGod's. This is my body, he says. This word . This is my body, he says. This word transforms the things offered.” transforms the things offered.” CCC 1375CCC 1375

WHO DOES THE CONSECRATION?WHO DOES THE CONSECRATION?

CHRIST HIMSELFCHRIST HIMSELF

TRANSUBSTANTIATIONTRANSUBSTANTIATION The Council of TrentThe Council of Trent summarizes the Catholic faith summarizes the Catholic faith

by declaring: by declaring: – "Because "Because ChristChrist our Redeemer our Redeemer saidsaid that it was that it was trulytruly hishis

bodybody that he was offering under the species of bread, that he was offering under the species of bread, – it has it has alwaysalways been the conviction of the Church of God, been the conviction of the Church of God,

and this holy Council now declares again, that by and this holy Council now declares again, that by – the the consecrationconsecration of the of the breadbread and and winewine there takes place there takes place – a change of the whole substancea change of the whole substance of the of the breadbread into the into the

substancesubstance of the of the bodybody of of ChristChrist our Lord our Lord and of the and of the wholewhole substancesubstance of the of the winewine into the into the substancesubstance of of hishis bloodblood. .

– This change the holy Catholic Church has fittingly and This change the holy Catholic Church has fittingly and properly called properly called transubstantiationtransubstantiation. . CCC 1376CCC 1376

The The Eucharistic presenceEucharistic presence of Christ of Christ

– begins at the begins at the momentmoment of the of the consecrationconsecration

– and and enduresendures as long as the as long as the EucharisticEucharistic speciesspecies subsistsubsist. .

ChristChrist is present is present wholewhole and and entireentire in each of in each of the species the species

– and whole and entire in each of their parts, and whole and entire in each of their parts,

– in such a way that the in such a way that the breakingbreaking of the of the breadbread – does does notnot dividedivide ChristChrist.. CCC 1377CCC 1377

Eucharistic presence of ChristEucharistic presence of Christ

WORSHIP OF THE EUCHARISTWORSHIP OF THE EUCHARIST

In the liturgy of the Mass we express our faith in In the liturgy of the Mass we express our faith in the the realreal presencepresence of of ChristChrist under the species of under the species of bread and wine by bread and wine by genuflectinggenuflecting or or bowingbowing deeplydeeply as a sign of as a sign of adorationadoration of the of the LordLord. .

"The Catholic Church has always offered and "The Catholic Church has always offered and still offers to the sacrament of the Eucharist the still offers to the sacrament of the Eucharist the cult of cult of adorationadoration, not only during Mass, but also , not only during Mass, but also outside of it, reserving the consecrated hosts outside of it, reserving the consecrated hosts with the utmost care, exposing them to the with the utmost care, exposing them to the solemnsolemn venerationveneration of the faithful, and carrying of the faithful, and carrying them in procession.”them in procession.” CCC 1378 CCC 1378

As As faithfaith in the in the realreal presencepresence of of ChristChrist in his in his Eucharist deepened, the Church became Eucharist deepened, the Church became conscious of the meaning of silent adoration conscious of the meaning of silent adoration of the Lord present under the Eucharistic of the Lord present under the Eucharistic species. species. CCC 1379CCC 1379

"That in this sacrament are the true Body of "That in this sacrament are the true Body of Christ and his true Blood is something that Christ and his true Blood is something that ''cannotcannot be be apprehendedapprehended by the by the sensessenses,' ,' says St. Thomas, 'but says St. Thomas, 'but onlyonly byby faithfaith, which , which relies on divine authority.' relies on divine authority.' CCC 1381CCC 1381

REAL PRESENCEREAL PRESENCE

SPECIES OF BREAD ALONESPECIES OF BREAD ALONE Since Since ChristChrist is sacramentally present under each of is sacramentally present under each of

the species, communion under the the species, communion under the speciesspecies of of breadbread alonealone makes it possible to receive makes it possible to receive allall the the fruitfruit of of EucharisticEucharistic gracegrace. For pastoral reasons this manner . For pastoral reasons this manner of receiving communion has been legitimately of receiving communion has been legitimately established as the established as the mostmost commoncommon formform in the in the LatinLatin riterite. .

But "the sign of communion is But "the sign of communion is moremore completecomplete when when given given underunder bothboth kindskinds, since in that form the sign , since in that form the sign of the Eucharistic meal appears more clearly." of the Eucharistic meal appears more clearly." This is the usual form of receiving communion in This is the usual form of receiving communion in the the EasternEastern ritesrites. . CCC 1390CCC 1390

Effects of the SacramentEffects of the Sacrament

UnionUnion with with JesusJesus and the and the ChurchChurch (CCC 1391, 1396).(CCC 1391, 1396).

