SACRAMENTS OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION

THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Why is baptism the most important sacrament?
A. Because it transforms us into Gods people; it incorporates us into the Church
B. Brings us new life in Christ and forgiveness of sins through water and the Spirit.
C. It gives us the promise of eternal life.
D. Saves us from the reality of original sin.
What is original sin?
We Filipinos today, as members of the race of Adam, do not inherit his personal sin, but rather the sinful
condition started by his originating sin. It is a condition into which each of us is personally involved. What
we inherit, the kasalanang mana, is the state of sinfulness in which we are all born.
Original sin can refer to:
The sin of the world (John 1:29) describing the sinful environment into which we are born.
The inner effect of disordered desires/appetite we all experience within us or concupiscence.
(The connection between original sin and personal sins. Our personal sins are part of the sin of the world.)
Why is it called original sin?
Original because its roots in the origin of the human race explains its universality, that is all need to
be redeemed.
Sin not because it is a personal sinful thought, word, or deed, but because it is a state contrary to
Gods will.
How does baptism take away original sin?
Baptism takes away original sin by bringing to the baptized the gift of the Holy Spirit, Gods saving,
sanctifying presence.
The indwelling Holy Spirit in the baptized makes them adopted sons/daughters of the Father, coheirs
with Jesus Christ, and incorporates them into His body, the Church
Why do we baptize innocent babies?
Infant baptism is not to take away any personal sins the baby obviously cannot have committed sin.
Rather, baptism is to grace the child with the gift of the Holy Spirit, within the Christian community of
parents, sponsors, and neighbors, to effectively symbolize the Christian atmosphere needed for
growing up as a disciple of Christ.
What does the word baptism mean?
The word baptism comes from a Greek word that means:
To plunge or
To immerse (go under)
What does baptism symbolize?
Going under water symbolizes our burial into the death of Christ.
It also symbolizes our rising up to new life in Christ.
Our union with Christ in this life and the next.

Why do we receive baptism?

Through baptism the baptized:
Share in Christs suffering and death.
Share in Christs victory and new life.
Is called to live on this earth as Jesus lived.
Share in one destiny, eternal life with God
Becomes a member of the body of Christ.
What are the three types of baptism?
There are three types of baptism:
Baptism of water
Baptism of Blood
Baptism of desire
What is baptism of Blood?
Those who although not baptized died for the Christian faith.
Their blood unites them with Christ and his destiny.
Example: Martyrs
What is baptism of desire?
Those who although not baptized wished in this life to receive baptism, but died before its reception.
Example: Catechumens
Those who although do not know Christ, live and follow the will of God on this earth.
Example: Just people, infants (Jesus love for children is evident in the Bible).
What are the effects of Baptism?
Baptism purifies us from sin.
Baptism gives us new life through the Holy Spirit.
We become new creatures; sons and daughters of God by adoption.
We become members of the body of Christ.
We become disciples of Jesus teachings.
Who are the ordinary ministers of baptism?
The bishop
The priest
The deacon
In case of emergency who can baptize?
Anyone, including a non-Catholic.
The baptism has to be in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and water has to be used
to baptize the dying person.

ADULT and INFANT BAPTISM

Some Issues Raised Against Infant Baptism ( A summary of Part Two of the Instruction on Infant
Baptism, published by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 20 October 1980)
1. Link Between Baptism and Act of Faith
As the New Testament makes clear, faith is the prerequisite of baptism (preach, faith, sacrament as
in Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:16) so that the effects of grace are generally linked to it. This should be our
rule too, with an obligatory catechumenate being instituted for children.

Some Issues Raised Against Infant Baptism

Response :
a) Is it clearly only adult faith that is considered in these New Testament texts?
b) Infant Baptism is an immemorial tradition deriving from the apostles. (Acts 16:15; Acts
16:33; John 4:53)
c) It is not a question of baptism without faith; the sacrament is celebrated in the faith of the
church. By baptizing infants, the Christian community is saying that we have faith, our faith is
important to us and something that we wish to share and demonstrate to the child, so that one
day the child will make our faith, his or her faith.
d) It should not be forgotten that baptism also causes faith. Grace, providence, and faith are
essentially the work of the Spirit, freely given.

