SACRAMENT – Greek(Mysterion): Mystery –  with the anointing of the Holy Spirit symbolized

Latin(Mysterion was translated as “Sacramentum: in and effectively administered through the oils in
English means sacrament”) the anointing of the priest or the bishop.
 where we receive the Body and Blood of Christ
 efficacious sign of God’s grace
 instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church 2nd category: Sacrament of HEALING
 Sacrament is effective, that is, it communicates
RECONCILIATION - ANOINTING OF THE SICK
grace.
 powers that come forth from the Body of Christ  with serious sin, we go to the Lord who
 actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his Body, continues his work through the Church and the
the Church. priest stands in Christ, the High Priest. When we
 MASTERWORKS of God in the new and confess our sins, we are set free, they are
everlasting Covenant forgiven and forgotten...and we’re made new.
The wound of sin is healed.
PURPOSE OF THE SACRAMENT
 The early Church understood that “if there is
 Sanctify men and women anyone sick among you let him call on the
 Build up the Church, the Body of Christ (gives others” (James). The Church continues to pray
sanctification to the Church to help carry on for the Sick and through the priest, Jesus Christ,
work on earth) the High Priest, continues to heal the Sick.
 Give worship to God. (All we do should bring us
3rd category: MISSION AND SERVICE
to closer relationship with God and should bring
Him glory) MARRIAGE - HOLY ORDERS
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF THE SACRAMENTS  It reveals Christ’s love for His Church: Christ is
the bridegroom and the Church is the Bride and
1. MINISTER – the person administering the
it is a means of holiness for the couple.
sacrament.
1. There are 3 Orders in Holy Order
2. MATTER – sensible element used for the
a. Deacon- ordained unto the
sacrament.
ministry
3. FORM – formula used in the celebration such as
b. Priest- ordained unto the
in the Eucharist
priesthood and stands in Christ,
* EACH SACRAMENT REQUIRE THREE ESSENTIAL the HighPriest
ELEMENTS WITHOUT WHICH IT IS NULL AND VOID* c. Bishop- fullness of the Holy
Order
EFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENTS
 Spiritual life begins at baptism
a) We are perfectly bound to the Church as sons  Maturing at Confirmation
and daughters of God  Soul is healed in Reconciliation
b) Unites us more closely to Christ  Body is healed in the Anointing of the sick
c) Increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us and  Families are made with marriage
makes us strong  Church is sustained with Holy Orders
d) Cause us a deeper relationship to the Church  Christ is present in the Holy Eucharist
e) Makes us resilient witnesses of Christ in
Christ told us that we must be born of water and spirit
thoughts, words and actions
to enter his kingdom (Jn.3:16). --BAPTISM.
1st Category: Sacraments of INITIATION
He desires us to receive His Holy Spirit (JN 20:22), -
BAPTISM – CONFIRMATION - EUCHARIST CONFIRMATION,

 where we die with Christ and where we rise he forgives the sins of his children (Mk 2:5)--
with him symbolized by pouring or immersion RECONCILIATION,
into the water
Christ wants us to live in peace and to be cured of our  The Character of Baptism makes us members of
illness (MK 5:34) ...ANOINTING OF THE SICK, the Church; that of Confirmation, soldiers of
Christ; and the one of Ordination, shepherds of
He brings 2 people together and makes them one flesh
his flock.
(Mt. 19:6)… MARRIAGE,
What Is the Difference Between Infant and Adult
he called Peter to be our first Pope and the apostles
Baptism?
our first leaders (…HOLY ORDERS, and

he gave his flesh and blood to be received (Jn

6:56)...HOLY EUCHARIST

Three (3) Sacraments give us the grace we need be to

holy in this life and spread the Gospel to the world
(Sacraments of Initiation),

Two (2) sacraments heal us from our wounds, either

What Is the Catechumenate?
body or in soul (Sacraments of Healing;
 The Catechumenate is a period of initiation to
Two (2) sacraments are directed towards the salvation
the Church’s faith, morals , in preparation for
of others (Sacraments of Vocation).
Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
THE 7 SACRAMENTS  From the Greek word Katecheo, meaning, “To
teach by word of mouth,” there came the
BAPTISM - the Sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ for following terms:
the Forgiveness of the Original Sin a) Catechumenate - the period of
- originates from the Greek word Baptismos, initiation;
meaning “Immersion,” b) Catechumen - the person initiated;
- mostly celebrated by submerging the c) Catechist - the person instructing
catechumens in water d) Catechesis - the lesson imparted
- Jesus was baptized by immersion in the Jordan e) Catechism - the catechizing book.
River

When Did Jesus Institute the Sacrament of Baptism?

 Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Baptism

before the Ascension
 announced the Missionary Mandate to his
Apostles: “Go, therefore, make disciples of all
the nations; baptize them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I commanded
you” (Matthew 28:19-20).

What Is the Character of Baptism?

 The Baptismal Character is the spiritual and

indelible seal impressed upon the soul by the
anointing with Chrism, which consecrates the
neophytes to Christ.
 Being permanent, the three Sacraments
imparting the Character can neither be
repeated nor deleted.
THE MINISTER OF BAPTISM  It displays four symbols:
a) The Cross, recalling the redeeming
passion of Christ;
b) The Five Grains of Incense, symbolizing
Jesus’ Five Wounds;
c) The Alpha and Omega, the first and last
letter of the Greek alphabet, signifying
Christ as the Beginning and the End of
What Is the Matter of Baptism? History (cf. Revelation 22:3);
d) The Current Year, indicating God’s
 The Matter of Baptism is Real and Natural
presence in our times
Water; it can be fresh water from rivers, salty
water from the sea, or marshy water from What Is the Meaning of the White Robe?
ponds and wells.
 The White Robe, which the neophytes wear
THE MATTER OF BAPTISM after the anointing with Chrism, signifies the
new life in the Spirit.
 The Holy Chrism is considered as Added Matter
- A mixture of olive oil and balsam, it is
 The neophytes pledge to keep the White Robe
consecrated by the Bishop during the Chrism
unstained till death. Were they to commit
Mass.
mortal sins thereafter, only the Sacrament of
 The Greek term Christos, or Messiah in
Penance could restore the state of Grace.
Hebrew, means “Anointed:”
What Is a Christian Name?
What Are the Baptismal Font and the Baptistery?
 The Christian Name is the one we receive at
Baptism
 The Latin maxim, Nomen Est Omen, meaning,
“In the name is the destiny,” is well seen in
Christopher Columbus: since his name meant,
Christ-bearer, he was the first one who planted
What Is the Form of Baptism? the Cross of Christ into the New World.

 The Form of Baptism consists in these words: “I What Are the Responsibilities of Godparents?
baptize you in the name of the Father, and of
 The Godparents have the sacred duties of
the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
educating their godchildren in the Christian
 The Trinitarian Formula, and the intention of
Faith, and guarding them sins and vices.
baptizing are essential to the validity of the
 They must be two, a man and a woman 16
Sacrament
years old or above, who have received the
Should Baptism Be Done by Immersion or Pouring? Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First
Communion
 The so-called Secondary Sponsors

When and Where Should Baptism Be Celebrated?

