Development of the Sacraments [Practice of Christianity]

1. Development of the Sacraments[Practice of Christianity]

2. The Reason Behind… • After the church had established true authority and orthodoxy, a true orthopraxy had to be formed. • The Christian belief took on a cyclic form in the means of practice and worship. • Holy days: Sundays, Christmas and Easter • A “Sacrament” is a sacred oath that bound two parties together. Apart from the traditional meaning, The sacrament means a sacred bond between a Christian and Christ that is strengthened. In addition, sacraments provided grace. • In the fourth century, Christians had made various rites but Eucharist and Baptism were the main sacraments.

3. Baptism • It is a sacrament of induction into the church. The practice was mainly for children by the first and second century, but by the fourth adults were also inducted. • Prior to sacrament, an individual would be a catechumen or student. They were segregated from members. Some remained catechumens till imminent death. • It was a sacrament which symbolized both the death and resurrection of Christ. The individual was stripped of their clothing and immersed in water three times as they confessed their beliefs. Then, they were re-clothed and allowed to participate full mass.

4. Eucharist • The sacrament of thanksgiving is a central act of worship on most occasions such as mass. • Eucharist originated from the last supper with Jesus before his arrest and crucifixion. • Bread and Wine became Body and Blood. Jesus Christ was truly present at the Eucharist and it became spiritual nourishment. • It was recognized as the food or medicine of immortality.

5. Confirmation • The sacrament is usually administered by a bishop , established at the Council of Trent in 1545-63. Priests can rarely administer such a sacrament. • Confirmation is meant to increase sanctifying grace and conclude the sacrament of Baptism. It is when the Holy Spirit is given to those who have already been baptized to conclude a “perfect Christian”. • The sacrament cannot be received more than once by the same person • Presently, there are sponsors used in the sacrament and they must be older than fourteen and have undergone the sacrament of Confirmation.

6. Penance and Reconciliation • The sacrament which cleanses us from sins after baptism. • It was said to have been established by Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday (John 20:22-23) “Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained” • Council of Trent 1551 • The use of the sacrament differs in many churches. • Process: Confession, Contrition and Absolution

7. Anointing of the Sick • It was a sacrament mostly administered to the dying to remove sins before death or provide health. It’s however given to the sick and or someone undergoing serious medical issues. • Jesus Christ institutes the Sacrament in • James 5:14-15: Is any man sick among be in sins, they shall be forgiven him. you? Let him bring in the priests of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick man: and the Lord shall raise him up: and if he • The use of oil and laying of the hands

8. Holy Orders • It is the sacrament of apostolic ministry because it continues the priesthood of Jesus Christ. • It involves the ordination of the priest, bishop and deacon. It is performed by a bishop. • The ordained receives the ability to provide sanctifying grace. • A priest remains a priest forever even after “excommunication”.

9. Marriage • The sacrament is a natural institution of man and woman in many cultures. However, it is emphasized in the belief. • Christ at the wedding of Cana ( John 2:1-11) where Christ gave it a exemplified meaning. • A covenant between man and woman forever and the symbolism to Christ and his church.

10. http://catholicism.about.com/od/beliefsteachings/p/Sac_Holy_Orders.htmhttp://catholicism.about.com/od/beliefsteachings/p/Sac_Holy_Orders.htm