Regarding the Link Between Baptism and Act of Faith.

The Christian life and Christian faith are not, in the first instance at least, something we do for
God, but something that God does for us. Both faith and the life of grace are essentially the
work of the Spirit within us, a Spirit freely given by God to those whom he chooses. Thus the
first and primary characteristic of our Christian commitment is that it is a response to Gods
initiative. Baptism is a response to Gods initiative/divine election.

2. Harmony Between Baptism and Personal Reception of Grace

Gods bestowal of grace requires a conscious acceptance and appropriation by the human person.
Response: The infant is a human person. Though he/she cannot now manifest the consciousness and
freedom proper to an adult, he/she is indeed a person who is capable of becoming, through the
sacrament of baptism, a child of God and a coheir with Christ.
3. Harmony Between Baptism and the Childs Freedom
Baptizing infants is a restriction of their freedom, an imposition of obligations that does not respect
their dignity.
Response:
a) What an illusion! There is no such thing as pure human freedom.
b) By our very status as creature, we all have duties before God.
c) Becoming a Christian is an admittance to true freedom. (cf John 8:36; Rom 6:17-22)
Regarding Baptism and the Childs Freedom.
Moreover, seeds of faith sown at baptism may one day come to life again. Parents nurture this
by their patience and love, their prayers, their witness.

4. Baptism in the Present Sociological Situation

Infant baptism is inappropriate in a pluralistic society, characterized by instability of values and
conflict of ideas. Delay until the childs personality is sufficiently matured.
Response:
a) Such criteria can be pointers, but should not be considered normative in matters of
Christian faith and life.
b) The lesson of history and experience.
c) In such a society, the churchs own nature and mission should be considered before all else.
5. Infant Baptism and Sacramental Pastoral Practice
The continual practice of infant baptism demonstrates the churchs preoccupation with the status quo
and the absence of a relevant program of evangelization, faith-building, etc.
Response:
a) We must not treat lightly the necessity of baptism.
b) The church should be preoccupied with numbers because of her nature and mission.
c) The practice of infant baptism is truly evangelical. It has the force of witness, manifesting
Gods initiative and the gratuitous character of the love with which he surrounds our lives.
Regarding Baptism and Sacramental Pastoral Practice.
Baptism is a reminder to the Christian community that Gods love extends to us simply because
we are not because of our maturity, our ability to think nor what we have done.
The Term and Primary Symbol
In the Old Testament
In the Mosaic Law, baptism means the the ritual bath for the removal of impurity contracted
by touching unclean things or persons. Thus, in the OT baptism means ritual cleansing not
necessarily forgiveness of sins.
In the New Testament
a) The baptism of Jesus by John (Mk 1:9-11)
b) Command of Jesus (Matt 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-16)
c) Practice and Teaching in the Early Church (Acts 2: 36-42; Romans 6: 3-11)
d) The Fourth Gospel (e.g. John 3: 1-5)

Water in baptism
To be baptized is to go through the waters which signify that we have died to evil and sin and
rise with Jesus to be anointed with His Spirit. Hence, the water in baptism suggests a new life in
Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Other baptismal symbols

Fire (the lighted candle)
Oil (holy chrism)
white garment

Essential Matter and Form of Baptism

Real water as commonly or ordinarily understood.
Name__, I baptize you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Other Considerations
What about those who are not Christians and have never been baptized with water and Spirit?
God wills that all men be saved and know the truth.
Therefore the Church also teaches:
Those who through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, yet
sincerely seek God and moved by grace, strive by their deeds to do His will as it is known to
them through the dictates of their conscience can attain eternal salvation. (Lumen Gentium 16)

THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

What is confirmation?
Let us turn briefly to three themes that will help us understand the sacrament:
Confirmation is a deeper initiation into the faith community.
Confirmation celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit and the gifts GOD bestows on us.
Confirmation is the sacrament of witness.
1. Confirmation is a deeper initiation into the faith community.
When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and
John to them, and they went down there, and prayed for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit, for
as yet he had not come down on any of them: they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord
Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:14-17)
The early church recognized a deeper immersion into the Christian community, one that went beyond
baptism.
In the words used at confirmation, this immersion is called sealing.
In confirmation, the Christian is given the fullness of the Holy Spirit. The Spirits presence fully
incorporates the Christian into the community of believers.
2. Confirmation celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit and the gifts he bestows on us.
Confirmation perpetuates (keeps alive) the grace of Pentecost.
What is Pentecost?
Pentecost is the feast of the Holy Spirit.
On Pentecost the disciples of Jesus were filled with the Holy Spirit.
The Churchs mission began on Pentecost.
Before Pentecost
The disciples of Jesus were afraid.
The disciples of Jesus were discouraged
The disciples of Jesus were disappointed
The disciples of Jesus were confused.
After Pentecost
The disciples were no longer afraid of persecution.
The disciples recovered the faith.
The disciples were ready to continue what Jesus started.
The disciples were clear about God and his will.

Confirmation celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit and the gifts he bestows on us.
The words of the sacrament highlight this point: Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.
What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit? What are your gifts?
PAUSE and REFLECT: The traditional list of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is found below. Briefly define
each gift and then give an example of how you have used or can use that gift in living out a Christian
life. (see 2 Pt 1:3-8)
3. Confirmation is the sacrament of witness.
The ceremonial slap on the cheek calls and encourages the Christian to give more serious witness to
Gods saving love for all.
The Mission of Christ
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the
poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the
oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. Luke 4: 18-19
Like Christ, we too are anointed to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God ( to be witnesses)
How to be a witness
Become involved in your community of faith (parish), through its different ministries.
Be a role model of faith to your family, friends and your community.
Share your faith with your classmates/co-workers and friends.
Support the cause of social justice (listen to the Pope and the bishops call for social change in
society on areas such as: racism, prejudice, wages, right to life, abortion, euthanasia, among
others).
Get to know your Catholic faith, the scriptures.
How is the Sacrament of Confirmation celebrated?
The sacrament is celebrated through the anointing with chrism on the forehead;
the laying on of hands;
and the words: Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Why are we anointed with Chrism?
Anointing with oil, has been the practice for confirmation since the early Church. Chrism is connected
to the word Christ, anointed one
We are anointed so that we become the anointed of the Anointed One.
What is oil a symbol of?
Oil is a symbol of strength and healing
In the sacrament of confirmation we receive strength to be witnesses of the Risen Christ, and to do
what is right and good.
Can Confirmation be repeated?
NO, Like baptism confirmation is only received once.
What happens at Confirmation?
The Christians receive a spiritual seal, our soul is marked with the Holy Spirit and His strength.
2 Corinthians 1: 21-22

Who is the minister of Confirmation?

The original minister of confirmation is the Bishop
Only the bishop can delegate (appoint) a priest to confirm in his name on special occasions or
circumstances.
What is the role of the sponsor?
The role of the sponsor is to help the one being confirmed remain firm and strong in the faith.
Sponsors are role models of faith, their task is to give support and inspiration to those living the
Christian faith.

THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST

What is the Eucharist?
The Eucharist or otherwise known as the Holy Mass is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation.
What are the different names for the Eucharist?
Berakhah (eulogy-blessing)
The Lords Supper
Love Feast
Most Blessed Sacrament
Holy Communion
The Holy Mass
What is the meaning of the word Eucharist?
Eucharist means to give thanks
The Four Accounts of Institution
Mark 14: 22-25
Matthew 26: 19-20; 26-29
Luke 22: 14-20
1 Corinthians 11: 23-26
The Eucharist as a 3-fold Mystery of Faith
The Eucharist, central to the sacramental system and to the thanksgiving life/worship of the church, is
a 3-fold mystery of faith:
a Sacrifice-sacrament
a Communion-sacrament
a Presence-sacrament
The Eucharist as a sacrifice-sacrament
is the memorial of Christs sacrificial death and resurrection, offered by the members of the Christian
community by virtue of their royal priesthood, together with the ministerial priest acting in the person
of Christ (LG 10).
The Eucharist as a communion-sacrament
a paschal banquet of sharing in the body and blood of the Lord; structured according to the four
solemn actions of Jesus at the Last Supper. (took, blessed, broke and gave)