 The Sacrament of Baptism should be

celebrated as soon as possible after birth
 Baptism can be celebrated any day of the year,
What Is the Significance of the Paschal Candle? either together with other children or
individually
 The Paschal Candle, placed beside the  Baptism should be celebrated in the Parish of
Baptismal Font, signifies Christ’s Resurrection. residence
  The documents required for Baptism are: the gift of discerning spirits, as he could detect
a) the Child’s Birth Certificate; true from false apparitions and evil possessions.
b) the Parents’ Marriage Contract 4. STRENGTH: It is the predisposition to persevere in
fulfilling God’s will in moments of trial; its contrary
CONFIRMATION - Sacrament that confers the fullness
is weakness. St. Paul is the model of the Gift of
of the Holy Spirit.
Strength, since he endured countless hardships for
 The term Confirmation originated from the the love of Christ.
Latin word Cumfirmare, meaning “To ratify,” 5. KNOWLEDGE: It is the predisposition to discover
the truths of the spiritual and material world, and
When Did Jesus Institute the Sacrament of to relate them to the Creator; its contrary is
Confirmation? ignorance. Galileo Galilei had the gift of scientific
 Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Confirmation knowledge, as he demonstrated the Law of
on the evening of Easter Sunday Heliocentrism.
6. PIETY: It is the predisposition to worship God with
What Happened on the Day of Pentecost? all our heart; and, consequently, to love our
 On the Day of Pentecost of 33 AD, Apostles neighbor as ourselves; its contrary is wickedness.
with the disciples and the Virgin Mary were at St. Padre Pio was gifted with an overflowing Piety,
prayer in the Cenacle of Jerusalem, the Holy as he spent his priestly life in prayer, in the
Spirit descended like tongues of fire and rested celebration of the Holy Mass, and Confession.
on each of them 7. FEAR OF THE LORD: It is the predisposition to
 The Greek word Pentecost means “Fiftieth respect God and to be scared of sin; its contrary is
Day,” 50 days after Easter disrespect. St. Francis de Sales explained that the
Fear of the Lord is not the terror of God’s
Who Is the Holy Spirit? punishment, but the filial concern of not offending
his love.”
 The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the
Blessed Trinity. What Is the Character of Confirmation?
 The Holy Spirit is the life-giving breath of God
 The Character of Confirmation is the spiritual
What Are the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit? and indelible seal impressed upon the soul by
the anointing with Chrism, consecrating the
 The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit are permanent
confirmandi as Soldiers of Christ, ready to
dispositions that make us docile to God’s will.
engage into a spiritual battle against Satan and
 Although the Seven Gifts are permanent
any form of evil.
dispositions, they require our daily commitment
 Being permanent, the three Sacraments
in order to bear fruit.
imparting the Character - Baptism,
1. WISDOM: It is the predisposition to judge and
Confirmation, and Ordination, can neither be
order all things according to God’s will; its
repeated nor deleted.
contrary is foolishness. King Solomon is the model
of Divine Wisdom, which was granted by God in Who Is the Minister of Confirmation?
order to govern his people.
2. UNDERSTANDING: It is the predisposition to grasp  The Minister of Confirmation is the Bishop,
the truths of faith easily and deeply; its contrary is because he is part of the Apostolic Succession,
unawareness. St. Thomas Aquinas was bestowed which is the unbroken chain of Ordinations
with the gift of Understanding from an early age: connecting him to one of the Apostles.
he never began to study without first invoking the  The Extraordinary Minister of Confirmation is a
assistance of God in prayer. Priest appointed by the Bishop; but this should
3. COUNSEL: It is the predisposition to discern be only in special cases, when the Bishop is truly
correctly and immediately the will of God in the unable to confirm.
different circumstances of life; its contrary is
stubbornness. St. Philip Neri was endowed with
  In danger of death, any Priest can administer
Confirmation, even without the Bishop’s
delegation.

What Are the Bishop’s Crosier and Miter?

THE MINISTER OF CONFIRMATION - What Are the

Bishop’s Ring, Pectoral Cross, and Coat of Arms?

What Is the Matter of Confirmation?

 The Matter of Confirmation is the Laying of

Hands and the Sacred Chrism: the Laying of
Hands confers the Holy Spirit; the Anointing
with Christ impresses the Character.
What Is the Meaning of the Laying of Hands?  The confirmandi have to undergo a
catechetical preparation
 The Laying of Hands signifies the coming of the
Holy Spirit, which is passed from a generation Who Are the Godparents at Confirmation?
onto the next by means of Confirmation.
 The Godparents are the spiritual father and
 In the Old Testament, the Laying of Hands
mother of the confirmandi, who present them
conferred the blessing and authority received
to the Bishop during the Confirmation, and
from God: Isaac, for instance, blessed his son,
guide them towards Christian maturity.
Jacob, by laying his hands on him.
 The New Testament applies the same principle
 They should be 16 years old and above; fully
on the conferral of the Holy Spirit: the gift
initiated and practicing Catholics; who have
bestowed on the Apostles on Pentecost is
received Confirmation and Holy Communion.
transmitted to the neophytes by the laying of
 A person deprived of some of these
their hands.
requirements may be chosen only as “witness”
What Is the Sacred Chrism? or “secondary sponsor” to Confirmation; but
never if he is a public sinner, or has notoriously
 The Sacred Chrism is olive oil mixed with
abandoned the Catholic faith.
balsam, which is consecrated by the Bishop
during the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday at the EUCHARIST - is the memorial sacrifice of the passion,
Cathedral. death, and resurrection of Christ
 The Olive Oil, because of its shining fluidity and
 The name derives from the Greek word
gracious aroma, signifies consecration to God
Eukaristia, which means “Thanksgiving,” since
and the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
it is the worship of gratitude to the Father for
 The Balsam, an aromatic perfume with the
his Son’s redeeming offering.
power of preserving from decay, represents the
sweet scent of Christ’s resurrection that the Who Instituted the Sacrament of the Eucharist?
Faithful must bring into the world.
 The Sacrament of the Eucharist was instituted
What Is the Form of Confirmation? by Christ during the Last Supper, on Holy
Thursday, in the Cenacle of Jerusalem.
 The Form of Confirmation are the following
 Since the Priests act In Persona Christi,
words: “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy
meaning, “In the Person of Christ;” they must
Spirit.”
be celebrate the Eucharist with dignity and
 It is proclaimed by the Bishop as he lays his
holiness, as if it were, “The first, the last, and
hand on the confirmandi’s head and anoints
the only Mass.”
their forehead with the Sacred Chrism, by
making with the thumb a Sign of the Cross. Why Did Jesus Institute the Eucharist?
What Is the Meaning of the Slap on the Cheek?

