Christ the King Old Catholic Church separates NO ONE from God's Grace in the Sacraments.
The Seven Sacraments of the Church
One of the hallmarks of the worldwide Catholic church, whether Roman or Old Catholic or Orthodox is the celebration of the Seven Sacraments: Baptism, Holy Communion, Confirmation, Penance/Reconciliation, Healing (the old Extreme Unction), Marriage and Holy Orders/ Priesthood. These seven rites, or practices, are sacraments for Catholics because it is through these rites that God’s grace is experienced in a real way. By its very nature grace is a divine reality that we can’t see or experience in our human senses. So how do we humans know that we experience God’s presence his grace? We need to hear, see, and touch God, to experience God… but how? These rites are opportunities of direct contact with Jesus Christ. Sacraments are ways that express the underlying spiritual reality the words and items signify. These outward signs are ways that we understand the reality that is happening to and in our souls. The traditional way definition of a Catholic Sacrament is that it is “an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.” Notice there are three elements in this definition.
The first element is that a sacrament is an outward sign. This means that along with words and actions a real item is essential to be present. This can include water (Baptism), bread & wine (Eucharist/Holy Communion), oil (Sacrament of the Sick), etc. Each item is unique to the sacrament in which it is used.
The second element is that sacraments are instituted by Jesus Christ himself. They are found in Sacred Scripture of the Bible describing Jesus’ ministry and moments throughout his life, and developed through the tradition which is the living history of the Church. When the Church celebrates the Sacraments we remember the events of Jesus’ life that corresponds to each Sacrament: Jesus was baptized by St. John the Baptist, he blessed the wedding couple at Cana by his first miracle of water to wine, he declared bread and wine at the Last Supper to be his Body and Blood, etc. In the Sacraments we not only gain the graces they signify but we share wonderfully in Christ’s own life moments.
The third element is that sacraments give grace. Grace is the life of God or presence of God. It is a gift which is given by God of His presence, and which cannot be bought or earned by us through anything we do. To be clear, sacraments are NOT MAGIC! The church is not Hogwarts and priests are not Harry Potter. Sacramental prayers are not magic spells. The priest has no power in and of him/herself. The priest is NOT the one who provides the grace in the sacrament, only God does that; the priest is only an instrument or a vessel of Jesus’ grace. It is Jesus who baptizes, who gives his own Body and Blood in Communion, and so on. It is Jesus who acts in the Sacraments to communicate the grace that each sacrament signifies. The priest here is the “Alter Christus” or the “Other Christ:” the priest is NOT Jesus Christ but only acts in his name.
The Sacraments provide God’s grace through the saving work of Christ, accomplished once for all in his life, death, and resurrection. And while we human beings are flawed the grace of each Sacrament doesn’t depend on our holiness or righteousness, either we as recipient or the priest as celebrant. God is the giver of the gift (grace) and it is up to us to open our hands and hearts and take it (spiritual preparation through prayer, etc.) or close our hands and hearts (hard-heartedness, sin) and reject it.
Christ the King Old Catholic Church in Albuquerque offers these Sacraments to our parishioners as well as those who seek them when they are refused at their home parish, or if there is no parish or congregation affiliation. At Christ the King OCC the sacraments are offered with increasing degrees of responsibility to all parties. With the celebration of each sacrament comes the rights and responsibilities of each sacrament, for both the Church and receiver of the sacrament and/or their family.
As a Mission of the NACEC, Christ the King OCC does not withhold the grace of Our Lord from anyone. If you receive the Sacraments through the auspices of Christ the King OCC, we invite you to join our congregation as you look for a new spiritual home, one which you feel comfortable sharing your spiritual, religious, and sacramental journey.
The first element is that a sacrament is an outward sign. This means that along with words and actions a real item is essential to be present. This can include water (Baptism), bread & wine (Eucharist/Holy Communion), oil (Sacrament of the Sick), etc. Each item is unique to the sacrament in which it is used.
The second element is that sacraments are instituted by Jesus Christ himself. They are found in Sacred Scripture of the Bible describing Jesus’ ministry and moments throughout his life, and developed through the tradition which is the living history of the Church. When the Church celebrates the Sacraments we remember the events of Jesus’ life that corresponds to each Sacrament: Jesus was baptized by St. John the Baptist, he blessed the wedding couple at Cana by his first miracle of water to wine, he declared bread and wine at the Last Supper to be his Body and Blood, etc. In the Sacraments we not only gain the graces they signify but we share wonderfully in Christ’s own life moments.
