A distinct difference between Catholic schools and Non-Catholic schools is the religious education program and the major emphasis placed on participation in the Sacraments. As educators, we have a responsibility to all our students, families and the parish community to effectively teach about the Sacraments across the entire school and prepare our students for their sacramental celebrations. In order to gain confidence in teaching the Sacraments, we firstly need a solid understanding of what they are and their purpose in the Catholic faith.
Introduction to the Sacraments
The Sacraments are signs of God’s active presence in the world (Hyde & Rymarz, 2008). There are seven sacraments in the Catholic Church, which are found under the themes of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist/Holy Communion), Healing (Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick) and Service (Marriage and Holy Orders).
Sacraments are identified by the actions of the Holy Spirit working in the Body of Christ, known as the Church (CCC, 1116). They are visibly celebrated by the believing and worshipping Catholic community, and are known rituals that form the many traditions of the Catholic Church (Hyde & Rymarz, 2008, p. 105). According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church cited by the Catholic Education Office of Sale, they reflect the actions of Christ and all the important moments of our Catholic Faith, as we are "healed, sustained, forgiven and called to service” (p. 98). They call upon Catholics to remember and reflect upon what God has done and through the transcendent power of the Holy Spirit we are drawn closer to our faith, our relationship with Jesus and the Paschal Mystery of Christ (CEOS, 2005). Hence, they “mark the ongoing relationship between God and humanity” (Hyde & Rymarz, 2008, p. 103). Each sacrament holds a value in that identifies with Christ, as they are connected to his life and add to our lives by nourishing, strengthening and expressing our faith (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 59).
Sacraments are identified by the actions of the Holy Spirit working in the Body of Christ, known as the Church (CCC, 1116). They are visibly celebrated by the believing and worshipping Catholic community, and are known rituals that form the many traditions of the Catholic Church (Hyde & Rymarz, 2008, p. 105). According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church cited by the Catholic Education Office of Sale, they reflect the actions of Christ and all the important moments of our Catholic Faith, as we are "healed, sustained, forgiven and called to service” (p. 98). They call upon Catholics to remember and reflect upon what God has done and through the transcendent power of the Holy Spirit we are drawn closer to our faith, our relationship with Jesus and the Paschal Mystery of Christ (CEOS, 2005). Hence, they “mark the ongoing relationship between God and humanity” (Hyde & Rymarz, 2008, p. 103). Each sacrament holds a value in that identifies with Christ, as they are connected to his life and add to our lives by nourishing, strengthening and expressing our faith (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 59).