ForgivenessForgiveness of of venialvenial sinsin (CCC 1394).(CCC 1394).

ProtectionProtection from from gravegrave sinsin (CCC 1395).(CCC 1395).

CommitsCommits us us toto thethe poorpoor (CCC 1397).(CCC 1397).

Requirements for the SacramentRequirements for the Sacrament

RequirementsRequirements for fruitful reception. for fruitful reception.

– BaptizedBaptized membermember of the of the ChurchChurch who who believesbelieves in the in the realreal PresencePresence and and TransubstantiationTransubstantiation (CCC 1376, 1385, 1387-1388). (CCC 1376, 1385, 1387-1388).

– FreeFree from from gravegrave sinsin (CCC 1385).(CCC 1385).

– OneOne hourhour fastfast from from foodfood and and drinkdrink (CCC 1387).(CCC 1387).

Is there any difference between receiving Holy Is there any difference between receiving Holy Communion in a Catholic Church and going to Communion in a Catholic Church and going to communion in a Protestant worship service? communion in a Protestant worship service?

Yes, there are differences. Yes, there are differences. – Because of Because of Apostolic SuccessionApostolic Succession and the and the priesthoodpriesthood, Holy , Holy

Eucharist in the Catholic Church is the Eucharist in the Catholic Church is the BodyBody and and BloodBlood of of JesusJesus ChristChrist. Churches . Churches withoutwithout Apostolic Succession and Apostolic Succession and the priesthood the priesthood dodo notnot have that gift have that gift (CCC 817-822, 1411).(CCC 817-822, 1411).

– ReceptionReception of of HolyHoly CommunionCommunion in the Catholic Church is a in the Catholic Church is a statementstatement of of beliefbelief in the in the realreal PresencePresence of of JesusJesus in the in the EucharistEucharist and of and of unityunity with all with all CatholicsCatholics throughout the throughout the world. world. (CCC 1376, 1391, 1398)(CCC 1376, 1391, 1398)

– Because of these differences, Because of these differences, CatholicsCatholics mustmust notnot take take communion in Protestant worship services, and communion in Protestant worship services, and nonnon--CatholicsCatholics mustmust notnot receive Holy Communion in Catholic receive Holy Communion in Catholic Churches. Churches. (CCC, no. 1411)(CCC, no. 1411)

EASTERN CHURCHESEASTERN CHURCHES The The EasternEastern churches that are churches that are notnot in in fullfull

communioncommunion with the Catholic Church with the Catholic Church celebratecelebrate the the EucharistEucharist with with greatgreat lovelove. .

"These Churches, although separated from us, "These Churches, although separated from us, yet yet possesspossess truetrue sacramentssacraments, above all - by , above all - by apostolic successionapostolic succession - the priesthood and the - the priesthood and the Eucharist, whereby they are still joined to us in Eucharist, whereby they are still joined to us in closest intimacy." closest intimacy."

A certain communion in sacris, and so in the A certain communion in sacris, and so in the Eucharist, "given Eucharist, "given suitablesuitable circumstancescircumstances and the and the approval of Church authority, is approval of Church authority, is notnot merelymerely possiblepossible but is but is encouragedencouraged." ." (CCC 1399)(CCC 1399)

SACRAMENTS OF HEALINGSACRAMENTS OF HEALING

WHAT IS THIS SACRAMENT CALLED? WHAT IS THIS SACRAMENT CALLED?

It is called the It is called the sacrament of conversionsacrament of conversion because it makes sacramentally present because it makes sacramentally present Jesus' call to conversion, the first step in Jesus' call to conversion, the first step in returning to the Father from whom one has returning to the Father from whom one has strayed by sin.strayed by sin.

It is called the It is called the sacrament of Penancesacrament of Penance, since it , since it consecrates the Christian sinner's personal consecrates the Christian sinner's personal and ecclesial steps of conversion, penance, and ecclesial steps of conversion, penance, and satisfaction. and satisfaction. CCC 1423CCC 1423

It is called the It is called the sacrament of confessionsacrament of confession, since the , since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament. In a profound essential element of this sacrament. In a profound sense it is also a "confession" - acknowledgment sense it is also a "confession" - acknowledgment and praise - of the holiness of God and of his mercy and praise - of the holiness of God and of his mercy toward sinful man.toward sinful man.