 The Slap on the Cheek, given by the Bishop

after the Anointing with the Holy Chrism,
signifies the bravery and courage
 The symbolism was borrowed by the medieval
ceremony of installation of knights Why Is the Eucharist the Source and Summit of the
commanding him to honor the Code of Chivalry, Church’s Life?
without blemish and fear
 THE SOURCE: the Eucharist contains the whole
Who Can Receive the Sacrament of Confirmation? spiritual wealth of the Church, which is Christ
 Every Catholic can and should receive himself; from whom we receive an
Confirmation overwhelming abundance of God’s Grace.
  THE SUMMIT: the Holy Mass is the focal point
and final cause of the Church’s worship,
teaching, and apostolate; to which all activities
are directed.

How Is this Sacrament Called?

1. BREAKING OF BREAD: To underline the action

through which Christ distributed the consecrated
Bread during the Last Supper; this was the first
name given by the Apostles to the Sacrament. The
breaking of the bread signifies the sacrifice of Who Is the Minister of the Eucharist?
Christ on the Cross.
 The Minister of the Eucharist is the Priest and
2. LORD’S SUPPER: To recall that the Sacrament was
the Bishop, who succeed the Apostles by
instituted on the eve of the Lord’s Passion. The
virtue of the Sacrament of Ordination
Eucharist is like a family celebration with Jesus,
bestowed upon them.
where we listen to his Word, partake of his Body
and Blood, and foster fellowship among ourselves.
 They act In Persona Christi, meaning, “In the
3. HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS: To profess that
person of Christ,” because it is Christ who
the Sacrament is the memorial of the Lord’s
celebrates the Holy Mass through them.
passion, death, and resurrection. The Latin term
Mass means “Sending forth:” We enter the Mass Why Do We Need to Support the Clergy?
as disciples, but leave it as apostles.
 Priests and Bishops celebrate the Holy Mass, as
4. EUCHARIST: To emphasize that the Sacrament is
well as the other Sacraments, for free
the highest form of gratitude to God for the
 The old proverb, Ubi Missa ibi mensa,
beauty of creation and the wonder of redemption.
translated as, “Where the Mass is, there is the
The Greek word Eukaristia, means “Thanksgiving.”
table,” means that the Faithful should
5. THE HOLY COMMUNION: To underline the act of
generously provide for the needs of their
receiving Christ’s Body and Blood, which enables
Priests, who take care of their spiritual needs.
communion with God and with our brethren.
Aptly, this name is applied to the Mass when the What Are the Mass Intentions?
children partake of the Sacred Species for the first
 The Mass Intentions are intercessions on behalf
time.
of the living and of the dead
6. THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT: To remind that
 For every Mass Intention there is a
the real presence of Jesus in the Sacred Species
corresponding donation for the Priest celebrant
does not end with the Final Blessing of the Mass,
and for the Church
but continues when they are preserved in the
Tabernacle for adoration and for being brought to What Is the Matter of the Eucharist?
the sick.
 The Matter of the Eucharist is Unleavened
What Are the Four Spiritual Graces of the Eucharist? Wheat Bread and Grape Wine
a) BREAD: the Eucharistic Bread must be
made of flour from wheat and water
b) WINE: the Eucharistic Wine must be
“the fruit of the vine,”
Who Can Lawfully Receive Holy Communion? gathering;
4) for spouses in their wedding;
5) with the permission of the local Ordinary.

