Sem. Roger Jude C.

Ragasa
Theology III
Sacraments in Particular

1. Jesus as the Primordial Sacrament.

The Basic Sacrament is Jesus Christ. He is the Primordial Sacrament. Jesus, the
Primordial Sacrament. When we recognize that Jesus is a sacrament, we must also
admit that He is the Primordial Sacrament This means that He is the first and the
source of all sacraments. Everything is made real in Him. The fact that a Divine
Person became man is a mystery. God does not change.

1. The Church is the Fundamental Sacrament.

As sacrament, the Church is Christ’s instrument. ‘She is taken up by him also as

the instrument for the salvation of all,’ ‘the universal sacrament of salvation,’ by
which Christ is ‘at once manifesting and actualizing the mystery of God’s love for
men.’ The Church ‘is the visible plan of God’s love for humanity,’ because God
desires ‘that the whole human race may become one People of God, form one Body
of Christ, and be built up into one temple of the Holy Spirit.'”

The Church does not take over the mission of Christ. But, dependent on and
subordinate to Christ, the Church is a sign as well as an instrument of the
continuing presence of Christ.

Need to stress the unicity and salvific universality of Jesus and the Church

The Church affirms that the grace that justifies and gives salvation is given and,
therefore, true faith is also given outside the visible Church, but not independently
of Jesus (primordial sacrament) and the Church (fundamental sacrament).

2. The 7 Sacraments

The 7 Catholic Sacraments

Catholic sacraments are divided into three groups: Sacraments of Initiation,

Sacraments of Healing and Sacraments of Service. Each group addresses a unique
spiritual need.

Sacraments of Initiation
Sacraments of Initiation offer entry points into Catholic practice. Originally
celebrated together, the three sacraments that make up this group are now
performed at various life stages depending on individuals and their particular house
of worship.

Baptism
Baptism marks initiation into the Catholic church. During baptism, candidates are
immersed in water, or else water is poured on the head. They are then anointed with
oil, and the invocation of the Holy Trinity is spoken. Baptisms are usually reserved
for infants.

Confirmation
Confirmation expresses growth and learning within the Catholic faith and signifies a
“sealing” of an individual’s connection to the church. During a confirmation, the
candidate is once again anointed with oil, and liturgy is spoken. In the United
States, those receiving confirmation must be between the ages of 7 and 16.

Eucharist
The Eucharist serves as an act of spiritual thanks and is considered the most
important sacrament of Catholic life. The ceremony consists of blessing and
consuming bread and wine, which embody the blood and body of Christ. The
Eucharist is also known as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Sacraments of Healing
When a Catholic commits a sin, the church considers it an act of separation from
God and Jesus Christ. The Sacraments of Healing provide an opportunity to
reconnect with the divine, both in their daily lives and during dire times of need.

Reconciliation
Also known as confession, the sacrament of reconciliation helps parishioners
reconnect with God. During the rite, individuals confess their sins to a priest, who
then offers acts of kindness or penance for them to perform so they may be forgiven.
The priest then offers absolution. Parishioners may take part in this rite as often as
they like.

Anointing the Sick

Anointing the sick is a sacrament designed to help relieve suffering and to comfort
those in substantial need. The rite consists of anointing individuals with holy oil and
offering prayers. Once reserved only for the dying, the sacrament of anointing the
sick is now also given to the seriously ill, injured and the elderly.

Sacraments of Service
Sacraments of Service provide a path for Catholics to serve others in their
community.

Holy Orders
Holy Orders refers to leadership within the church. Those who perform this
sacrament become deacons, priests and bishops, and they are responsible for
preaching, counseling and otherwise spiritually guiding their communities. Although
this sacrament is considered ongoing, a ceremony called the Rite of Ordination
signifies its start and is marked by prayer, song and anointment.

Marriage
Also considered an ongoing sacrament, marriage provides an opportunity for two
individuals to celebrate their love and commitment to one another. Elements such
as their wedding rings and vows are exchanged as a sign of the sacrament. Once
united, their home is deemed a domestic church. They may then use their union in
the service of loving others.

As rituals, the sacraments provide the opportunity to touch Catholicism in an

increasingly meaningful fashion. In doing so, they help individuals of faith deepen
their connection to both their own spirituality and the divine connection among all
people.
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1
Accessed from https://www.brescia.edu/2017/05/catholic-sacraments/ last February 7, 2024
2
Accessed from https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/church-as-sacrament-4840 last February 7, 2024