LEITOURGIA Prayer and Worship Sacraments of the Church This double session is designed to give participants an understanding of the meaning and purpose of sacraments as ritual celebrations of key events and as revelatory of the nature of God s relationship with us. BACKGROUND Christ instituted the sacraments of the new law. There are seven: Baptism, Confirmation (or Chrismation), the Eucharist, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony. The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life: they give birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian's life of faith. There is thus a certain resemblance between the stages of natural life and the stages of the spiritual life. (CCC, 1994, para. 1210) The mysteries of Christ's life are the foundations of what he would henceforth dispense in the sacraments, through the ministers of his Church, for "what was visible in our Saviour has passed over into his mysteries." (CCC, 1994, para. 1115) The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions. (CCC, 1994, para. 1131) In his preaching, the Lord Jesus often makes use of the signs of creation to make known the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. He performs healings and illustrates his preaching with physical signs or symbolic gestures. He gives new meaning to the deeds and signs of the Old Covenant, above all to the Exodus and the Passover, for he himself is the meaning of all these signs. (CCC, 1994, para. 1151) Sacraments are holy, visible signs instituted by Christ of an invisible reality, in which Christians can experience the healing, forgiving, nourishing, strengthening presence of God that enables them to love in turn; this is possible because God s grace works in the sacraments. (Youcat, 2011, para. 105) Sacraments can be effective only if one understands and accepts them in faith. (Youcat, 2011, para. 177) Sacraments are Christ s gift to his Church. (Youcat, 2011, para. 175) 1 LEITOURGIA: Sacraments of the Church
PRAYER FOR THE START OF EACH SESSION NOTE: Information relating to setting up a prayerful environment can be found in Appendix 2. Leader extends a warm welcome to the group and invites some moments of silence and quiet reflection. Every day since our last gathering, we have been engaged with our school, family, community or Church. These, and many other places, are the world in which we live out our mission as followers of Jesus. Our lives are full of unexpected twists and turns, highs and lows, commitments and new insights. You are invited to share with the group (as you feel comfortable): an experience this week that challenged you; or a learning or a joy for you this week; or a new insight about last week s Gospel or discussions; or an experience where you felt the presence of God 1. Since the last gathering, students may have participated in a major rite or ritual. You could invite students to share their feelings about the experience. We pray Pause for reflection and sharing God who is with us, We thank you for bringing us together to learn more about your ways. As we take the next step in our journey. Open our hearts and minds So that you may make your home within us. We ask for your guidance and blessing with each step we make. Amen. 1 Adapted from Every Day with Jesus: Lent to Pentecost, Year C, Resource produced by the Archdiocese of Brisbane, page 17. 2 LEITOURGIA: Sacraments of the Church
1. ENCOUNTERING AND LISTENING BEGINNING Brainstorm what students already about the seven sacraments. Watch the following video about the seven sacraments and look for any symbols or actions that are associated with each sacrament: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4povr2v un8 DEEPENING Brainstorm what students already about the seven sacraments. Watch the following video about the seven sacraments and look for any symbols or actions that are associated with each sacrament: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4povr 2vuN8 2. PONDERING AND MEDITATION BEGINNING Give students a copy of a line or two from a prayer from each sacrament, which will give the students a small explanation of what each is celebrating (see the attached document for these prayers). Group members decide which line belongs to which sacrament. Have a short discussion about what each prayer line tells us about each of the sacraments. Students use a Lotus Diagram (see attachment) and fill in a box for each sacrament, using key words, phrases, images and symbol. Give a brief explanation of each sacrament and the idea of initiation, healing and commitment. DEEPENING Give students a copy of a line or two from a prayer from each sacrament, which will give the students a small explanation of what each is celebrating (see the attached document for these prayers). Group members decide which line belongs to which sacrament. Have a short discussion about what each prayer line tells us about each of the sacraments. Students complete Lotus Diagram 2 Diagram (see attachment) for the Sacraments of Initiation, Healing and Commitment. Give a brief explanation of each sacrament and the idea of initiation, healing and commitment. 3 LEITOURGIA: Sacraments of the Church