The Eucharist as a presence-sacrament

of Christs multiform real presences through the power of the Holy Spirit (in the person of the minister,
the assembly, the word of God, and uniquely in the consecrated host and/wine).
How is the celebration of the Mass divided?
The Mass or the Eucharist is divided in two parts:
Liturgy of the Word
B. Liturgy of the Eucharist
What are the Elements of the Liturgy of the Word?
Part 1 Gathering Rites
Greeters
Use of Water
Genuflection
Opening Song
Greeting
Penitential Rite
Gloria
Opening Prayer
What are the elements of the Liturgy of the Word?
Part 2 Story-telling
Three Readings and a Psalm
a. First reading
b. Responsorial Psalm
c. Second reading
d. Third reading/ Gospel reading
Standing for the Gospel
Homily
Creed
Prayers of the Faithful
What are the Elements of the Liturgy of the Eucharist?
Part 3 Meal Sharing
Preparation of the gifts
The Eucharistic prayer
a. Invitation
b. Preface and Acclamation
c. Institution Narrative: Consecration
d. Prayer for Unity and Intercessions (Doxology)

Communion Rite
a. Our Father and the Sign of Peace
b. Invitation to Communion
c. Communion

What are the Elements of the Liturgy of the Eucharist?

Part 4 Commissioning
Announcement
Blessing and Dismissal
Living the Eucharist in the World

THE SACRAMENTS OF HEALING

THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
In the Sacrament of Penance, the faithful obtain from Gods mercy pardon for having offended Him
and at the same time reconciliation with the Church, which they have wounded by their sins.
Biblical Basis
After his Resurrection, Jesus told the apostles, Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose
sins you retain are retained. John 20:23
Other names of the sacrament
Confession
Penance
Forgiveness

It is called the sacrament of confession, since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an
essential element of this sacrament. In a profound sense it is also a "confession" - acknowledgment
and praise - of the holiness of God and of his mercy toward the sinful man.
Biblical Basis
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful. James 5:16
It is called the sacrament of forgiveness, since by the priest's sacramental absolution, God grants the
penitent pardon and peace.
It is called the sacrament of Reconciliation, because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who
reconciles.

Historical Development
During the first hundred years of Christianity, sinners were corrected and helped but
hardened/stubborn sinners were excluded from the church until they reformed their lives.
In the year 150, Hermas propose that post baptismal sins can be forgiven but only once. Penance was
implemented against four scandalous sins:
murder
adultery
heresy
apostasy
Canonical penance
An interior admission of sin
A public admission of sin in the presence of the bishop and accompanied by a sponsor
Enrollment to the order of penitent

A period of penance (as long as 7 years)

Exclusion from receiving the Eucharist
Reconciliation to the church

During the seventh to eleventh century, private confession emerges.

Irish monks confess their sins to their brother priest or their abbot.
As private confession developed, confession to a priest or bishop is required.
Years after, penitential books were developed which listed every kind of sin and appropriate
penance.

Vatican II, proposed revision for the sacrament of penance, which focused on the importance of
reconciliation.

Important elements
This inner conversion embraces sorrow for sin and intent to lead a new life (Contrition).
It is expressed through confession made to the church, due expiation, and amendment of life (Acts of
Penance).
God grants pardon for sin through the church which works by the ministry of priests (Absolution).
Rite of Penance #6
Four Traditional Parts of Reconciliation
Contrition: internal attitude of sorrow and repentance for the sins committed
Confession: clear telling of sin for which absolution is requested; the sincerity of internal sorrow is
validated by our desire to confess sins
Absolution: emphasizing the healing power of Jesus
Satisfaction/Penance: reform of life, amends, repairing wrong-doing
Forms of Penance
fasting, prayer, almsgiving
Reconciliation with neighbor
Tears of repentance
Concern for the salvation of neighbor
The intercession of the saints
Practicing charity
Concern for the poor
Admitting faults to others
Loving correction
Amendment of life
Endurance of suffering
Taking up ones cross daily
The Eucharist
Pilgrimages