What Is the Eucharistic Fasting?

 The Eucharistic fasting is a period of abstinence

from food and beverages
 For centuries, the Eucharistic Fasting began at
midnight, hence all Masses were celebrated in
What Is the Spiritual Communion? the morning
 the devotional practice of communicating What Is the Form of the Eucharist?
“spiritually,” as opposite to “materially;” it can
 The Form of the Eucharist are the words of the
be done by those who attend the Holy Mass but
Consecration, namely: “This is my Body; this is
are not ready to receive Christ’s Body and
my Blood.”
Blood; or, during the Eucharistic Adoration and
 The Transubstantiation, or change of substance
the visit to the Blessed Sacrament.
from Bread and Wine into Body and Blood,
What Is the Proper Manner of Receiving Holy happens as the Form is proclaimed
Communion?
What Is the Consecration?
 Holy Communion can be received either
 The Consecration is the part of the Mass when
standing or kneeling; on the tongue or in the
the Bread and Wine become the Body and
hands.
Blood of Christ. “This is my Body … this is my
 What really matters is not the manner of
Blood.”
receiving Communion, but the State of Grace
 Being the most sacred part of the Mass, the
Who Are the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Faithful kneel in adoration during the
Communion? Consecration
 The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion What Is the Transubstantiation?
are deputized to assist the Priest in distributing
 The Transubstantiation is the sacramental act
the Sacred Species when needed.
by which the substance of the Bread and Wine
 They should be Catholics of good standing
is changed into the substance of the Body and
within the community, with sufficient
Blood of Christ; while the accidentals, such as
theological and liturgical preparation, capable
the color, shape, and weight, remain
of fulfilling their role with reverence and
unchanged.
devotion.
 In their absence, a Priest can depute any of the What Is the Real and Substantial Presence of Christ in
Faithful for a single Mass. the Bread and Wine?
Why Are Hosts being Used; and why is the Wine  The Real and Substantial Presence means that
Reserved for the Priests? Christ is truly and substantially present in the
Sacred Species of Bread and Wine: in his Body
 The early Christians, following Jesus’ command,
and Soul, Humanity and Divinity.
communicated with loaves of Bread and true
Wine.
 The Eucharistic presence of Christ begins at
 Communion under both kinds is allowed:
Consecration and endures as long as the
1) for community members of their Conventual
Species subsist. For instance, once the
Mass;
Consecrated Bread is dissolved into water, or
2) for seminarians;
the Wine evaporates, the Real Presence of Jesus
3) for participants to a retreat or spiritual
ceases.
Can the Real and Substantial Presence be Why Do We Need to Confess to a Priest and not
Demonstrated? Directly to God?

 The Real and Substantial Presence of Christ in

the consecrated Bread and Wine cannot be
rationally demonstrated, but can only be
accepted by faith; we believe because Jesus
said: “Take it, this is my Body … This is my
Blood.”
What If a Penitent Has No Sin to Confess?
 The Solemnity of the Corpus Christi, which was
instituted in 1264 by Pope Urban IV to  If a Christian, after a thorough Examination of
commemorate the Eucharistic Miracle of Conscience, finds no venial or mortal sin to
Bolsena, celebrates this Eucharistic Dogma of confess, then he does not need the Sacrament
our faith. of Penance.
 Those presuming to be sinless are just blinded
What Is the Tabernacle?
by ignorance or self-righteousness, like the
 The Tabernacle is the repository of the Pharisees in the Gospel; as St. John wrote: “If
consecrated Hosts. Upon entering the church, we say, ‘We are without sin,’ we deceive
or anytime passing in front of the Tabernacle, ourselves, and the truth is not in us”
we make a genuflection as a sign of adoration.
What Are the Three Essential Requirements for
Absolution?
 The Consecrated Hosts are preserved in the
Tabernacle for the Eucharistic adoration and for
the distribution to the sick.