The third element is that sacraments give grace. Grace is the life of God or presence of God. It is a gift which is given by God of His presence, and which cannot be bought or earned by us through anything we do. To be clear, sacraments are NOT MAGIC! The church is not Hogwarts and priests are not Harry Potter. Sacramental prayers are not magic spells. The priest has no power in and of him/herself. The priest is NOT the one who provides the grace in the sacrament, only God does that; the priest is only an instrument or a vessel of Jesus’ grace. It is Jesus who baptizes, who gives his own Body and Blood in Communion, and so on. It is Jesus who acts in the Sacraments to communicate the grace that each sacrament signifies. The priest here is the “Alter Christus” or the “Other Christ:” the priest is NOT Jesus Christ but only acts in his name.
The Sacraments provide God’s grace through the saving work of Christ, accomplished once for all in his life, death, and resurrection. And while we human beings are flawed the grace of each Sacrament doesn’t depend on our holiness or righteousness, either we as recipient or the priest as celebrant. God is the giver of the gift (grace) and it is up to us to open our hands and hearts and take it (spiritual preparation through prayer, etc.) or close our hands and hearts (hard-heartedness, sin) and reject it.
Christ the King Old Catholic Church in Albuquerque offers these Sacraments to our parishioners as well as those who seek them when they are refused at their home parish, or if there is no parish or congregation affiliation. At Christ the King OCC the sacraments are offered with increasing degrees of responsibility to all parties. With the celebration of each sacrament comes the rights and responsibilities of each sacrament, for both the Church and receiver of the sacrament and/or their family.
As a Mission of the NACEC, Christ the King OCC does not withhold the grace of Our Lord from anyone. If you receive the Sacraments through the auspices of Christ the King OCC, we invite you to join our congregation as you look for a new spiritual home, one which you feel comfortable sharing your spiritual, religious, and sacramental journey.
Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, & First Holy Communion
Baptism
There are three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation. The Sacraments of Initiation are the process of how a person becomes a full dedicated and practicing adult member of the Church. The first Sacrament is that of Baptism.
Baptism is called the “Door of the Church” because it is the first sacrament to be received both in time and priority. Baptism imparts an indelible and permanent mark on the soul and makes the baptized person a member of the Church. Jesus himself ordered the apostles (and therefore bishops and priests) to preach the Gospel to baptize all “In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit…” In baptism we are introduced to the new life in Christ Jesus.
Baptism is called the “Door of the Church” because it is the first sacrament to be received both in time and priority. Baptism imparts an indelible and permanent mark on the soul and makes the baptized person a member of the Church. Jesus himself ordered the apostles (and therefore bishops and priests) to preach the Gospel to baptize all “In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit…” In baptism we are introduced to the new life in Christ Jesus.
The Form of Baptism
Baptism has two formal elements: the pouring of water over the head of the baptized (or immersion in a body of water) and the Trinitarian prayer “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” The Sacrament has a more formal and prolonged form but these are the essentials.
Baptism has two formal elements: the pouring of water over the head of the baptized (or immersion in a body of water) and the Trinitarian prayer “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” The Sacrament has a more formal and prolonged form but these are the essentials.
The Minister of Baptism
The usual minister of the Sacrament of Baptism is either a Catholic priest or deacon. But in certain circumstances ANYONE can baptize since only water and prayer are essential. All that is asked is that the one baptizing understands and wishes the good intentions of the Church: to bring this person into full life of Christ.
Any baptism which includes these two elements (water and the Trinitarian Prayer) is considered valid by the Church: Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants all share and believe in the Holy Trinity. Having said that, the Church proclaims that this is One God in Three Persons (the Holy Trinity), and not three separate Gods or divinities. This is a fine point but very important: the Catholic Trinitarian belief proclaims the Father is God, the Son/Redeemer is God, the Holy Spirit/Paraclete is God but does not believe or proclaim that the Father is a God, and the Son is a God, and the Holy Spirit is a God.
The usual minister of the Sacrament of Baptism is either a Catholic priest or deacon. But in certain circumstances ANYONE can baptize since only water and prayer are essential. All that is asked is that the one baptizing understands and wishes the good intentions of the Church: to bring this person into full life of Christ.
