Sacramental Imagination

Experiences of wonder and awe

Illustrate or write about a place or experience that has filled you with wonder and awe.

Describe how you felt in the place or experience. Some people describe these sorts of experiences as ‘being aware of God’s presence’.

What do Sacraments want and desire?

To make:

Grace of God;

Presence of God accessible to people;

Sacramental ImaginationIt is the way of envisioning

reality through the eyes of faith

that recognizes that the finite {physical} can indeed mediate the infinite [spiritual],

that all aspects of created being can mediate grace.

A Sacramental Principle

God is present to humankind and

We respond to God’s Grace through the ordinary and everyday life of life in the world.

God’s Spirit and Humankind work together through:Nature

Creation

Culture

Society

Our minds, bodies, hearts, souls

God’s Spirit and Humankind work together through:Our labors, efforts, creativity, and

art;

In the depth of our being;

In communion with others;

Through every event and experience that comes our way;

God’s Grace expects our Partnership and Responsibility

Life in the World is Sacramental…

Sacramentality of Life calls us to find the extraordinary in the ordinary.

So what do Sacraments desire?

Our transformation

Our change of heart

Our growth in awareness

Our ability to become our best selves - who are able to live responsibly: deeply love, care, respect oneself, others and the world.

The Eucharist—The Sacrament of SacramentsCenter of liturgical celebration – the most

well-known example of divine-human encounter.

Contains elements of all types of prayer◦ Examination◦ Repentance◦ Petition◦ Forgiveness◦ Contemplation◦ Thanksgiving◦ Celebration

Importance of EucharistTo remember Jesus’ sacrifice;

To receive spiritual nourishment;

To be able to heal from self- and others inflicted wounds;

To be in communion with other people;

Sacrament of Penance/ReconciliationImportance:

Helps us to engage our overly emotionally and mentally toxic inner lives;

Reconciles us with ourselves, others and God;

Helps us to live down to earth and truthful lives;

Importance of Reconciliation

Helps of to take responsibility, own and let go of our sins because they limit and hurt us and others;

Why?

Because if we do not have a control of our sins, they start controlling us.

SinsVenial: cracks the relationshipExamples: laziness, arrogance, white lies, making up excuses, selfishness, rudeness, unjustified anger, disrespect, unhealthy pride

Mortal: breaks the relationshipExamples: hatred, murder, terrorism, rape, incest, abortion, adultery, theft, lying about serious matters, diverse addictions

Sacrament of Reconciliation: Four Parts

1) Contrition: True sorrow with intention of not doing it again;

2) Confession: Face our sinning;

3) Act of Penance (Satisfaction): Repair harm done by us; Penance fit the sin;

4) Absolution: God’s forgiveness for sin

Purpose of Amendment: Resolution to sin no more

Rite of Reconciliation1) Priest welcomes penitent2) Sign of the cross3) Priest encourages penitent to trust

God4) Reading the word (optional)5) Confession of sin: true sorrow6) Act of contrition7) Absolution8) Proclaiming God’s praise9) Dismissal

Seal of confessionEvery priest who hears

confessions is bound under very severe penalties

- to keep absolute confidentiality regarding the sins penitents confess.

Anointing of the SickIllness is a reminder of our frailty and mortality as human beings; When our bodies fail us, we realize how much we depend on God.

Outward symbol: Laying on of Hands; Anointing with an oil;Prayer of Faith

Inner Grace: healing and strengthening;Awakening the presence of the Holy Spirit

Anointing of the Sick: Importance- Union of the sick with Christ’s Passion;

- Gives spiritual healing, strength, peace, courage to endure for a person who is seriously ill;

- Forgiveness of sins;

- Restoration of health or preparation of passing over to eternal life.

Holy OrdersOrdained for permanent ministry as bishop, priest, deacon; Roots in the Last Supper

Outward symbol: Laying on of Hands – blessing with Sacred Chrism;Stole; Chalice and PatenInner grace: - Receiving the Holy Spirit- Missioning to be a representative of Christ;

Holy Orders: Importance

- Ordained not for privilege but for service to be:

- Teachers;

- Good shepherds to make presence of Christ visible and felt in our communities.

MatrimonyIdeally: a lifelong covenant; public

vocation;

Outward symbol: - Rings - Vows

Inner Grace:- Shared love - Shared unity

Matrimony: Importance Sacramental encounter with Christ in

each other;

Commitment: through sickness and health;

Deepening of love and intimacy on all levels (intellectual, emotional, spiritual, physical);

Practical benefit: harder to raise children in single family home.