Académique Documents
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4th Quarter
Lesson 3
SACRAMENTS IN GENERAL
What are the seven sacraments?
The seven sacraments are efficient signs of grace.
They are SIGNS because they are visible symbols of invisible realities. For example: in Baptism the
visible sign is water, the invisible reality is the Holy Spirit; in Eucharist, the visible signs are bread and wine,
the invisible realities are the body and blood of Christ.
They are EFFICIENT because they make effective the invisible reality they represent. The sacraments are
always valid (ex opera operato), because the ministers administer them on behalf of Christ (in persona
Christi)
They transmit the divine GRACE: The sanctifying grace is the communion with God, which is lost any
time we commit a mortal sin, the sacramental grace is the divine assistance given by each sacrament in
order to fulfill our duties.
MINISTER
MATTER
Baptism
Deacon/ Priest
Confirmation
Eucharist
Bishop
Priest
Water
Laying of Hands
& Chrism
Bread & Wine
Penance
Order
Priest
Bishop
Matrimony
Spouses
Confession of
Sins
Laying of Hands
Exchange of
Consent
Anointing of
the Sick
Priest
FORM
I baptize you in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit.
Be sealed with the gift of the Holy
Spirit.
This is my body; this is my blood.
I absolve you in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit.
You are a priest forever
I take you as my wife; I take you as
my husband
Through this holy anointing may the
Lord in his love and mercy help you
with the grace of the Holy Spirit.
CROSIER: The crosier (or pastoral staff) signifies the bishops authority, jurisdiction and service over
the Church. Following the example of Jesus, the Good shepherd, the bishop guides the sheep on the
way to salvation, defends them from the wolf, and searches for the lost ones. The crosier imitates the
rod given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, and the rod used by the shepherds to care for the sheep.
2.
MITER: The miter represents a spiritual helmet, and signifies the duty of the bishop to defend the
Christian faith and the Church against all enemies. It is composed of a tall folding cap and two lappets
hanging down from the back. The miter is always laid aside when the bishop prays, in obedience to
Scriptures which say that a man should pray with uncovered head (1 Corinthians 11:4).
3.
RING: The ring signifies the spiritual wedding between the bishop and the Church. By wearing the
ring, the bishop confirms his fidelity to Christ and to the Church. The Episcopal ring is also used to seal
documents, and it is kissed by the faithful as a sign of respect and obedience.
4.
PECTORAL CROSS: The Pectoral Cross (Pectorale) signifies the absolute love of the bishop for
Christ and for the Church. The cross reminds the bishop of the passion of in his Episcopal ministry.
5.
COAT OF ARMS: The Episcopal Coat of Arms is a shield embossed with symbolic elements and a
motto scroll, indicating the bishops personality, programs, and ideal of life. For instance, the Coat of
Arms of Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) has three main elements (The Moor of Freising, the
Scallop Shell and the St. Corbinians Bear), and the motto Cooperatores Veritatis (Cooperators of
Truth).
The candidates for Confirmation should be properly prepared: generally, in the four basic pillars of our faith
(creed, sacraments, commandments, prayer); and specifically, in the understanding of the Holy Spirit (his
manifestations and gifts) and in their mature participation to the life and mission of the Church.
THE GODPARENTS
Is there need for godparents at Confirmation?
Yes; each candidate for Confirmation should be accompanied by one godparent (sponsor), preferably the
same one of Baptism.
LITURGICAL NOTES
What is the proper dress for the candidates for Confirmation?
The dress of the candidates for Confirmation should be modest but festive. Confirmation robes are not
recommended, since they are easily confused with graduation robes. Confirmation stoles should not be used, since
the stole is a liturgical garb that distinguishes an ordained minister.
What are the proper manner to greet the bishop and other clergy?
The deacon should be addressed as Reverend; the priest as Father; the bishop as His Excellency; and the cardinal as
His Eminence. To the deacon and priest, we should ask for the hand for the customary blessing (mano po); to the
bishop, we should kneel and bow down and kiss his ring, otherwise, we make a deep bow.