It is called the It is called the sacrament of forgivenesssacrament of forgiveness, since by , since by the priest's sacramental absolution God grants the the priest's sacramental absolution God grants the penitent "pardon and peace.” penitent "pardon and peace.”

It is called the It is called the sacrament of Reconciliationsacrament of Reconciliation, , because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles: "Be reconciled to God.” He who lives by reconciles: "Be reconciled to God.” He who lives by God's merciful love is ready to respond to the Lord's God's merciful love is ready to respond to the Lord's call: "Go; first be reconciled to your brother."call: "Go; first be reconciled to your brother."

Penance and reconciliationPenance and reconciliation: the sacrament : the sacrament through which through which sinssins committed after Baptism committed after Baptism can be can be forgivenforgiven, and , and reconciliationreconciliation withwith GodGod and and communitycommunity can be can be effectedeffected (CCC 1422, 1425, (CCC 1422, 1425, 1428, 1446).1428, 1446).

SinSin is before all else an is before all else an offense against Godoffense against God, a , a rupture of communionrupture of communion with him. with him.

At the same time it At the same time it damagesdamages communioncommunion with the with the ChurchChurch. . – For this reason conversion entails both For this reason conversion entails both God'sGod's forgivenessforgiveness

and and reconciliationreconciliation withwith thethe ChurchChurch, which are expressed , which are expressed and accomplished liturgically by the sacrament of Penance and accomplished liturgically by the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.and Reconciliation. CCC 1440 CCC 1440

OnlyOnly GodGod forgivesforgives sinssins.. CCC 1441CCC 1441

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTSESSENTIAL ELEMENTS Confession to a priestConfession to a priest is an essential part of the is an essential part of the

sacrament of Penance: sacrament of Penance: "All "All mortalmortal sinssins of which penitents of which penitents afterafter a a

diligent diligent selfself--examinationexamination are are consciousconscious must be must be recounted by them in confession, even if they recounted by them in confession, even if they are are mostmost secretsecret and have been and have been committedcommitted against the last two precepts of the Decalogue; against the last two precepts of the Decalogue; for these sins sometimes wound the soul more for these sins sometimes wound the soul more grievously and are more dangerous than those grievously and are more dangerous than those which are committed openly.” which are committed openly.” CCCCCC 14561456

Confession of Confession of everydayeveryday faults (venial sins) is faults (venial sins) is nevertheless nevertheless stronglystrongly recommendedrecommended by the by the ChurchChurch. .

Indeed the Indeed the regularregular confessionconfession of our venial sins of our venial sins helpshelps us us– formform our our conscienceconscience, , – fightfight against against evilevil tendenciestendencies, , – letlet ourselvesourselves be be healedhealed by by ChristChrist and and – progressprogress in the in the lifelife of the of the SpiritSpirit. .

By receiving more frequently through this sacrament By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the the giftgift of the of the Father'sFather's mercymercy, we are spurred , we are spurred toto bebe mercifulmerciful as he is merciful. as he is merciful. CCC 1458CCC 1458

Without being strictly necessaryWithout being strictly necessary

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTSESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

Like Like allall the the sacramentssacraments, , PenancePenance is a is a liturgicalliturgical actionaction. . The elements of the celebration are ordinarily these: The elements of the celebration are ordinarily these:

– a a greetinggreeting and and blessingblessing from the priest, from the priest, – readingreading the the wordword of of GodGod to illuminate the to illuminate the conscienceconscience and and

elicitelicit contritioncontrition, and , and – an an exhortationexhortation to to repentancerepentance; ; – the the confessionconfession, which , which acknowledgesacknowledges sinssins and makes them and makes them

knownknown to the to the priestpriest; ; – the the impositionimposition and and acceptanceacceptance of a of a penancepenance; ; – the the priest'spriest's absolutionabsolution; ; – a a prayerprayer of of thanksgivingthanksgiving and and praisepraise and and

– dismissaldismissal with the with the blessingblessing of the priest. of the priest. CCC 1480CCC 1480

THE EFFECTSTHE EFFECTS ForgivenessForgiveness of of allall sinsin (CCC 1442).(CCC 1442).

Reconciliation with GodReconciliation with God by which by which gracegrace is is receivedreceived (CCC 1468-1469, 1496).(CCC 1468-1469, 1496).