3. APPROPRIATING AND MAKING A HOME FOR THE WORD BEGINNING Students read each of the following passages of Scripture, then use them to complete the Lotus Diagram (attached): Mt 3:13-17 - The Baptism of Jesus 1 Cor 11:23-27 - The Institution of the Lord s Supper Jn 20:19-23 - Jesus Appears to his Disciples Acts 2:1-4 - The Coming of the Holy Spirit Students identify which sacrament the Scripture is about. In one of the outer boxes of the Lotus Diagram, students write the Scripture reference for each sacrament in the section belonging to that sacrament DEEPENING Divide the passages of Scripture among the group, to read and report on each passage in pairs. Then use the passages to complete the Lotus Diagram (attached): Mt 3:13-17 - The Baptism of Jesus 1 Cor 11:23-27 - The Institution of the Lord s Supper Jn 20:19-23 - Jesus Appears to his Disciples Acts 2:1-4 - The Coming of the Holy Spirit James 5:14-15- The Prayer of Faith Gen 2:23-25 Man and woman become one flesh Students identify which sacrament the Scripture is about. In one of the outer boxes of the Lotus Diagram, students write the Scripture reference for each sacrament in the section belonging to that sacrament 4. BEING CHALLENGED AND TRANSFORMED BEGINNING Teacher explains that receiving the sacraments is not the end of the story, but the beginning. Jesus was a sign of God s love for us, now we as a Church are to be a sign of God s love for the world. Jesus gave many examples of how we, as his disciples, should act. One of these examples happened when he washed the feet of his disciples on the night before he died. In the time of Jesus, washing someone s feet was usually the role of a servant. Students answer the following questions: Why would Jesus have wanted to wash the feet of his friends? What point was he trying to make? DEEPENING Teacher explains that the stories we read in the Acts of the Apostles tell us about how the early Christian community gathered to support each other. When we read the story of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), we find out about the way the early community received God s spirit in such a way that their lives were changed. From being scared and frightened about what they should do now that Jesus their leader had left them, they were able to go out to all the world and spread the Good news. For each sacrament, students think about how the sacrament might change or transform them. 4 LEITOURGIA: Sacraments of the Church
How can we learn from Jesus example? How should we act if we are to model our lives on his actions? How will the sacraments help us to act in the way that Jesus wants us to act? Students discuss ideas with a partner, or in the group, and include their ideas in the Lotus diagram (attached). Students write a short reflection on the following question: How do you think the sacraments help us to have life to the full? 5. BECOMING A LIVING WITNESS BEGINNING Teacher explains that like the first disciples, as members of the Church we share in the mission of the Church. When we receive the sacraments we receive God s grace and the strength of the Holy Spirit, to help us to go out and use our gifts to serve our community. Students respond to the following questions: List 3 groups that they know about in your community who help others List 3 gifts they have that they could use to help others at home and at school Name 3 areas of need they can see at school where they could give a hand. This might involve starting a project to help the school or gathering a group of other kids to complete a task or perform some service. This week: make a reminder chart for yourself to use your gifts to help bring about a fairer world. Each day: list one or two things that you ve done to try and do this. DEEPENING Teacher explains that like the first disciples, as members of the Church we share in the mission of the Church. Throughout history, there have been many people who have taken this role seriously, and formed groups to work for the poor, the homeless, the sick or the lonely. Ask students to see if they can find out about a group in their local community who work to bring about a fairer world, in the way that Jesus taught us. Students come back to the group in the next session, ready to tell others about this group. Students are asked to, each day, write a note to themselves about how they can try to be a witness to the love of God in the way they act. Students write a goal and then reflect on their efforts to achieve the goal. Encourage students to share this with the group. Prayer Experience As we reflect on how the sacraments help us to continue the mission of Jesus, let us pray together the prayer of St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) which can be found at: http://www.journeywithjesus.net/poemsandpr ayers/teresa_of_avila_christ_has_no_body.sh tml 5 LEITOURGIA: Sacraments of the Church