PENANCE - the Sacrament instituted by Christ for

forgiving the sins committed after Baptism.

 Penance is necessary for salvation, considering

that Baptism removes the guilt of the Original
Sin, which is eternal damnation, but not the
concupiscence, or the inherited tendency What Is This Sacrament Called?
towards evil.

When Did Jesus Institute the Sacrament of Penance?

 Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Penance on

the eve of Easter Sunday, when he declared to
his Apostles: “Receive the Holy Spirit: whose
sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose
sins you retain are retained” (John 20: 22-23).
 In the Sacrament of Penance, it is Christ himself
who gives the absolution to the penitent by
means of the Priest, who acts In Persona
Christi. How Often Should We Go to Confession?

 after attaining the age of discretion, which is

usually at SEVEN, and before receiving the First
Holy Communion.
  A practicing Christian must go to Confession at What Is the Seal of Confession?
least once a year, and anytime he has
 obligation of the Priest to keep absolute
committed a mortal sin.
secrecy regarding the sins confessed to him:
 Priests have the obligation to attend to the
under no circumstances can this seal be broken,
Confession anytime the faithful reasonably ask
lest the Confessor be excommunicated.
for it. St. Padre Pio, for instance, confessed for
 St. John Nepomucene (1345-93) was declared
over 15 hours a day.
the Patron of Confessors, because he was
Who Is the Minister of Penance? drowned in a river by King Wenceslaus IV of
Boemia for refusing to reveal the sins
 Catholic Priest, or Bishop, with the Faculty of
confessed by the Queen.
Hearing Confessions
 delegated the authority to absolve or retain sins What Is the Matter of Penance?
to the Apostles, and their successors
 verbal confession of all mortal sins, in kind and
What Is the Faculty of Hearing Confessions? quantity, since the last valid Confession
 Those physically impaired to verbally confess
 The Faculty of Hearing Confessions is the
their sins, might use sign language or do it in
authorization to administer validly the
writing.
Sacrament of Penance, which is usually granted
 If a penitent intentionally omits one or more
by the ordaining Bishop
mortal sins, out of shame or fear, the
 Religious Priests need also the permission to
Sacrament is invalid, and the sin of sacrilege is
exercise it from their Major Superiors
added to his evil repertoire.
 In danger of death, any Priest, even those
without Faculty, can validly and lawfully What Is Sin?
absolve from any sin and excommunication.
 act of disobedience to the Commandments of
What Is the Power of the Keys? God, done with full conscience and deliberate
consent.
 judiciary authority of forgiving or retaining
sins, which Jesus has delegated to the Apostles
and their successors, when he said: “I will give
you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven:
whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in
heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall
be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19).
 Penance is instituted as a tribunal, where the
Confessor, acting as both merciful and just
judge, has the authority to grant or refuse
absolution in accordance with the penitent’s
disposition. What Is the Difference Between Venial and Mortal Sin?
What Are the So-called Reserved Sins?  Venial Sins imply a small matter and slightly
wound the soul; while Mortal Sins involve a
 cause excommunication, such as procuring
serious matter and separate us from the
abortion and breaking the Seal of Confession.
communion with God.
 can be absolved only by the Pope, by the
 This distinction was defined by St. John, who
Bishops in their respective dioceses, or by
wrote: “There is such a thing as deadly sin; all
Priests authorized by them
wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not
 In danger of death, any Priest, even if deprived
deadly” (1 John 5:16-17).
of the Faculty for Hearing Confessions, can
absolve them.
What Is the Difference Between Sin and Mistake? What Are the Effects of the Sacrament of Penance?

 A Sin is an evil action involving our intellect and

will; while a Mistake is a wrong action
performed unknowingly and unintentionally.
 if the driver intentionally bumped the
other car, did not maintain the
roadworthiness of his vehicle,
disregarded the laws of the road, was
drunk, high on drugs, or on the phone.
 We need only to confess our Sins, not our What Is the Difference Between Eternal and Temporal
Mistakes; though we ought to apologize and Punishment?
make reparation.
 if the driver had no intention of
bumping the other car and was
following all the laws, rules and
regulations.