Reconciliation with the ChurchReconciliation with the Church (CCC 1443-(CCC 1443-1445). 1445).

RemissionRemission of of punishmentpunishment for for sinsin (CCC 1470, (CCC 1470, 1496). 1496).

PeacePeace and and serenityserenity (CCC 1496). (CCC 1496).

SpiritualSpiritual strengthstrength to to resistresist temptationtemptation (CCC (CCC 1496). 1496).

Like all the sacraments Like all the sacraments the Anointing of the the Anointing of the SickSick is a is a liturgicalliturgical and and communalcommunal celebration, whether it takes place celebration, whether it takes place – in the family home, in the family home, – a hospital or a hospital or – church, church, – for a single sick person or for a single sick person or – a whole group of sick persons. a whole group of sick persons.

It is very fitting to celebrate it It is very fitting to celebrate it withinwithin the the EucharistEucharist, ,

LITURGICAL AND COMMUNAL

The celebration of the sacrament The celebration of the sacrament cancan bebe precededpreceded by the by the sacramentsacrament of of PenancePenance and and followedfollowed by the by the sacramentsacrament of the of the EucharistEucharist. .

As the As the sacramentsacrament of Christ's Passover of Christ's Passover thethe EucharistEucharist should should alwaysalways be the be the lastlast sacramentsacrament of the of the earthlyearthly journeyjourney, the , the ""viaticumviaticum” - the term for Eucharist given to a ” - the term for Eucharist given to a person dying or in the danger of death - for person dying or in the danger of death - for ""passingpassing overover" to " to eternaleternal lifelife. . CCC 1517CCC 1517

CONNECTION TO PENANCE AND EUCHARIST

Only Only priestspriests (presbyters and bishops) can give the (presbyters and bishops) can give the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, using sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, using oiloil blessedblessed by the by the bishopbishop. . CCC 1530CCC 1530

Laying-on of handsLaying-on of hands; ; – anointinganointing foreheadforehead and and handshands with with oiloil of of

the sick.the sick. the anointing of the forehead and hands of the sick the anointing of the forehead and hands of the sick

person (in the Roman Rite) or of other parts of the person (in the Roman Rite) or of other parts of the body (in the Eastern rite)body (in the Eastern rite)

SpokenSpoken wordswords of the of the formulaformula– the liturgical prayer of the celebrant asking for the liturgical prayer of the celebrant asking for

the special grace of this sacrament the special grace of this sacrament CCC 1531CCC 1531

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTSESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

The special grace of the sacrament of the The special grace of the sacrament of the Anointing of the SickAnointing of the Sick has as its effects: has as its effects:

– the the unitinguniting of the sick person to the of the sick person to the passionpassion of of ChristChrist, for his , for his ownown goodgood and and that of the that of the wholewhole ChurchChurch;;

– the the strengtheningstrengthening, , peacepeace, and , and couragecourage to endure in a Christian manner the to endure in a Christian manner the sufferingssufferings of illness or old age; of illness or old age;

EFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENTEFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENT

– the the forgivenessforgiveness of of sinssins, if the sick person , if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of Penance;sacrament of Penance;

– the the restorationrestoration of of healthhealth, if it is conducive , if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul;to the salvation of his soul;

– the the preparationpreparation for for passingpassing overover to to eternaleternal lifelife. .

EFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENTEFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENTCONTINUEDCONTINUED

SACRAMENTS AT THE SACRAMENTS AT THE SERVICE OF COMMUNIONSERVICE OF COMMUNION

Holy OrdersHoly Orders

The sacrament through which a The sacrament through which a manman is made a is made a – bishop, bishop, – priest, priest, oror – deacon deacon

and is given the grace and power to and is given the grace and power to fulfill the responsibilities of the order fulfill the responsibilities of the order to which he is ordained. to which he is ordained.

THEOLOGY OF HOLY ORDERSTHEOLOGY OF HOLY ORDERS

ChristChrist is himself the source of ministry in is himself the source of ministry in the Church. the Church.

He He institutedinstituted the the ChurchChurch. .

He gave her He gave her

– authorityauthority and and missionmission, ,

– orientationorientation and and goalgoal::

In order to shepherd the People of God and In order to shepherd the People of God and to increase its numbers without cease,to increase its numbers without cease,

Christ the Lord set up in his Church a variety Christ the Lord set up in his Church a variety of offices which aim at the of offices which aim at the goodgood of the of the wholewhole bodybody. .