Minister of the Sacrament

Christ has entrusted the ministry of Reconciliation to his apostles, to the bishops who are their
successors and to the priests who are the collaborators of the bishops, all of whom become thereby
instruments of the mercy and justice of God. They exercise their power of forgiving sins in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Compendium, 307
Is a confessor bound to secrecy?
Given the delicacy and greatness of this ministry and the respect due to people every confessor,
without any exception and under very severe penalties, is bound to maintain the sacramental seal
which means absolute secrecy about the sins revealed to him in confession. (Compendium, 309)
The effects of this sacrament?
reconciliation with God and therefore the forgiveness of sins;
reconciliation with the Church; recovery, if it has been lost, of the state of grace;
remission of the eternal punishment merited by mortal sins, and remission, at least in part, of the
temporal punishment which is the consequence of sin;
peace, serenity of conscience and spiritual consolation;
and an increase of spiritual strength for the struggle of Christian living. (Compendium , 310)

SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING OF THE SICK

There are three universal human experiences.
Suffering
Sickness
Death
The Churchs response to these experiences has always been one of:
Understanding
Reflection
Compassion

There are two sacraments of healing:

Reconciliation or Penance (confession)
Anointing of the Sick
Faith

Pain, suffering and death are experiences that test the heart and faith of those who believe.
Doubt, Lack of trust, rejection of Gods love can be the result of overwhelming suffering.
Scriptures remind us that God is at the heart of our suffering as healer. Exodus: 15:26
The Holy Spirit is the force that strengthens our faith when we face difficult trials.
Faith in the Power of the Holy Spirit is important to endure sickness, suffering and the fear of death.

Old Testament and Suffering

Psalm 6: 3
Psalm 41:4

These passages from the O.T. make sense of suffering by making it part of the process of
salvation.
Isaiah 53:11-12

Original Sin
The broken reality of pain, suffering, death, sin in which we are born into.
This is an inherited reality.
New Testament
The miracles proclaim the Kingdom of God in our midst.
The miracles reveal Gods compassion for human suffering.
The paschal mystery is the best example of a God who suffers and through his suffering gain salvation
for mankind.
The command
Jesus commands his disciples to preach, teach and to heal Mark 16:18
The Mission of Christ
The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has
sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free,
and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord Luke 4: 18-19
This sacrament continues the healing ministry of Christ.
The sacrament of Anointing strengthens our faith and trust in God when we are seriously ill or dying or
weakened by old age.
Ministers of this Sacrament
The ministers of the Sacrament of the Sick are:
Bishops
Priests
Recipient
Any Christian who is sick or whose health is seriously impaired by illness or is in need of serious
medical intervention.
When can it be celebrated?
During times of illness and physical suffering.
Before major surgeries.
During the recovery process.
When a person is seriously ill or dying.
When a person is presumed alive.
How to request the Sacrament?
Call your parish
Ask for a priest to anoint you or your love one.
Give clear directions to the place where they should go.
Be part of the celebration of Anointing of the sick.

The Celebration of the Sacrament

Act of Repentance
Liturgy of the Word
Liturgy of Anointing
Laying of hands
Prayer over the sick
Anointing of the sick
Prayer of faith
The Church prays for the sick person and ask for healing
Family, priest, friends are part of the Church assembly
Laying of Hands
A sign of blessing towards the sick person.
An invocation a prayer to the Holy Spirit asking for comfort, strength, and healing.
Anointing
The priest anoints the head and says:
Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the
Holy Spirit.
The priest continues with the sick persons hands and says:
May the Lord who free you from sin save you and raise you up.
Matter:
Olive oil or any plant oil in case of necessity
Form:
While anointing the forehead of the sick
Through this Holy Anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the
Holy Spirit. Amen.
While anointing the hands
May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up. Amen.
Effects of the sacrament
The strengthening of our faith and soul
The forgiveness of our sins
Courage to face our fears and temptations
Healing spiritual or physical
Peace in the face of death
Viaticum
Communion for the sick or dying, giving in conjunction with the sacrament of the sick

