Sacraments -Course Level: Basic
Successful completion of this course earns 2.5 CEU's. Click here for more information about CEU's.
General Course Objectives
- Gain a basic grasp of a brief history of the sacraments
- Be able to explain how Baptism is the door to life in the Spirit
- Understand that the Eucharist is the source and summit of the ecclesial life
- Understand Confirmation as the completion of baptism
- Be able to explain the Sacraments of Initiation, the Sacraments of Healing and the Sacraments at the service of Communion
Course Materials
- Required Book: Peter Vaghi The Sacraments We Celebrate: A Catholic Guide to the Seven Mysteries of Faith Ave Maria Press (March 1, 2010) ISBN: 159471231X; ISBN-13: 978-1594712319; ASIN: B01MYUC0LS
- Required Book: National Directory for Catechesis USCCB Publishing, 2005 ISBN: 1574554433; ISBN-13: 978-1574554434; ASIN: B00I12XBXC
Course Structure and Highlights
- Week 1: The Relationship of Sacraments and Liturgy
- Understand that the liturgy is the work of the Christ and the work of the Church
- Gain a basic comprehension of the complex history of the seven sacraments
- Understand that the sacraments are more than "holy moments" of our lives
- Understand the meaning of Christ as the "first sacrament"
- Understand that liturgy accomplishes "the work of our redemption" (SC, #2)
- Week 2: Baptism and Confirmation
- Understand the sacraments of initiation and what they do for us
- Understand that baptism is the doorway to the other sacraments
- Explore the history of confirmation as it relates to baptism
- Be able to explain the religious and ecclesial (personal and communal) effects of Baptism
- Understand that Confirmation is the completion of baptismal grace
- Week 3: Eucharist
- Explore the ancient traditions that are part of the history of the Eucharist
- The two major parts of the Mass and the actions within
- Understand that the Sacrament of Eucharist completes Christian initiation
- Be able to explain why the Eucharist is considered "source and summit of Christian Life
- Week 4: Sacraments of Healing
- Understand why the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) and Anointing of the Sick are considered Sacraments of Healing
- Gain a basic understanding of the development of these sacraments through history
- Understand the four elements that support a fruitful celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance)
- Be able to explain the meaning of "viaticum"
- Understand how the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick fits into the larger ministry to the sick that the Church encourages
- Week 5: Sacraments at the service of Communion: Marriage and Holy Orders
- Gain a basic grasp of the history of the Sacraments at the service of communion
- Be able to explain the sacramental dimension of marriage (Matrimony)
- Understand that marriage (Matrimony) is seen more as a covenant than as a contract
- Come to an appreciation of marriage (Matrimony) as a true vocation in the Church community
- Understand some of the recent changes regarding the Sacrament of Holy Orders