The The holdersholders of of officeoffice, who are invested with a , who are invested with a sacred power, are, in fact, sacred power, are, in fact, dedicateddedicated to to

– promotingpromoting the the interestsinterests of their of their brethrenbrethren, ,

– so that so that allall who who belongbelong to the to the PeoplePeople of of GodGod– may may attainattain to to salvationsalvation.. CCC 874CCC 874

THREE DEGREESTHREE DEGREES "The divinely instituted "The divinely instituted ecclesiasticalecclesiastical ministry is ministry is

exercised in exercised in differentdifferent degrees by those who degrees by those who even from even from ancientancient times have been called times have been called

– bishopsbishops, ,

– priestspriests, and , and – deaconsdeacons.”.” CCC 1554CCC 1554

Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical - Pertaining to the Church as an - Pertaining to the Church as an organized body, with stress on its juridical and organized body, with stress on its juridical and institutional structure. institutional structure.

– the the liturgyliturgy, ,

– the the MagisteriumMagisterium, and , and

– the the constantconstant practicepractice of the of the ChurchChurch, ,

recognizes that there are recognizes that there are twotwo degreesdegrees of of ministerial participation in the priesthood of ministerial participation in the priesthood of Christ: Christ:

– the the episcopacyepiscopacy and and

– the the presbyteratepresbyterate . .

Catholic doctrine, expressed in Catholic doctrine, expressed in

EPISCOPACYEPISCOPACY DivineDivine institutioninstitution of bishops as of bishops as successorssuccessors of the of the

ApostlesApostles. . By virtue of divine right, therefore, bishops By virtue of divine right, therefore, bishops possesspossess

an an ordinaryordinary powerpower of of governmentgovernment over their over their diocesesdioceses. .

It is an It is an immediateimmediate powerpower because it is exercised in because it is exercised in the the bishop'sbishop's ownown namename and and notnot at the at the orderorder of a of a superiorsuperior. .

Thus Thus bishopsbishops are are notnot mere mere delegatesdelegates or or agentsagents of of the the PopePope, nor his mere vicars or representatives. , nor his mere vicars or representatives.

They are They are autonomousautonomous pastorspastors of the flock entrusted of the flock entrusted to them to them eveneven thoughthough they they areare subordinatedsubordinated to the to the PopePope..

The episcopal power is The episcopal power is inherentinherent in the in the bishops'bishops' ordinationordination, but must be , but must be activatedactivated by collegial union by collegial union with the with the PopePope and the rest of the and the rest of the CatholicCatholic hierarchyhierarchy. .

It is a It is a truetrue pastoral power that embraces all the pastoral power that embraces all the ecclesiastical powers belonging to the exercise of this ecclesiastical powers belonging to the exercise of this office, namely the office, namely the teachingteaching, , rulingruling, , judgingjudging, and, when , and, when necessary, necessary, punishingpunishing refractory members of their refractory members of their dioceses. dioceses.

It is, however, a power that is It is, however, a power that is limitedlimited locallylocally and and materially, since it materially, since it extendsextends onlyonly to a to a definitedefinite segmentsegment of of thethe ChurchChurch and is and is circumscribedcircumscribed by the by the papalpapal authorityauthority, which is , which is superiorsuperior to that of any to that of any bishopbishop in his in his diocesediocese. (Etym. Latin episcopus, bishop; from Greek . (Etym. Latin episcopus, bishop; from Greek episkopos, overseer.) episkopos, overseer.)

PRESBYTERATEPRESBYTERATE

The The priesthoodpriesthood, as the second rank of , as the second rank of holy orders above the diaconate and holy orders above the diaconate and below the episcopate. below the episcopate.

(Etym. Greek presbyteros, elder.)(Etym. Greek presbyteros, elder.)

DIACONATEDIACONATE

““The The diaconatediaconate is intended to is intended to helphelp and and serveserve them (the episcopacy and the presbyterate). them (the episcopacy and the presbyterate).

For this reason the term sacerdos in current For this reason the term sacerdos in current usage denotes bishops and priests but not usage denotes bishops and priests but not deacons. deacons.