What Are the Sins Against the Holy Spirit?

 The Sins against the Holy Spirit are Presumption

and Despair - are unforgivable because they
imply the refusal of pardon request. What Are the Three Rites of Penance?
 Presumption, the belief that one can be saved
on his own without God’s grace, was the sin of
the Pharisees;
 Despair, the belief that God has no power to
forgive heinous sins, was the sin of Judas
Iscariot.

What Is the General Confession?

Should Confession Be Face-to-Face or Inside the

Confessional?

 Although the Sacrament of Penance can be

validly celebrated either face-to-face or
otherwise, the penitents have the right to
confess inside a Confessional
 Introduced in the Middle Ages, the
What Is the Form of Penance? Confessional became compulsory in all
 essential words of absolution said by the churches since 1614, for the purpose of
Confessor to the penitent, namely: “I absolve concealing the penitents’ identity and helping
you from all your sins in the name of the them overcome a natural feeling of shame.
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”  It must be fitted with a fixed grille between the
penitent and the Confessor to prevent the
face-to-face contact.
What Is an Indulgence?

 remission of the temporal punishment due to

sin, whose guilt and eternal punishment have
been already forgiven in the Sacrament of
Penance.
 It can be Partial or Plenary, referring to
whether the remission of the temporal
punishment is limited or complete. Indulgences
are applied to the living or to the dead
 To gain an Indulgence, no more than once a
day, for oneself or for a soul, the faithful must
personally visit a designated church and
perform four deeds:
1) Confession;
2) Participation in the Holy Mass and reception
of Holy Communion;
3) Prayer for the intentions of the Pope;
4) A Corporal of Spiritual Work of Mercy.

Examination of Conscience
 - The Anointing helps prepare for our demise by
restoring the State of Grace, which is essential
to escape from Satan’s grip and strengthening
our hope of Paradise.

When Did Jesus Institute the Anointing of the Sick?

 Jesus instituted the Extreme Unction when he

commissioned the Apostles: “He gave them
power and authority over all demons and to
cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim
the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick” (Luke
9:1-2).
 As St. James said: “If any one of you is ill, he
should send for the Presbyters of the Church,
and they must anoint him with Oil in the name
of the Lord and pray over him. The prayer of
faith will save the sick man and the Lord will
raise him up again; and if he has committed
any sins, he will be forgiven” (James 5:14-15).

What Graces are Conferred by the Anointing of the

Sick?

Who Can Receive the Anointing of the Sick?

 The Anointing of the Sick can be received by a

Catholic who is in danger of death because of
sickness, old age, or a serious operation.
 It can be repeated if the sick person, having
recovered, again becomes gravely ill; or if the
condition becomes more grave during the same
illness.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK - Extreme Unction, is the
 The relatives ought to request for the Extreme
Sacrament instituted by Christ to cure the physical and
Unction on time, possibly when the patient is
spiritual ailments, and to prepare for Holy Death.
still conscious and capable of Confession; and
- Since Man’s physical wellbeing is closely related the Priests must be immediately available for it.
to the spiritual one, the Anointing should be
preceded by Confession; however, if the patient
is physically unable to confess, the Anointing
itself will forgive his sins.
What Are the Last Rites for the Dying? Who Is the Minister of the Anointing of the Sick?

 The Minister of the Extreme Unction is the

Bishop and the Priest; as directed by St. James:
“Is anyone among you sick? He should summon
the Presbyters of the church, and they should
pray over him and anoint him with oil in the
name of the Lord” (James 5:14).
 Every Priest can celebrate the Anointing of the
Sick, with at least the presumed consent of the
Parish Priest of the area, and he is permitted to
carry the Blessed Oil with him.
 The Anointing can be celebrated in the house
of the sick person, in hospitals or churches,
while always preserving the necessary dignity
and devotion demanded by such grievous
Why Is It Important to Teach About Extreme Unction? moment.

What Is the Matter of the Anointing of the Sick?

 The Matter of the Extreme Unction is the Oil of

the Sick, which is made of olives, and it is
blessed by the Bishop on Holy Thursday in the
Cathedral during the Chrism Mass.
 If the Blessed Oil is not available, the Priest
may bless any Olive Oil during the Rite of
What are Satan’s Last Temptations for the Dying? Anointing itself, by using the appropriate
formula.
 As the Olive Oil is very efficacious in soothing
bodily pains and restoring physical health, so it
is a most appropriate symbol of the spiritual
graces affected by the Extreme Unction.