Any baptism which includes these two elements (water and the Trinitarian Prayer) is considered valid by the Church: Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants all share and believe in the Holy Trinity. Having said that, the Church proclaims that this is One God in Three Persons (the Holy Trinity), and not three separate Gods or divinities. This is a fine point but very important: the Catholic Trinitarian belief proclaims the Father is God, the Son/Redeemer is God, the Holy Spirit/Paraclete is God but does not believe or proclaim that the Father is a God, and the Son is a God, and the Holy Spirit is a God.
The Effects of Baptism and Why Baptism is Necessary for Salvation
At the end of the Gospel of Matthew Jesus orders his apostles to go out to all nations and baptize the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28: 18-20
In the Gospel of John Jesus tells Nicodemus that unless one be born again of water and the spirit they will not see the Kingdom of God. John 3:4&5, 22
St. Peter declares the saving grace of baptism in the Acts of the Apostles 2: 37ff
The effects of Baptism are the removal of the guilt of Original Sin (through Adam & Eve) and our own personal sin; the coming of Sanctifying Grace or God’s Divine Life within us; becoming one with Christ Jesus; becoming a member of the Church which is the Mystical Body of Christ; and therefore allowing us to share in the life of the Church and the sacraments and growing in grace.
At the end of the Gospel of Matthew Jesus orders his apostles to go out to all nations and baptize the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28: 18-20
In the Gospel of John Jesus tells Nicodemus that unless one be born again of water and the spirit they will not see the Kingdom of God. John 3:4&5, 22
St. Peter declares the saving grace of baptism in the Acts of the Apostles 2: 37ff
The effects of Baptism are the removal of the guilt of Original Sin (through Adam & Eve) and our own personal sin; the coming of Sanctifying Grace or God’s Divine Life within us; becoming one with Christ Jesus; becoming a member of the Church which is the Mystical Body of Christ; and therefore allowing us to share in the life of the Church and the sacraments and growing in grace.
Why are Children Baptized?
In the early Church whole households were baptized, and we can reasonably presume that households included both slaves and children. These children would then be raised as Catholic Christians throughout their lives, and pass on their faith to THEIR children and families, and so on.
John 3: 3-5; & Acts 16: 27-33; Acts 16: 15; & 1 Corinthians 16: 16; 1 Corinthians 15: 21-22; Colossians 2: 11-12.
In the early Church whole households were baptized, and we can reasonably presume that households included both slaves and children. These children would then be raised as Catholic Christians throughout their lives, and pass on their faith to THEIR children and families, and so on.
John 3: 3-5; & Acts 16: 27-33; Acts 16: 15; & 1 Corinthians 16: 16; 1 Corinthians 15: 21-22; Colossians 2: 11-12.
Requesting the Sacrament of Baptism at Christ the King OCC
Christ the King OCC sometimes receives requests from parents who do not belong to an established parish or congregation and yet wish to have the graces of Baptism for their children. We welcome parents and families who want this great grace for their children and do not hold back from granting Baptism to these families. Because the grace of Baptism washes the child clean of sin it also welcomes the child into the Body of Christ which is the Church, in this case Christ the King OCC. Our parish invites the family to be a part of our Catholic community for their discernment of their spiritual journey and the benefit of their newly baptized child. We do not force anyone to join us and likewise do not withhold baptism to anyone who requests. We trust God and let God work through us and in the family and the one baptized. There is a token offering requested for the good of the church, and this is not a fee for the sacrament. It is a free will offering and there is no penalty if none is given.
Christ the King OCC sometimes receives requests from parents who do not belong to an established parish or congregation and yet wish to have the graces of Baptism for their children. We welcome parents and families who want this great grace for their children and do not hold back from granting Baptism to these families. Because the grace of Baptism washes the child clean of sin it also welcomes the child into the Body of Christ which is the Church, in this case Christ the King OCC. Our parish invites the family to be a part of our Catholic community for their discernment of their spiritual journey and the benefit of their newly baptized child. We do not force anyone to join us and likewise do not withhold baptism to anyone who requests. We trust God and let God work through us and in the family and the one baptized. There is a token offering requested for the good of the church, and this is not a fee for the sacrament. It is a free will offering and there is no penalty if none is given.
First Holy Communion
In Holy Communion we receive the real Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. With First Holy Communion it is the Second Sacrament of Initiation and usually received about 7-8 years old after preparation. At this age a child knows the difference between bread and the form of bread as the Real Presence. As a sacrament of Initiation it continues our journey into full life in Jesus Christ which began at Baptism.