HEALING AND BLESSING RITUAL The Leader calls the Candidates forward. Candidates bow their heads or kneel. The Leader invites others present to extend their hand over the Candidates. Leader: Let us pray for God s healing and mercy (pause). Choose one of the following healing prayers or see Appendix 4 for more options. God, Creator and Saviour of all, in your love you have formed and you have called and received them. Watch over as they look forward to the coming of your Son. Keep in your providence and complete in them the plan of your love. May become a disciple of Jesus here on earth and be with him forever in heaven. All: Amen Lord Jesus Christ, we pray for who have opened their ears and hearts to your word. Grant that they may grasp your moment of grace. Let them submit to the Spirit of grace, so that, with hope, they may join the priestly people and share in the abundant joy of living in your presence. All: Amen In silence, the Leader extends his/her hands towards each Candidate as a sign of blessing. Leader: Let us pray for God s blessing on these Candidates (pause). Choose one of the following blessings or see Appendix 3 for more options. May God give you a heart which is loving and faithful that you may love God with all your heart and love your neighbour as yourself. (Proverbs 3:3) May you grow to realise that God has given you many gifts. May you understand that these gifts carry with them the responsibility to be used for the good of others. (Galatians 6:5) May the Lord give you perseverance in all that you do. May the Lord help you especially to complete the journey that God has marked out for you. (Hebrews 12:1) May the Holy Spirit give you a sense of trust and faith in Jesus promises for you and for all people. (Luke 17:5-6, Hebrews 11:1-40) Leader: Let us go in the peace of Christ OR Let us proclaim the Gospel by our lives. All: Thanks be to God. 6 LEITOURGIA: Sacraments of the Church
RESOURCES Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994), St Pauls Publications, Strathfield, NSW. Catholic Youth Bible NRSV Catholic Edition (2 nd ed.) (2011), St Mary s Press, Winona, MN. International Commission on English in the Liturgy [ICEL] (2003), Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Study Edition, St Pauls Publications, Strathfield, NSW. Youcat: Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church, MJ Miller, Trans. (2011), Freedom Publishing, Balwyn, VIC. (Note: Original work published 2010) http://www.journeywithjesus.net/poemsandprayers/teresa_of_avila_christ_has_no_body.shtml http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4povr2vun8 Lotus diagram for the Seven Sacraments Lotus diagram for the Sacraments of Initiation, Healing and Commitment. 7 LEITOURGIA: Sacraments of the Church
A Lotus Diagram is a very useful tool for: USING A LOTUS DIAGRAM1 a) Brainstorming an issue or idea and b) For exploring and expanding upon an issue or idea. It will generate a broad range of responses and the Lotus diagram will help you organise these ideas. The key tool used in a lotus diagram is a 3 x 3 grid. The key idea that you want the students to brainstorm is placed in the centre of the grid. In the eight squares surrounding the centre square, students write down their responses. s may be a word, short phrase or image. 1 8 7 2 Key Idea 6 3 4 5 1 Source: Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Office (2006), Journeying Together in Hope Religious Education Curriculum P-12: Teaching strategies,, Warragul, VIC. 8 LEITOURGIA: Sacraments of the Church
In this session, students will be using the Lotus Diagram to explore the key ideas, symbols and words associated with each of the Seven Sacraments. You will need to use one 3 x 3 grid for each sacrament. The key idea in the centre square is the name of the sacrament. Students are to record the key ideas, images, symbols and words associated with each sacrament. 1 8 7 2 Name of Sacrament 6 3 4 5 The Lotus diagram grid on the next page is too small for students to use successfully. This page would need to be enlarged onto at least an A3 page. The second Lotus diagram, used in the 'Deepening' section, will explore the key words, phrases and images around the Sacraments of Initiation, Healing and Commitment. An example is given below. 1 8 7 2 Sacraments of Initiation 6 3 4 5 9 LEITOURGIA: Sacraments of the Church
LOTUS DIAGRAM Symbol Reconciliation Scripture Symbol Symbol Baptism Scripture Anointing of the sick Scripture Symbol Eucharist Scripture Symbol Symbol Confirmation Scripture Marriage Scripture Symbol Holy Orders Scripture
LOTUS DIAGRAM 2 KEY IDEA
The Seven Sacraments Prayers from each of the sacramental liturgies BAPTISM Sacraments of Initiation The Christian community welcomes you with great joy. In its name I claim you for Christ our Saviour by the Sign of the Cross. I now trace the cross on your forehead and invite your parents and godparents to do the same. (Rite of Baptism: Reception of the Child) You have become a new creation and have clothed yourself in Christ. (Rite of Baptism: Clothing with White Garment) You have put on Christ, in him you have been baptised. (Rite of Baptism) CONFIRMATION Be active members of the Church, alive in Jesus Christ. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, give your lives completely in the service of all, as did Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. (Rite of Confirmation: Instruction to Candidates) Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who brought these your servants to new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, freeing them from sin: send upon them, O Lord, the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete; give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and fortitude, the spirit of knowledge and piety; fill them with the spirit of the fear of the Lord. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen. (Rite of Confirmation: Laying on of Hands)
