Open with a Prayer: Our Father, Hail Mary. Review with the students the first five lines of the Apostle Creed and continue with the sixth line.

Transcription

1 Rite of Christian Initiation for Children The Association for Catechumenal Ministry LESSON #7 The Sacraments of Service The Beatitudes Objective: The students will learn that the Catholic Church has Seven Sacraments instituted by Christ while he was living on earth among us. The next two we will discuss are called the Sacraments of Service. Open with a Prayer: Our Father, Hail Mary. Review with the students the first five lines of the Apostle Creed and continue with the sixth line. Teach: Today we are going to learn about the last two sacraments of the Catholic Church, called the Sacraments of Service. Remember, the first three sacraments we talked about two weeks ago are called the Sacraments of Initiation (write words on board), because each of these sacraments welcome us more fully into the life of the Catholic Church. What are the three sacraments included in the Sacraments of Initiation? What are the Signs and Effects for each? 1. Baptism sign = water and anointing with oil; the grace or effect = washing away of sin, member of God s family, members with Christ, part of Catholic Church and its mission; 2. Confirmation sign = anointing with oil; the grace or effect = increased power of the Holy Spirit; 3. Holy Eucharist sign = bread and wine; the grace or effect = by receiving the living Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ, we are uniting ourselves with God by consuming the Eucharist The next two sacraments that we talked about last week are called the Sacraments of Healing (write words on board), of both body and spirit. What are the two sacraments included in the Sacraments of Healing? What are the Signs and Effects for each? 1. Anointing of Sick sign = prayers and anointing with oil; the grace or effect = including the fortitude to resist temptation in the face of death, when he is weakest; a

2 union with the Passion of Christ, which makes his suffering holy; and the grace to prepare for death, so that he may meet God in hope rather than in fear. If the recipient was not able to receive the Sacrament of Confession, Anointing also provides forgiveness of sins. And, if it will aid in the salvation of his soul, Anointing may restore the recipient's health; 2. Penance sign = the priest s words of Absolution; the grace or effect = forgiveness of sins; The last two sacraments are called the Sacraments of Service (write words on board), because they reflect the special work we have been called by God to fulfill. HOLY ORDERS sign = prayers and commissioning by Bishop, and anointing with oil; the grace or effect = recipient can act as a representative of Christ, anointing leaves an indelible mark as with Baptism and Confirmation; Holy Orders, in the Catholic Church, is the sacrament through which men are ordained as deacons, priests and bishops. It maintains the continuity of the apostles whereby each ordained person is ordained by a successor of an original apostle of Jesus Christ. At this time, only baptized men can receive this sacrament. The Vatican has determined that the Church has no right to ordain women because Jesus did not appoint females to the position of apostles. This is considered part of the deposit of faith that has been handed on and that no one can change. Generally, the men that are ordained have received a calling from God to be a servant of the people through the Church. No one has a right to this sacrament since the ones that receive it are called and chosen by God to serve. Holy Orders confers a special effect or grace upon the recipient that enables him to act as a representative of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), Head of the Church, in his triple office of priest, prophet and king. Holy Orders, also, like Baptism and Confirmation, confers and indelible spiritual character and can never be repeated and is not a temporary grace or temporary effect of grace. The Catechism says, "It is true that someone validly ordained can, for grave reasons, be discharged from the obligations and functions linked to ordination, or can be forbidden to exercise them; but he cannot become a layman again in the strict sense, because the character imprinted by ordination is forever. The vocation and mission received on the day of his ordination mark him permanently."

3 Christ chose the apostles and gave them a share in his mission and authority (Matthew 28:18-20). Christ also had other followers, but they were not specifically picked out by Christ to be the main leaders of the Church. They did play a "lesser" but important role of assisting the apostles and functioned as our modern day priests. The apostles were the first bishops of the Catholic Church. Therefore, it is Christ's gift that some be apostles and others priests and he continues to act through the bishops today. The first apostolic succession happens in the first chapter of Acts (Acts 1:15-26) and through the years, tradition is that the ones who were appointed to the rank of an apostle were the ones who chose who shared in the ministry. "Since the sacrament of Holy Orders is the sacrament of the apostolic ministry, it is for the bishops as the successors of the apostles to hand on the 'gift of the Spirit,' the 'apostolic line.' Validly ordained bishops, i.e., those who are in the line of apostolic succession, validly confer the three degrees of the sacrament of Holy Orders." The sign is the prayer of consecration asking for and conferring the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the laying on of hands by the bishop and the anointing of the hands. HOLY MATRIMONY sign = exchange of rings and vows between couple, the grace or effect = promises between couple made in God s presence creates covenantal relationship; Holy Matrimony, in the Catholic Church, is the sacrament through which one man and one woman are joined by God. The man and woman enter into a covenant relationship in which they promise to give themselves totally to each other all earthly goods, completely in body and soul. It is a sacrament of service, one to the other. Holy Matrimony confers a special effect or grace upon the recipients that join them through the bonds of Holy Matrimony to each other forever. "Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate," (Mark 10:9). Marriage directly parallels our relationship with God. God is 100% faithful in his relationship with us; those who choose to get married are called to the same faithfulness. The sign is the exchange of rings and vows between the two parties, in the presence of God. Teach: Several weeks ago, we discussed each of the Ten Commandments from the Old Testament which were given to Moses during the time of the Exodus from Egypt

