Chapter 9
The Sacraments: Celebrating the Grace of God
1. What is the understanding about humanness and creation that comes from the doctrine of the Incarnation?
2. Define “saving moment” and give three practical examples, including a saving moment you have experienced.
3. Define symbol and ritual. Give two examples of each, including a symbol that has more than one meaning. Then describe one of the rituals used in the sacraments and what it suggests to us (e.g., lighting a candle suggests that truth and hope will overcome the darkness of ignorance and despair). What happens when we don’t put our heart into a ritual?
4. Explain why Jesus and the church are considered to be sacraments. Divide the seven sacraments of the Catholic church into three categories. Tell what sacraments do for the believer.
5. Explain the symbolism and rituals used in each of three sacraments. Also explain what each of these sacraments celebrates.
6. Using the stories in the text as a model, write a story to signify the underlying meaning of a sacrament you have celebrated. Describe the effect this sacrament has had on you.
7. What is the central saving act for Christians?
8. What does the Mass, or Eucharist, recall and make present today?
9. What are the two essential parts of the Eucharist? What happens in each part?
10. Why are sacraments important to the daily life of Christians?
11. Write an explanatory letter to a non-Catholic friend who has asked you what happens at the Mass and what the Mass recalls. Also tell him or her what the Eucharist means to you.
Two point question on this test:
Fr. Gary Brown said that the two most imprtant words in Catholic Theology are "...through to...". Why do you think he would he say that? Hint: look a the Table of the Contents of this text and look at the course chart in the back of your spiral.
Vocabulary
* grace * "saving moments" * symbol * rituals * sacraments of initiaion * sacraments of healing
* sacraments in the service of communion * Liturgy of the Word * Liturgy of the Eucharist