EUCHARIST Blessed be Jesus, whom you sent to be the friend of children and of the poor. He came to show us how we can love you, Father, by loving one another. He came to take away sin, which keeps us from being friends, and hate, which makes us all unhappy. He promised to send the Holy Spirit, to be with us always so that we can live as your children. (Eucharistic Prayer for Masses with Children II) We do now what Jesus told us to do. We remember his Death and his Resurrection and we offer you, Father, the bread that gives us life, and the cup that saves us. Jesus brings us to you; welcome us as you welcome him. Father, because you love us, you invite us to come to your table. Fill us with the joy of the Holy Spirit as we receive the Body and Blood of your Son. (Eucharistic Prayer for Masses with Children II) Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him, says the Lord (John 6:57) (Communion antiphon: Mass of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ) For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord s death until he comes. (1 Cor 11:23-26 NRSV)
Sacraments of Healing PENANCE May God, who has enlightened every heart, Help you to know your sins And trust in his mercy. Amen. (Rite of Penance) Hear us, O Lord, For you are merciful and kind. In your great compassion, Look on us with love. (Rite of Penance) Lord, hear the prayers of those who call on you, Forgive the sins of those who confess to you, And in your merciful love Give us your pardon and your peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Rite of Penance) Lord our God, you are patient with sinners And accept our desire to make amends. We acknowledge our sins And are resolved to change our lives. Help us to celebrate this sacrament of your mercy So that we may reform our lives And receive from you the gift of everlasting joy. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen. (Rite of Penance) ANOINTING OF THE SICK God of all consolation, You chose and sent your Son to heal the world.
Graciously listen to our prayer of faith: Send the power of your Holy Spirit, the Consoler, into this precious oil, this soothing ointment, this rich gift, this fruit of the earth. (Anointing of the Sick: Prayer over the Oil) Make this oil a remedy for all who are anointed with it; Heal them in body, in soul, and in spirit, And deliver them from every affliction. (Anointing of the Sick: Prayer over the Oil) Father in heaven, Through this holy anointing grant N... comfort in her suffering. When she is afraid, give her courage, when afflicted give her patience. when dejected, afford her hope, and when alone, assure her of the support of your holy people. (Anointing of the Sick: Prayer of Anointing) God our Father, We have anointed your child N... with the oil of healing and peace. Caress him, shelter him, and keep him in your tender care. (Anointing of the Sick: Prayer of Anointing for a Child)
Sacraments of Commitment MARRIAGE Strengthen, we pray, in the grace of Marriage N. and N., whom you have brought happily to their wedding day, that under your protection they may always be faithful in their lives to the covenant they have sealed in your presence. (Rite of Marriage: insertion into Eucharistic Prayer III) Father, by your power you have made everything out of nothing. In the beginning you created the universe And made mankind (humankind) in your own likeness. You gave man the constant help of woman so that man and woman should no longer be two but one flesh, And you teach us that what you have united may never be divided. (Rite of Marriage: Excerpt from Nuptial Blessing) The love of man and woman is made holy in the sacrament of marriage, and becomes the mirror of your everlasting love. (Rite of Marriage: Excerpt from Preface of Nuptial Mass) HOLY ORDERS This man, your relative and friend, is now to be raised to the order of priests. Consider carefully the position to which he is to be promoted in the Church. It is true that God has made his entire people a royal priesthood in Christ. But our High Priest, Jesus Christ, also chose some of his followers to carry out publicly in the Church a priestly ministry in his name on behalf of mankind. He was sent by the Father, and he in turn sent the apostles into the world; through them and their successors, the bishops, he continues his work as Teacher, Priest, and Shepherd. Priests are co-workers of the order of bishops. They are joined to the bishops in the priestly office and are called to serve God's people. (Rite of Ordination of Priest: Homily)
May he be faithful in working with the order of bishops, so that the words of the Gospel may reach the ends of the earth, and the family of nations, made one in Christ, may become God's one, holy people. (Rite of Ordination of Priest: Prayer of Consecration)