THE SACRAMENTS OF VOCATION AND MINISTRY

SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY
What are the biblical teachings on marriage?
The book of Genesis presents:
That marriage has two ends procreative and unitive ends
The fall from conjugal unity and equality in the sin originating the history of human infidelity, adultery,
divorce, broken families, etc.
God promising a savior who would redeem marriage by raising it to become the sacrament of Gods
new and eternal covenant with His people
What is the plan of God regarding man and woman?
God who is love and who created man and woman for love has called them to love.
By creating man and woman he called them to an intimate communion of life and of love in marriage:
So that they are no longer two, but one flesh (Matthew 19:6).
God said to them in blessing Be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28).
What are the goods/ values/ends of marriage?
The marital union of man and woman, which is founded and endowed with its own proper laws by the
Creator, is by its very nature is:
ordered to the communion and good of the couple
and to the generation and education of children. According to the original divine plan this conjugal
union is indissoluble, as Jesus Christ affirmed:
What God has joined together, let no man put asunder (Mark 10:9).
What are the elements of a marriage bond?
A baptized man and woman
The freedom to enter marriage
Not being under constraint
Not impeded by any natural or Church law
Public ratification (expression of consent)
Sexual consummation
What is matrimonial consent?
Matrimonial consent is given when a man and a woman manifest the will to give themselves to each
other irrevocably in order to live a covenant of faithful and fruitful love.
Since consent constitutes Matrimony, it is indispensable and irreplaceable.
For a valid marriage the consent must have as its object true Matrimony, and be a human act which is
conscious and free and not determined by duress or coercion.
What are the graces of marriage?
Perfects the spouses love for each other
Strengthens the spouses unbreakable unity
Sanctifies the spouses on their way to eternal life
The sacrament of Matrimony establishes a perpetual and exclusive bond between the spouses. God himself
seals the consent of the spouses. Therefore, a marriage which is ratified and consummated between baptized
persons can never be dissolved. Furthermore, this sacrament bestows upon the spouses the grace necessary to

attain holiness in their married life and to accept responsibly the gift of children and provide for their
education.
What sins are gravely opposed to the sacrament of Matrimony?
Adultery and polygamy are opposed to the sacrament of matrimony because they contradict the equal
dignity of man and woman and the unity and exclusivity of married love
Other sins include the deliberate refusal of ones procreative potential which deprives conjugal love of
the gift of children and
divorce which goes against the indissolubility of marriage
How is the sacrament of Matrimony celebrated?
Since Matrimony establishes spouses in a public state of life in the Church, its liturgical celebration is
public, taking place in the presence of a priest (or of a witness authorized by the Church) and other
witnesses.
What is required when one of the spouses is not a Catholic?
A mixed marriage (between a Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic) needs the permission of
ecclesiastical authority.
In a case of disparity of cult (between a Catholic and a non-baptized person) a dispensation is required
for validity.
In both cases, it is essential that the spouses do not exclude the acceptance of the essential ends and
properties of marriage.
It is also necessary for the Catholic party to accept the obligation, of which the non-Catholic party has
been advised, to persevere in the faith and to assure the baptism and Catholic education of their
children
Why is the Christian family called a domestic church?
The Christian family manifests and lives out the communal and familial nature of the Church as the
family of God.
Each family member, in accord with their own role, exercises the baptismal priesthood and contributes
toward making the family a community of grace and of prayer, a school of human and Christian virtue
and the place where the faith is first proclaimed to children.

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS

A sacrament of the New Law wherein certain spiritual powers are conferred together with the grace to
perform ecclesiastical duties worthily.
Institution:
The Last Supper Accounts
Nature:
By divine institution, some among Christs faithful are, through the sacrament of order, marked with an
indelible character and are thus constituted sacred ministers; thereby they are consecrated and
deputed so that, each according to his own grade, they fulfill, in the person of Christ, the Head, the
offices of teaching, sanctifying and ruling, and so they nourish the people of God.
Matter:
Imposition of Hands

Form:
The prayer of consecration proper to each grade which the liturgical books prescribe.
Effects:
produce an increase of sanctifying grace and their proper sacramental grace.
imprint an indelible character.
cause the ecclesiastical hierarchy to continue.
Points to consider:
The orders are the EPISCOPATE, the PRIESTHOOD, and the DIACONATE
Freedom of Candidates for Orders
For a person to be ordained, he must enjoy the requisite freedom. It is absolutely wrong to compel
anyone, in any way or for any reason whatsoever, to receive orders, or to turn away from orders
anyone who is canonically suitable.
Age of Orders
The priesthood may be conferred only upon those who have completed their twenty fifth year of age,
and posses a sufficient maturity; moreover, an interval of at least six months between the diaconate
and the priesthood must have been observed. Those who are destined for the priesthood are to be
admitted to the order of diaconate only when they have completed their twenty third year.
The Apostolic See reserves the right to dispense more than a year from the age required.