Yet Catholic doctrine teaches that the degrees Yet Catholic doctrine teaches that the degrees of priestly participation (episcopate and of priestly participation (episcopate and presbyterate) and the degree of service presbyterate) and the degree of service (diaconate) are (diaconate) are allall threethree conferredconferred by a by a sacramentalsacramental actact called " called "ordinationordination," that is, by ," that is, by the sacrament of the sacrament of HolyHoly OrdersOrders: :

DIACONATEDIACONATE

Let everyone revere Let everyone revere

– the the deaconsdeacons as as JesusJesus ChristChrist, ,

– the the bishopbishop as the as the imageimage of the of the FatherFather, , and and

– the the presbyterspresbyters as the as the senatesenate of of GodGod and and the the assemblyassembly of the of the apostlesapostles. .

For without them one cannot speak of the For without them one cannot speak of the Church. Church. CCC 1554CCC 1554

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTSESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

Their proper place is within the Their proper place is within the Eucharistic Eucharistic liturgyliturgy. .

The essential rite of the sacrament of Holy The essential rite of the sacrament of Holy Orders for all three degrees consists Orders for all three degrees consists

– in the in the bishop'sbishop's impositionimposition of of handshands on the on the headhead of the of the ordainedordained and in and in

– the the bishop'sbishop's specificspecific consecratoryconsecratory prayerprayer asking God for the asking God for the outpouringoutpouring of the of the HolyHoly SpiritSpirit and his gifts and his gifts properproper to the to the ministryministry to to which the which the candidatecandidate is being is being ordainedordained.. CCC 1573CCC 1573

WHO?WHO?

““Only a Only a baptized manbaptized man (vir) validly receives (vir) validly receives sacred ordination.” The Lord Jesus chose sacred ordination.” The Lord Jesus chose men (viri) to men (viri) to formform the the collegecollege of the of the twelvetwelve apostlesapostles, and the apostles did the same , and the apostles did the same when they chose collaborators to succeed when they chose collaborators to succeed them in their ministry. them in their ministry.

The Church recognizes herself to be bound The Church recognizes herself to be bound by this choice made by the Lord himself. by this choice made by the Lord himself. For this reason the ordination of women is For this reason the ordination of women is not possible. not possible. CCC 1577CCC 1577

CELIBATECELIBATE

AllAll the ordained ministers of the the ordained ministers of the LatinLatin Church, with Church, with the the exceptionexception of of permanentpermanent deaconsdeacons, are normally , are normally chosen from among chosen from among menmen of of faithfaith who who livelive a a celibatecelibate lifelife and who intend to and who intend to remainremain celibatecelibate "for "for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.” the sake of the kingdom of heaven.”

Called to Called to consecrateconsecrate themselvesthemselves with with undividedundivided heartheart to the to the LordLord and to "the affairs of the Lord,” and to "the affairs of the Lord,” they give themselves they give themselves entirelyentirely toto GodGod and and toto menmen. .

CelibacyCelibacy is a sign of this is a sign of this newnew lifelife to the to the serviceservice of of which the Church's minister is which the Church's minister is consecratedconsecrated; ; accepted with a accepted with a joyousjoyous heartheart celibacy radiantly celibacy radiantly proclaimsproclaims the the ReignReign of of GodGod..

CELIBATE - CHASTITYCELIBATE - CHASTITY CelibacyCelibacy - The state of being - The state of being unmarriedunmarried and, and,

in Church usage, of one who has in Church usage, of one who has nevernever beenbeen marriedmarried. Catholicism . Catholicism distinguishesdistinguishes between between laylay and and ecclesiasticalecclesiastical celibacy, and in both celibacy, and in both cases a person cases a person freelyfreely chooseschooses for religious for religious reasons to remain celibate.reasons to remain celibate.

ChastityChastity - - sexualsexual honestyhonesty - being - being sexuallysexually honesthonest to the to the statestate of of onesones lifelife

EFFECTS OF HOLY ORDERSEFFECTS OF HOLY ORDERS This sacrament This sacrament configuresconfigures the the recipientrecipient to to ChristChrist

by a by a specialspecial gracegrace of the of the HolyHoly SpiritSpirit, so that he , so that he may serve as may serve as Christ'sChrist's instrumentinstrument for his for his ChurchChurch. By . By ordination one is ordination one is enabledenabled toto actact as a as a representativerepresentative of of ChristChrist, , HeadHead of the of the ChurchChurch, in his triple office of , in his triple office of priestpriest, , prophetprophet, and , and kingking. . CCC 1581CCC 1581

As in the case of As in the case of BaptismBaptism and and ConfirmationConfirmation this this share in Christ's office is share in Christ's office is grantedgranted onceonce forfor allall. The . The sacrament of Holy Orders, like the other two, sacrament of Holy Orders, like the other two, confers an confers an indelibleindelible spiritualspiritual charactercharacter and and cannotcannot be be repeatedrepeated or or conferredconferred temporarilytemporarily. . CCC 1582CCC 1582

REQUIREMENTS FOR RECEPTIONREQUIREMENTS FOR RECEPTION

Called to ministry Called to ministry (CCC 1578).(CCC 1578). Baptized male Baptized male (CCC 1577).(CCC 1577). Celibacy in the Latin Church Celibacy in the Latin Church (CCC 1579).(CCC 1579). Adequate education and formation Adequate education and formation (CCC 1578, (CCC 1578,

1598). 1598).

