Sacraments Flashcards
What are the 7 sacraments?
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- Reconciliation
- Anointing of the sick
- Matrimony
- Holy orders
- The Eucharist
What is a sacrament?
An outward sign of inward blessing
A visible sign of invisible grace
It’s something people can experience with their senses but has a deeper reality
What are the two sacraments acknowledged by Protestants?
Baptism and Eucharist
These are the gospel sacraments authorised by Jesus
What do Catholics believe sacraments mean?
God imparts gifts and powers
Why is baptism important?
- Rite of entry into Christian church
- Original sin removed
- Follows Jesus’ example with John the baptist in the river Jordan
- A public declaration of personal faith
- The first sacrament-a covenant in between humans and god
- It’s a direct link between baptism and death/resurrection
- Jesus said “go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them”
- A sign of the gift of the Holy Spirit
“No one can see the kingdom of god unless born of water and spirit”
What happens in the baptism ceremony?
- Priest welcome “you have asked to have your child baptised”
- The word of god e.g the reading on Nicodemus-John 3:1-6
- Exorcism and anointing “set this child free from original sin” and child anointed with catechumens
- Baptismal promises parents/godparents on behalf of child to reject sin
- The baptism-priest pours water three times
Water-symbol of new life in family of god - Anointing with chrism-a symbol of being chosen in special task
- White garment-symbol of new life and faith in Jesus
- Baptismal candle-lit from great paschal candle symbol of life and knowledge
Key quotations
“This is my son the beloved; with him I am well pleased”
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you , unless one is born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
“Go forth and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit”
Jesus’ baptism
- By John the Baptist in river Jordan
- Before his public ministry God said he was pleased with him
- Holy Spirit came down like a dove
- Apostles baptised new comers to the church
- Baptism allows sharing and death in resurrection
- Baptised in the name of the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit
What is the importance of infant baptism?
- Freed from original sin
- Becomes church member, the family of god
- Parents/godparents commit child to Christian upbringing
- Expect to be confirmed later
“Baptised in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit”
What is the importance of believers baptism?
- Baptists believe this follows the example of Jesus
- Total immersion
- A dedication of their life to Christ
- Often give a testimony explaining why
Key words for baptism
Baptism = admission ceremony, water poured as initiation
Infant baptism = children baptised with parents making commitments
Original sin = all people born with weakness
Believers baptism = baptism of people old enough to make own decisions
Testimony = statement explaining why person is baptised
Confirmation = ceremony confirming promises given at baptism and Holy Spirit received
Give three or four differences between infant and believers baptism
- Infants baptism is not their choice
- Believers understand the commitment of baptism
- Infant baptism is practiced in the Roman Catholic Church
- Believers baptism is practiced by baptists
- Both infant and believers baptism are done in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit
- During infant baptism water is poured
- Believers are totally immersed
- Infant baptism promises are made by parents
- Believers make their own promises
Explain why Catholics believe baptism is important?
- Allows a fresh start
- Wash away sin
- Be in gods family
- Receive strength to resist temptation
- Unity with other Christians
- Welcome to church
- Sacraments Bring you closer to god
- Outward sign of inward grace
- Covenant between humans and god
- Receive gift of Holy Spirit
- A chance to enter heaven
- Other sacraments will be received
Explain two teachings on the importance of baptism?
“This my son the beloved; with him I am well pleased”
Jesus was baptised
“Go forth and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”
These were Jesus’ orders to his disciples before he ascended showing all Christians should be baptised
Explain two ways in which the sacrament of baptism can influence the lives of Catholics?
1.Initiation sacrament child is welcomed into kingdom of god
Faith is strengthened they become closer to god
Catholics show faith by going to mass
Baptism unites them with other Christians
2.Person receives gift of the Holy Spirit
Strength to resist temptation which influences a Catholic to behave well on earth e.g give to charity
What is confirmation?
Another sacrament of initiation where the gifts received at baptism are sealed
Promises made by parents are now made by the candidate
The Holy Spirit is given a special task
Become full member of the church
What are the signs used in confirmation?
Laying on of hands = strength and courage
Oil of chrism = sign of gods bond with humans
Sign of the cross = belonging to god
Sign of peace = Holy Spirit as a dove-bringing peace between humans and god
The naming = Old Testament symbol of God giving a name before setting a task
What is the first part in the service of confirmation?
Preparation: instruction through a day of reflection about what being Christian means
Parents sort out a sponsor
Candidate goes to service of reconciliation to focus on the gifts
What is the second part in the service of confirmation?
Presentation of the candidate
Candidate gets a card
With their confirmation name to present to bishop
What is the third part of the service of confirmation?
Renewing baptism promises
Baptism promises given by parents now given by candidate
Reaffirming the candidates faith in the Trinity
What’s the fourth part in the service of confirmation?
The laying on of hands
During mass bishop lays hands on candidates head
Ancient sign of being chosen for a special task
Symbolises the Holy Spirit giving the candidate power and strength
What’s the fifth part in the service of confirmation?
Anointing with chrism
Like in baptism chrism oil is used
Symbol of strength and courage
Sponsor places right hand on candidates shoulder
Candidates kneels
Bishop puts oil on forehead making sign of cross and says
“Send down your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide
What is a sponsor?
Usually a parent, godparent, friend or relative
Present candidate to bishop
Places hand on candidates shoulder
A mentor offering a guidance and prayer
Name four gifts of the Holy Spirit?
Wisdom and understanding
Judgment and courage
Knowledge and reverence
Wonder and owe