The Holy Eucharist
Holy Communion, also called the Eucharist, is the Real Presence of Jesus Christ under the form of bread and wine. At the Last Supper Jesus gathered his apostles and share the Passover Supper with them. He took unleaven bread and said “This is my body…” and took the cup of wine and said “This is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sin.” At every Mass the priest uses these words of institution at the Consecration (these institute the Real Presence) of Jesus himself to change the bread wafer and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. We take Jesus at his word and do not declare one way or another on HOW it happens, but THAT it happens. So the elements of the Holy Eucharist are the Words of Consecration and bread & wine. Matthew 26: 1-2, 26-28; Mark 14: 22-25; Luke 22: 14-20; John 6: 22-69; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Corinthians 10:6; I Corinthians 11: 23-29.
Holy Communion, also called the Eucharist, is the Real Presence of Jesus Christ under the form of bread and wine. At the Last Supper Jesus gathered his apostles and share the Passover Supper with them. He took unleaven bread and said “This is my body…” and took the cup of wine and said “This is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sin.” At every Mass the priest uses these words of institution at the Consecration (these institute the Real Presence) of Jesus himself to change the bread wafer and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. We take Jesus at his word and do not declare one way or another on HOW it happens, but THAT it happens. So the elements of the Holy Eucharist are the Words of Consecration and bread & wine. Matthew 26: 1-2, 26-28; Mark 14: 22-25; Luke 22: 14-20; John 6: 22-69; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Corinthians 10:6; I Corinthians 11: 23-29.
Jesus the Lamb of God
Jesus is the Lamb of God, as prefigured in the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament at Passover, whose blood was spilled on the wood, the wood of the door jamb so the Angel of Death would pass over (hence, Passover) the Hebrews’ homes, and the wood of the Cross by Jesus at his death. The Lamb of God was eaten by God’s people in preparation for their exodus and release from slavery. Catholics eat the Lamb of God in Holy Communion (John 6: 53) by receiving Jesus Christ’s Body and Blood, and are released from slavery to sin. Read John 1:28-30 should be read together with Exodus 12:8 & 46.
An Open Communion Table at Christ the King OCC
Christ the King OCC offers an Open Communion Table where all present are invited to receive our Lord. Yes…. we set the table, but…. It is Jesus who offers his invitation: “Take this ALL OF YOU and eat… Take this ALL OF YOU and drink…” Christ the King OCC does not knowingly or intentionally withhold the grace of Jesus present in Communion from anyone.
Jesus is the Lamb of God, as prefigured in the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament at Passover, whose blood was spilled on the wood, the wood of the door jamb so the Angel of Death would pass over (hence, Passover) the Hebrews’ homes, and the wood of the Cross by Jesus at his death. The Lamb of God was eaten by God’s people in preparation for their exodus and release from slavery. Catholics eat the Lamb of God in Holy Communion (John 6: 53) by receiving Jesus Christ’s Body and Blood, and are released from slavery to sin. Read John 1:28-30 should be read together with Exodus 12:8 & 46.
An Open Communion Table at Christ the King OCC
Christ the King OCC offers an Open Communion Table where all present are invited to receive our Lord. Yes…. we set the table, but…. It is Jesus who offers his invitation: “Take this ALL OF YOU and eat… Take this ALL OF YOU and drink…” Christ the King OCC does not knowingly or intentionally withhold the grace of Jesus present in Communion from anyone.
Requesting the Sacrament of Holy Communion at Christ the King OCC
Families sometimes request First Holy Communion from Christ the King OCC. This is a Sacrament of Initiation and so continues the spiritual journey of the person, or young person, to know Christ more fully. At this point we invite the family to invest time to get to know our parish family and attend Mass. There is no coersion on our part but the older the person gets the more responsibility there is with each sacrament. This is the right and responsibilities addressed earlier in this piece. There is a token offering requested for the good of the church, and this is not a fee for the sacrament. It is a free will offering and there is no penalty if none is given.
Families sometimes request First Holy Communion from Christ the King OCC. This is a Sacrament of Initiation and so continues the spiritual journey of the person, or young person, to know Christ more fully. At this point we invite the family to invest time to get to know our parish family and attend Mass. There is no coersion on our part but the older the person gets the more responsibility there is with each sacrament. This is the right and responsibilities addressed earlier in this piece. There is a token offering requested for the good of the church, and this is not a fee for the sacrament. It is a free will offering and there is no penalty if none is given.