Mental health screening Mental health screening (Program of Priestly (Program of Priestly Formation 5, 53). Formation 5, 53).

Lifelong commitment to personal prayer Lifelong commitment to personal prayer and devotion and devotion (CCC 1567, 1579). (CCC 1567, 1579).

Servant leader in Person of Christ Servant leader in Person of Christ (CCC 1552-(CCC 1552-1553, 1548-1551). 1553, 1548-1551).

MATRIMONYMATRIMONY

"The "The matrimonial covenantmatrimonial covenant, by which a , by which a manman and a and a womanwoman establishestablish between themselves a between themselves a partnershippartnership of the of the wholewhole of of lifelife, is by its nature , is by its nature ordered toward ordered toward

– the the goodgood of the of the spousesspouses and and

– the the procreationprocreation and and educationeducation of of offspringoffspring;; This This covenantcovenant between between baptizedbaptized personspersons has has

been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.” a sacrament.” CCC 1601CCC 1601

MARRIAGEMARRIAGE

Marriage: the sacrament Marriage: the sacrament – in which a in which a baptizedbaptized manman and a and a baptizedbaptized

womanwoman– form with each other a form with each other a lifelonglifelong covenantalcovenantal

communioncommunion of of lifelife and and lovelove – that that signifiessignifies the the unionunion of of ChristChrist and the and the

ChurchChurch – and and throughthrough which they are which they are givengiven the the gracegrace

to to livelive outout thisthis unionunion (CCC, nos. 1601, 1603, 1613-1616, (CCC, nos. 1601, 1603, 1613-1616, 1642). 1642).

God himself is the author of marriage. God himself is the author of marriage. CCC 1603CCC 1603

The The vocationvocation to to marriagemarriage is written in the is written in the very nature of very nature of manman and and womanwoman as they as they came from the came from the handhand of the of the CreatorCreator. .

MarriageMarriage is is notnot a a purelypurely humanhuman institutioninstitution despite the many variations it may have despite the many variations it may have undergone through the centuries in undergone through the centuries in different cultures, social structures, and different cultures, social structures, and spiritual attitudes. spiritual attitudes. CCC 1603CCC 1603

In the Eucharist the In the Eucharist the memorialmemorial of the of the NewNew CovenantCovenant is is realized, the New Covenant in which Christ has united realized, the New Covenant in which Christ has united himself for ever to the Church, his beloved bride for himself for ever to the Church, his beloved bride for whom he gave himself up. whom he gave himself up.

It is therefore fitting that the It is therefore fitting that the spousesspouses should should sealseal their their consentconsent to give themselves to each other to give themselves to each other – through the through the offeringoffering of their of their ownown liveslives by by unitinguniting it to it to

the the offeringoffering ofof ChristChrist for his Church made present in for his Church made present in the the EucharisticEucharistic sacrificesacrifice, and by receiving the , and by receiving the Eucharist so that, communicating in the same Body Eucharist so that, communicating in the same Body and the same Blood of Christ, they may form but and the same Blood of Christ, they may form but ""oneone bodybody" in Christ. " in Christ.

THE CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGETHE CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE In the In the LatinLatin RiteRite the celebration of marriage between the celebration of marriage between

two Catholic faithful normally two Catholic faithful normally takestakes placeplace during during HolyHoly MassMass, because of the , because of the connectionconnection of of allall the the sacramentssacraments with the with the PaschalPaschal mysterymystery of of ChristChrist. . CCC CCC 16211621

According to According to LatinLatin traditiontradition, the , the spousesspouses as as ministersministers of Christ's grace of Christ's grace mutuallymutually conferconfer uponupon eacheach otherother the the sacramentsacrament of of MatrimonyMatrimony by by expressingexpressing their their consentconsent beforebefore the the ChurchChurch. .