4 (review Ten Commandments). We have also completed our study of the Seven Sacraments which Jesus instituted while here on earth. For the rest of the year, we are going to learn about Jesus and his ministry here on earth. When God came to us in the form of a man, Jesus Christ, his purpose was to provide a way for our salvation and to teach us how to live with each other as part of God s family. Jesus teachings did not change any of the lessons from the Old Testament (Mt 5:17-19), but they did enhance them and deepen our understanding of what it means to be a child of God. One of the most important teachings Jesus gave is called the Beatitudes, from the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of St. Matthew (Mt 5:1-12). The word beatitude means a blessing. (you might want to have the students locate the scripture in the Bible) Read: Grade 6 Text Book: Following Christ, chapter 16, pages 73-75, beginning with the introductory paragraphs (pg 73, student text) through the first Beatitude under the subsection The Beatitudes. After reading the two-paragraph explanation of the first Beatitude, add the following reflection (continue through the next seven of the Eight Beatitudes in the same fashion): Teach: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Mt 5:3). (St. Maximillian Kolbe, offered his life in exchange for another prison at Auschwicz) Reflect: What are the things you own that are you really attached to? Would you be able to give up these possessions to help another? How about giving of your time? Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted (Mt 5:4). (remind children of the story of the Amish children and the faith of their parents, pg in teacher s lesson plans) Reflect: What has made you sad in the past? Have you been able to ask for God s help? Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth (Mt 5:5). (Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and her work with the dying in India) Reflect: When have you put yourself above others? How does it make you feel when someone else puts you down? What is the better way to respond?

5 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied (Mt 5:6). (St. Ignatius of Loyola, defender of the Catholic Faith at a time when the Church was falling into error) Reflect: When have you been called upon to defend your Catholic faith? How do you respond when you hear others make fun of those who attend church [TV, movies, friends]? Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy (Mt 5:7). (story of Julie Welch, pg 1221 Youth Bible died in Oklahoma City bombing; father subsequently worked against the death penalty for those men who were responsible for the bombing) Reflect: Who are your enemies, those who hurt you, leave you out, or put you down? Have you been revengeful? Have you asked God to help you forgive them? Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God (Mt 5:8). (St. Therese, the Little Flower, who devoted herself to serve others in love) Reflect: What are the gifts and talents that God has given you? Have you asked God to show you what he would like you to do with your gifts? Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God (Mt 5:9). (Pope John Paul II, travelled the world to bring Christ s love to others; met with Jewish leaders to extend hand of friendship) Reflect: Have you ever been in a situation when two of your buddies do not get along with each other? What do you think causes rivalries between people? What can you do to help?