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the third and final Sacrament of Initiation. Confirmation is called as such because it is when a Catholic is old enough to “confirm” his/her faith in an adult manner, accepting the responsibilities of practicing the faith that has grown in them since Baptism and through Holy Communion. Now the Confirmand (the person being Confirmed) is able to witness their faith in word and deed. The Sacrament of Confirmation, like the Sacrament of Baptism, can be received only once since it imparts a unique and indelible mark on the recipient’s soul. This is why Confirmation can be said it completes the Sacraments of Initiation as it strengthens the graces begun at Baptism.
The Form of Confirmation
Confirmation has two elements: the Anointing of the Confirmand with Holy Chrism, and the prayer “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” Historically there is an additional action of “slapping” on the cheek to signify that the newly Confirmed must be willing to suffer for the faith. Holy Chrism is used in both the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation to show a unique and personal mark on the soul of the recipient. Chrism is used again only with Ordination to Priesthood, again which marks the soul uniquely. The Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders once received, are NEVER received again because they each confer an indelible, unique, and personal mark on the individual’s soul.
Confirmation has two elements: the Anointing of the Confirmand with Holy Chrism, and the prayer “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” Historically there is an additional action of “slapping” on the cheek to signify that the newly Confirmed must be willing to suffer for the faith. Holy Chrism is used in both the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation to show a unique and personal mark on the soul of the recipient. Chrism is used again only with Ordination to Priesthood, again which marks the soul uniquely. The Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders once received, are NEVER received again because they each confer an indelible, unique, and personal mark on the individual’s soul.
The Minister of Confirmation
The ordinary minister of the Sacrament of Confirmation is the bishop, who is a successor of the Apostles. The Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles as they gathered in the Upper Room at Pentecost, 50 days after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The apostles then went out and imposed hands on believers who then received the Holy Spirit.
The ordinary minister of the Sacrament of Confirmation is the bishop, who is a successor of the Apostles. The Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles as they gathered in the Upper Room at Pentecost, 50 days after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The apostles then went out and imposed hands on believers who then received the Holy Spirit.
The Effects of the Sacrament of Confirmation
As with the apostles at Pentecost who received special graces, the Confirmand received graces befitting an adult to enable them to be able to witness their faith to others and the world. Confirmation deepens and increased the graces given at Baptism.
There are several traditional effects and benefits from the graces at Confirmation: it roots us in our sonship and daughtership of God and allows us to call Jesus Christ our Brother; it unites us more firmly to Jesus Christ; it increases the Gifts of the Holy Spirit within us; we are more fully joined to the Church, the People of God; we receive the special strength of the Holy Spirit to proclaim Christ as Lord and Savior, witness to God active in the world, and accept the Cross of Christ.
As with the apostles at Pentecost who received special graces, the Confirmand received graces befitting an adult to enable them to be able to witness their faith to others and the world. Confirmation deepens and increased the graces given at Baptism.
There are several traditional effects and benefits from the graces at Confirmation: it roots us in our sonship and daughtership of God and allows us to call Jesus Christ our Brother; it unites us more firmly to Jesus Christ; it increases the Gifts of the Holy Spirit within us; we are more fully joined to the Church, the People of God; we receive the special strength of the Holy Spirit to proclaim Christ as Lord and Savior, witness to God active in the world, and accept the Cross of Christ.
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit include: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, & Fear of the Lord.
Requesting the Sacrament of Confirmation at Christ the King OCC
Sometimes families and individuals request sacraments at Christ the King OCC. These include the Sacrament of Confirmation. Confirmation is different from the previous 2 sacraments because this is a definitely adult sacrament and so comes rights and responsibilities not present or expected in the others. If and when an adult requests the Sacrament of Confirmation through Christ the King OCC they are promising to live the life of an adult Catholic Christian and support their Catholic Community, Christ the King. At this point an adult must profess their Christian faith and affirm Christ the King OCC as their Catholic Community. This includes supporting the community through regular participation of the sacraments at Mass, and spiritual exercises as available. Financial support is encouraged but left to the discretion of the parish member.