In the tradition of the In the tradition of the EasternEastern ChurchesChurches, the priests , the priests (bishops or presbyters) are (bishops or presbyters) are witnesseswitnesses to the to the mutualmutual consentconsent given by the given by the spousesspouses, but for the validity of , but for the validity of the sacrament their blessing is also necessary. the sacrament their blessing is also necessary.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTSESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

FreeFree consentconsent of the of the couplecouple (CCC 1625-1629, 1632).(CCC 1625-1629, 1632). ConsentConsent given in the given in the presencepresence of the of the Church’sChurch’s

ministerminister and and twotwo witnesseswitnesses (CCC 1630-1631). (CCC 1630-1631). Sacramental marriage is a Sacramental marriage is a liturgicalliturgical actact. . MarriageMarriage introduces one into an ecclesial order, introduces one into an ecclesial order,

and and createscreates rightsrights and and dutiesduties in the in the ChurchChurch betweenbetween the the spousesspouses and and towardstowards their their childrenchildren;;

Since Since marriagemarriage is a is a statestate of of lifelife in the in the ChurchChurch, , certaintycertainty about it about it isis necessarynecessary..

The The publicpublic charactercharacter of the of the consentconsent protects the protects the ""I doI do" once given and " once given and helpshelps the the spousesspouses remainremain faithfulfaithful to it. to it.

EFFECTS OF MATRIMONYEFFECTS OF MATRIMONY

GraceGrace to perfect the to perfect the couple’s lovecouple’s love for for each other and each other and strengthenstrengthen their their bond. bond.

Help to Help to livelive the the responsibilitiesresponsibilities of of married life. married life.

Help on the Help on the journeyjourney to to eternaleternal lifelife. .

REQUIREMENTS OF MARRIAGEREQUIREMENTS OF MARRIAGE

BaptismBaptism (CCC 1617, 1625, 1633).(CCC 1617, 1625, 1633).

NoNo priorprior bondbond or other impediments or other impediments (CCC (CCC 1625). 1625).

AbleAble to to givegive freefree consentconsent (CCC 1625, 1627).(CCC 1625, 1627).

CelebrationCelebration of marriage of marriage accordingaccording to to ChurchChurch lawlaw (CCC 1625-1637).(CCC 1625-1637).

PRAYERPRAYER

The The ChurchChurch at at prayerprayer::

– The The liturgyliturgy is the is the summitsummit toward which the toward which the activity of the Church is directed.” activity of the Church is directed.”

– It is in the It is in the sacramentssacraments, especially in the , especially in the Eucharist, that Eucharist, that ChristChrist JesusJesus worksworks in in fullness fullness forfor the the transformationtransformation of men.” of men.” (CCC 1074)(CCC 1074)

PRAYER DEFINEDPRAYER DEFINED

""Prayer is the raising of one's mind and heart to Prayer is the raising of one's mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from GodGod or the requesting of good things from God." ." But when we pray, do we speak from the height of But when we pray, do we speak from the height of our pride and will, or "out of the depths" of a our pride and will, or "out of the depths" of a humble and contrite heart? humble and contrite heart?

He who humbles himself will be exalted; He who humbles himself will be exalted; humilityhumility is is the the foundationfoundation of of prayerprayer, Only when we humbly , Only when we humbly acknowledge that "acknowledge that "we do not know how to pray as we do not know how to pray as we oughtwe ought," are we ," are we readyready to receive to receive freelyfreely the the giftgift of of prayerprayer. .

"Man is a beggar before God.""Man is a beggar before God."

CHALLENGESCHALLENGES

Can’t a person go directly to God without the Can’t a person go directly to God without the help of the Church or a priest?help of the Church or a priest? (CCC 1538-1539)(CCC 1538-1539)

1.1. Any person can Any person can alwaysalways praypray directlydirectly toto GodGod. . HoweverHowever, God established the Church as a , God established the Church as a way for him to way for him to teachteach usus and to and to enrichenrich usus with with hishis gracegrace. Jesus Christ gave us the . Jesus Christ gave us the ChurchChurch and and the the sacramentssacraments for for ourour salvationsalvation. . (CCC 774-776)(CCC 774-776)

2.2. Sacraments provide an Sacraments provide an encounterencounter with with ChristChrist which is which is uniqueunique and and gracedgraced. . (CCC, no. 1076)(CCC, no. 1076)

3.3. Sacraments Sacraments celebratecelebrate and and strengthenstrengthen our our unityunity and and identityidentity. . (CCC, no. 774)(CCC, no. 774)