6 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account (Mt 5:10-11). Reflect: Think of those who heroically witness to their faith. How about those who risk ridicule to publically give God credit for helping them succeed? How many ball players have you seen point up to the sky after a goal or homerun or cross themselves before they perform? How many of them give the glory to God or to Jesus Christ? Do you ever publically witnessed to God? Wesley Sneijder, a member of the Netherland s World Cup Soccer team, just recently came into the Catholic Church and is very devoted to the Rosary, which he wears in public. The major influence in the athlete s conversion was his Catholic bride-to-be, a Dutch actress, Yolanthe Cabau, who gave him the rosary he wears; but he also was moved by the good Catholic example of his teammate, Javier Zanetti. The Dutch team beat Uruguay to advance to the World Cup final against Spain. Sneijder scored the winning goal in Holland s defeat of Brazil in the quarter finals. Soccer player Wayne Rooney s recent comment that he wears rosary beads during soccer practice because he is Catholic has piqued the interest of sports enthusiasts who hope to hear more about his faith. Rooney, who is a striker for England s national team in the World Cup, was at a Wednesday conference with English journalists when a reporter asked about the rosary beads he wears around his neck during soccer practices. According to the Mirror sports columnist John Cross, Rooney looked surprised and said I've been wearing them four years now and you don't usually watch training. Obviously I can't wear them in games." Asked why he wears them, the sportsman replied It s my religion. An FA press officer then stepped in and said, We don t do religion. Cross said it was a shame that the comment was interrupted, declaring that the fact Rooney is religious is of great consequence and interest. He noted that other players such as Jermain Defoe and Kolo Toure have spoken about their faith. It's interesting to me and I find it a shame that the topic was cut off before it could be explored, the Mirror columnist wrote. We live in an openly multi-cultural society, and yet it seems at times we're afraid to actually discuss those cultures in the open. Rooney displayed his rosary beads before the national anthems prior to the England-U.S. match. Fr. Edward Quinn, Rooney s parish priest in Liverpool, presided over his marriage to Coleen McLoughlin. He told the Times, When I presided over Wayne and Coleen s wedding in Italy, all of the guests received a set of rosary beads, so it is clearly a symbol which means a lot to them. American Catholic soccer stars Antonio Soave, of Catholic Athletes for Christ (he was coaching the University of Steubenville team in recent years) and Chase Hilgenbrinck would be impressed. Illinois

7 native Hilgenbrinck played four years for Chile before signing with the New England Revolution in After playing just one year with the Revolution, Chase chose to pursue another vocation, the priesthood. After the season ended he entered Mount St. Mary s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md. In an interview with the Boston Herald, Hilgenbrinck said, After years of discernment, I feel strongly that the Lord has called me to become a priest in the Catholic Church. Playing professional soccer has been my passion for a long time and I feel blessed to have successfully lived out this dream. My passion now is to do the will of God, which is wanting only what He wants for me. Though I will miss the game of soccer, I know that I am moving on to something much greater. I felt called to something greater, Hilgenbrinck added. At one time I thought that call might be professional soccer. In the past few years, I found my soul is hungry for something else. I discerned, through prayer, it was calling me to the Catholic Church. I do not want this call to pass me by. It s not that I m ready to leave soccer. I still have a great passion for the game. I wouldn t leave the game for just any other job. I m moving on for the Lord. I want to do the will of the Lord, I want to do what he wants for me, not what I want to do for myself. Read Continue Chapter 16 to the end, (pg 74-75). Tell the students: The Beatitudes are a beautiful reminder of how we can live in the way Jesus taught us to live. Let s continue to look for examples of others who have the courage to publically witness to our Catholic faith. Let us also be open to ways in which we can be a witness to others. Please bow your heads while I read this closing prayer to you. (next page)

8 Closing Prayer Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Jesus, give us the wisdom and courage to be poor in spirit... in a world that glorifies power and fame. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Give us the wisdom and courage to mourn... because we know you are with us always. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Give us the wisdom and courage to remain meek... and to be mindful of the truth that all we have and all we accomplish comes through you. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Give us the wisdom and courage to always do what is right... even when what is right is not what is popular or easy. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Give us the wisdom and courage to be merciful... even when it is very difficult to forgive. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Give us the wisdom and courage to be pure of heart... even when we feel overwhelmed by jealousy or a thirst for power or popularity. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Give us the wisdom and courage to be peacemakers... in a world torn apart by violence. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven. 12 Jesus, give us the wisdom and courage to remain strong when people make fun of us because we love you and follow you...may we never forget that our reward in heaven is great! Amen.

9 THE APOSTLES CREED The Apostles Creed is the Church s statement of beliefs. If you read the creed carefully, you can see that what it is really saying is that we believe in God, in His son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit. It also says we believe in the holy Catholic Church, in the community of all saints, in the forgiveness of sins, and in eternal life with God in heaven. Most theologians agree that the creed was created within the first 100 to 200 years after Jesus death and resurrection. Over the years, the words have changed but only very slightly. Every Sunday at Mass, the entire congregation recites another version of the creed called The Nicene Creed. It is a little longer, but it is the same set of beliefs. I believe in God, The Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, And is seated at the right hand of God, The Father Almighty. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, The holy Catholic Church, The communion of saints, The forgiveness of sins, The resurrection of the body, And life everlasting. Amen.