Requesting the Sacrament of Confirmation at Christ the King OCC
Sometimes families and individuals request sacraments at Christ the King OCC. These include the Sacrament of Confirmation. Confirmation is different from the previous 2 sacraments because this is a definitely adult sacrament and so comes rights and responsibilities not present or expected in the others. If and when an adult requests the Sacrament of Confirmation through Christ the King OCC they are promising to live the life of an adult Catholic Christian and support their Catholic Community, Christ the King. At this point an adult must profess their Christian faith and affirm Christ the King OCC as their Catholic Community. This includes supporting the community through regular participation of the sacraments at Mass, and spiritual exercises as available. Financial support is encouraged but left to the discretion of the parish member.
The Two Sacraments of Healing: Confession/ Penance /Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick
RECONCILIATION
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is known by three different names and is one of the least liked sacraments because it causes us to remember and openly confess our faults and sins to another person, in this case the priest. The three names come from the three different aspects of the Sacrament: 1) we confess our sins, 2) we do penance, and 3) we are forgiven and reconciled by and to God.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is known by three different names and is one of the least liked sacraments because it causes us to remember and openly confess our faults and sins to another person, in this case the priest. The three names come from the three different aspects of the Sacrament: 1) we confess our sins, 2) we do penance, and 3) we are forgiven and reconciled by and to God.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is an adult sacrament because we are forced to maturely confront our failings and take responsibility for them. Stating them out loud makes us address the fact that we are not perfect, we sometimes (or often?) do not live up to the promises we make, that we let others down, and so on. But with Reconciliation, or Penance, we are reminded that God never abandons us no matter what WE do or how often we fail, and that his love is everlasting. While we pay for the sins and faults we have done (hence the other name: Sacrament of Penance) we are forgiven those sins and can move to a better life in Christ.
For Catholics there are two kinds of sins: Sins of Commission (those things we DID which we should not have done), and Sins of Omission (those things we DID NOT DO but which we should have done). The Sacrament of Reconciliation really heals the damage of the past caused by our actions or inactions.
For Catholics there are two kinds of sins: Sins of Commission (those things we DID which we should not have done), and Sins of Omission (those things we DID NOT DO but which we should have done). The Sacrament of Reconciliation really heals the damage of the past caused by our actions or inactions.
The Form of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
In the Sacrament of Reconciliation the person going to confession begins with making an Examination of Conscience. This is where they reflect on sins they might have committed. The person going to confession (called the penitent) approaches the priest and both make the Sign of the Cross. They then say “Bless me for I have sinned, my last confession was….. however long ago.” The penitent then lists their sins. The priest may ask questions to clarify something and then usually give a penance, often of prayers to say. A penance is a physical act that we must do since it “makes up” for the sinful acts we did. It is kind of balancing things out in a spiritual sense. The priest then says the Prayer of Absolution. The penitent then leaves and does their penance; all is right again with God.
In the Sacrament of Reconciliation the person going to confession begins with making an Examination of Conscience. This is where they reflect on sins they might have committed. The person going to confession (called the penitent) approaches the priest and both make the Sign of the Cross. They then say “Bless me for I have sinned, my last confession was….. however long ago.” The penitent then lists their sins. The priest may ask questions to clarify something and then usually give a penance, often of prayers to say. A penance is a physical act that we must do since it “makes up” for the sinful acts we did. It is kind of balancing things out in a spiritual sense. The priest then says the Prayer of Absolution. The penitent then leaves and does their penance; all is right again with God.
An Examination of Conscience is our reflection on how we have failed as Christians those around us. A good examination can reflect on the Beatitudes, the 7 Deadly sins and if we have given in to them, the 10 Commandments and if we have broken them, or our station in life and meeting (or not meeting) our responsibilities. A penitent does not have to reflect on all of these, but should one or another as the basis for their examination. You don’t want to overwhelm yourself.
There are three things necessary to make a good Confession: the penitent 1) must be sorry for their sins (be contrite), 2) they must confess their sins (acknowledge their own wrong doing), and 3) do penance and make amends in their life.
Can the Sacrament of Reconciliation be repeated?
Yes, this sacrament can be repeated as often as desired, just like Holy Communion. It is not like Baptism or Confirmation which are received only once in a person’s life.
Can the Sacrament of Reconciliation be repeated?
Yes, this sacrament can be repeated as often as desired, just like Holy Communion. It is not like Baptism or Confirmation which are received only once in a person’s life.