SUMMARY:
Definition of Terms
Sacrament of Baptism:
The sacrament of faith which brings new life in Christ and forgiveness of sins through water and the
Spirit.
Incorporates us into the Church, the body of Christ and makes us sharers of the divine life of the trinity.
Sacrament of Confirmation:
Perfects baptismal grace
The sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine affiliation,
incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely
with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.
Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist:
The act of Christ and of the Church
Christ instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper both as a sacrifice and a memorial meal of His Paschal
mystery, by which Christ is truly present and giving a pledge of future glory.
Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Sacrament of healing all those who approach it obtains Gods pardon, at the same time, reconciled
with the Church through their work of charity and prayer.
Other names of the Sacrament of Reconciliation:

Sacrament of Conversion:
Makes present sacramentally Jesus call to conversion.
Sacrament of Penance:
Emphasizes the whole process of conversion, including contrition, repentance and
satisfaction, which the penitent enters into both personally and as member of the
Church community.
Sacrament of Confession:
Since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this
sacrament.
Sacrament of Forgiveness:
Since by the priests sacramental absolution, God grants the penitent pardon and
peace.
Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles.

Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick:

Intended to strengthen and provide the sick with Christs healing grace of the Holy Spirit, through the
laying on of hands, the prayer of faith, and the anointing with the blessed oil.
Extreme Unction:
the last anointing
Viaticum:
with you on the way
The administration of the Holy Eucharist to those about to die.
Sacrament of Marriage:
A conjugal union between a man and a woman, who are free from impediments, which binds them to
life lived together and in common.
Sacrament of Holy Orders:
Sacrament through which the mission and authority Christ gave to his apostles continues in the
Church.

Effects of the Sacraments

Sacrament of Baptism:
a. Brings us into a new life with Christ.
b. Incorporates us into the Church.
c. Makes us sharer in the divine life.
Sacrament of Confirmation:
a. Increases sanctifying grace.
b. Imprints on our soul a seal or character.
c. Strengthens actual grace.

Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist:

a. Union with Christ.
b. Liberates us from sin.
c. Brings us reconciliation.
Sacrament of Reconciliation:
a. Reconciliation with God.
b. Reconciliation with the Church.
c. Increase of spiritual strength.
d. Remission of sins
e. Peace and serenity of conscience or spiritual consolation
Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick:
a. Gives us spiritual strength.
b. Unites us in the passion of Christ.
c. Gives us ecclesial grace
d. Gives us the opportunity to prepare for the final journey to the Father.
Sacrament of Marriage:
a. Increase of sanctifying grace.
b. Bond of indissolubility.
Sacrament of Holy Orders:
a. Indelible character.
b. Priests: receive sacramental grace to guide and defend the Church.
c. Priests: receive sacramental grace to proclaim the Word of God and offer special gifts and sacrifices.
d. Deacons: receive sacramental grace to be dedicated to the People of God in service of liturgy and
works of charity.
Elements of the Sacraments
Sacrament of Baptism:
Matter: Water
Form: (name) I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Sacrament of Confirmation:
Matter: Holy Chrism (Consecrated Oil)
Form: (name), be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist:
Matter: Unleavened Bread and Grape Wine
Form: This is my body and This is my blood.

Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Matter: Sin (remote), Contrition, Confession, and Reparation (proximate).
Form: Through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace; and I absolve you
from your sin in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (short form)
Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick:
Matter: sick person
Form: May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.
Sacrament of Marriage:
Matter: Consent
Form: I do:
Sacrament of Holy Orders:
Matter: The imposition of hand on the head of the ordained
Form: The solemn prayer of consecration that is proper to each degree