Subject: Introduction to the Sacraments and Sacramentals
Symbolon Assignment:
Symbolon: Part 2: Session 2: THE EUCHARIST: Source & Summit of Christian Life
Please note: use the document enclosed in the Questions and Comments from the Two Symbolon Participant's Guides field to more effectively prepare for our discussions and to develop your own questions, comments, and observations!!! Additional Documents:
Sacraments God Uses the Material World to Sanctify Us,
The Sacramental Economy,
Sacramental Living,
Sacramentals,
Veneration of Holy Images: Idolatry? , and
The Holy Rosary.
Please note: Use the Additional Documents field, of this webpage, to find referenced material Please print these articles, review them (include all questions, comments, and/or observations upon reading these excellent articles) and bring them with you to the next OCIA gathering (class).
Lives of the Saints and Conversion Stories:
Saint Thomas the Apostle,
Saint Dominic De Guzman, and
Saint Catherine Laboure.
Please note: Use the Lives of the Saints and Conversion Stories field, of this webpage, to find referenced material. Please print these articles, review them (include all -- hey! that sounds like ?????, questions, comments, and/observations upon reading these excellent life stories) and bring them with you to the next OCIA gathering (class).
Psalms and Canticles
Psalm 65 and
Psalm 116.
Please note: Use the Psalms and Canticles field, of this webpage, to find referenced material. Please print these articles, review them (include all -- questions, comments, and/observations upon reading these excellent scripture passages) and bring them with you to the next OCIA gathering (class).
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) Assignment:
1145 - 1152
1155
1210 - 1212
Please note: Use the CCC articles references above to help build your understanding of this gathering. Please review them (include all -- questions, comments, and/observations upon reading these excellent CCC statements) and bring them with you to the next OCIA gathering (class).
Small Group Questions
The Sacramental Economy — Suggested Questions for Discussion:
1. Why is the sacramental economy a work of the Holy Trinity?
2. Why does God use material things to accomplish spiritual purposes?
3. Why are the sacraments necessary for salvation?
4. Can we view the Church as a man-made institution only, or is it more than that?
5. How are the sacraments, sacraments of Christ?
6. Why do the sacraments require us to have faith?
7. How does the Holy Spirit work in the Church’s liturgy?
8. What is the place of signs and symbols in the sacramental economy?
Sacramental Living — Suggested Questions for Discussion:
1. How can we say that the Holy Eucharist is the place we meet Christ?
2. Why is the ministry of the priest essential for us to lead a sacramental life?
3. In what ways can frequently receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation help us to lead a sacramental life?
4. What would leading a sacramental life require of a married couple?
5. How does the sacramental life of a Catholic build up our families and our society?
6. What reasons do you see that so many souls fail to understand the supreme importance of God?
Please note: Use the Small Group Questions listed above for this gathering. Please review them (include all -- questions, comments, and/observations upon reading these excellent discussion topics!) and bring them with you to the next OCIA gathering (class).