The Minister of the Sacrament
The minister for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is always an ordained priest or bishop. No other person or clergy has the authority in the Catholic to forgive sins through the Sacrament. Remember: it is not the priest who forgives your sins because the priest is a human being also, but it is God who forgives us our sins through the actions of the priest. The priest prays “I absolve you from your sins….. in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” The priest is acting in God’s name.
The minister for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is always an ordained priest or bishop. No other person or clergy has the authority in the Catholic to forgive sins through the Sacrament. Remember: it is not the priest who forgives your sins because the priest is a human being also, but it is God who forgives us our sins through the actions of the priest. The priest prays “I absolve you from your sins….. in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” The priest is acting in God’s name.
The Effects of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
The effects of this sacrament include the emotional and spiritual feeling of the burden of our past faults being lifted from us, and the good feeling of God’s presence and love in our lives. We are reconciled with God and back in his good graces. God’s grace allows us to live better lives because we are now really better persons.
The effects of this sacrament include the emotional and spiritual feeling of the burden of our past faults being lifted from us, and the good feeling of God’s presence and love in our lives. We are reconciled with God and back in his good graces. God’s grace allows us to live better lives because we are now really better persons.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
The other Sacrament of Healing is Anointing of the Sick, sometimes called Last Rites or Extreme Unction (or Last Oiling, as “unction” is an old word for oil, and refers to the ointment blessed for this occasion and “last” because it came at the end of your life). The Sacrament of the Sick is given to those who are gravely ill, going in for a medical procedure or operation, or wish to recover health in mind, heart, body or spirit or even in old age. The Sacrament of the Sick was and still is sometimes called the Last Rites because it was reserved to the end of one’s life, just before death.
Anointing of the Sick in the New Testament
The Sacrament is found in the Bible in two places, in the Gospel of Mark where Jesus sends out his apostles to preach in his name and cast out devils and cure…and this included anointing with oil. In the Epistle of St. James we are told that if a believer is sick to call the elders (ie: priest) and they will pray and anoint them with oil.
Mark 6: 13; James 5: 14-15
The Sacrament is found in the Bible in two places, in the Gospel of Mark where Jesus sends out his apostles to preach in his name and cast out devils and cure…and this included anointing with oil. In the Epistle of St. James we are told that if a believer is sick to call the elders (ie: priest) and they will pray and anoint them with oil.
Mark 6: 13; James 5: 14-15
The Form of the Sacrament
The Sacrament takes place usually during Mass, or at a special time. The form includes 3 parts: the laying of hands, anointing with blessed oil, and the prayer. The priest begins with laying on of hands and praying for the believer, then their forehead and palms are anointed with the prayer "Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up." But a believer may request this Sacrament at any time and usually the priest will give it, for their benefit and the grace it provides.
The Sacrament takes place usually during Mass, or at a special time. The form includes 3 parts: the laying of hands, anointing with blessed oil, and the prayer. The priest begins with laying on of hands and praying for the believer, then their forehead and palms are anointed with the prayer "Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up." But a believer may request this Sacrament at any time and usually the priest will give it, for their benefit and the grace it provides.
The Minister of the Sacrament
The minister of the Sacrament of the Sick is an ordained priest or deacon (in our NACEC). But the deacon CANNOT hear Confessions or offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation before or as a part of the Sacrament of the Sick.
The minister of the Sacrament of the Sick is an ordained priest or deacon (in our NACEC). But the deacon CANNOT hear Confessions or offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation before or as a part of the Sacrament of the Sick.
The Effects of the Sacrament of Anointing
The effects of the Sacrament of the Sick include the grace of God’s life in us, forgiveness of sins, joining our sufferings or those of Jesus’ own sufferings and death on the cross, giving us hope in our life with Christ and not fear, preparing us to meet God whether near or far away with a clean conscience, and if God so will is the believer’s health is restored.
Can the Sacrament of Anointing be repeated?
Yes, this sacrament can be repeated as often as desired, just like Holy Communion. It is not like Baptism or Confirmation which are received only once in a person’s life.
The effects of the Sacrament of the Sick include the grace of God’s life in us, forgiveness of sins, joining our sufferings or those of Jesus’ own sufferings and death on the cross, giving us hope in our life with Christ and not fear, preparing us to meet God whether near or far away with a clean conscience, and if God so will is the believer’s health is restored.
Can the Sacrament of Anointing be repeated?
Yes, this sacrament can be repeated as often as desired, just like Holy Communion. It is not like Baptism or Confirmation which are received only once in a person’s life.