What Is the Form of the Anointing of the Sick?

 The form of Anointing of the Sick are the

following words:

1) while anointing the forehead of the patient,

“Through this holy anointing may the Lord in
his love and mercy help you with the grace of
the Holy Spirit;”

2) and while anointing the palms of the hands,

“May the Lord who frees you from sin save you
and raise you up.”
 The Priest may also anoint additional parts of
the body, for example, the area of pain or
injury. The liturgical color for the Extreme
Unction is Violet.
ORDINATION - the Sacrament through which a male Who Are the Clergy?
Catholic is consecrated Deacon, Priest, or Bishop, for
 The Clergy are those who have received the
the purpose of perduring until the end of time Christ’s
Sacrament of Ordination, namely: Deacons,
Sacred Ministry.
Presbyters, and Bishops. The term comes from
- Since we believe that Jesus is the only Prophet, the Greek word Kleros, meaning “Portion,”
Priest, and King: the Clergy teach, sanctify, and because the ordained ministers are the chosen
govern, In Persona Christi, meaning, “In the portion of God.
person of Christ.”  The Clergy are divided into Diocesan and
- The Sacrament is called Ordination, or Holy Religious: the first ones are incardinated into a
Orders, because it incorporates the Clergy in diocese, subjected to the authority of their
their respective Ordo (Latin for “Body”) of Bishop; while the others, are incardinated into
Deacons, Priests, and Bishops. a Religious Congregation, subjected to their
Major Superiors.
When Did Jesus Institute the Sacrament of Ordination?
Who Are the Deacons?
 Jesus Christ instituted the Sacrament of
Ordination during the Last Supper, when he  The Deacons, from the Greek word Diakonos,
said to his Apostles: “Do this in memory of me” meaning “Servant,” are Ordained Ministers of
(Luke 22:19). the First Degree, whose mission is caring for the
 By so ordering, Christ conferred on them and needy and serving the Church. There are two
their successors the three priestly powers of kinds of Deacons: the Transitional, who have
Teaching, Sanctifying, and Governing the received the Diaconate in preparation for
Church. Priesthood; and the Permanent, who remain as
such and might be married.
What Are the Three Priestly Powers?  Their liturgical vestments are the Dalmatic and
 the ministries commissioned by Jesus to his the Stole in a diagonal position, from the left
Apostles shoulder to the right side, signifying that they
assist the Priests, but do not possess the
priestly functions.
 Their principal functions are:
1) the Ministry of the Word, such as reading the
Gospel, preaching, and teaching Catechism;

2) the Ministry of the Altar, as administering

Baptism, distributing the Eucharist, assisting at
Marriage, and officiating Burial Rites; and

What Is the Difference Between Common and 3) the Ministry of Charity, like serving in
Ministerial Priesthood? charitable activities and sharing in the
administrative works of the Church.

Who Are the Priests?

 The Priests, from the Greek word Presbyteros,

meaning “Elder,” are Ordained Ministers of the
Second Degree, whose office is to offer the Holy
Sacrifice to God and to administer the
Sacraments of the Church.
 We need many and holy Priests, since they care
for the faithful from the cradle to the tomb: by
 preaching, catechizing, celebrating the Mass, Church; possessing the prescribed
confessing, assisting the sick, and laying the requirements, and being free of canonical
dead to rest. impediments.
 St. John Mary Vianney said: “The Priest is not a  Ordination’s Basic Requirements:
Priest for himself, he is for you. After God, the a) a vocation for the ordained ministry coming
Priest is everything. Leave a parish twenty from God, which is manifested in the zeal
years without Priests; they will worship beasts. for the glory of God and the salvation of
When people wish to destroy religion, they souls;
begin by attacking the Priest, because where b) physical and psychological health, enabling
there is no longer any Priest there is no the candidate to fulfill his ministry without
sacrifice, and where there is no longer any hindrance;
sacrifice there is no religion.” c) human maturity and emotional stability,
which are required to deal with serenity
Who Are the Bishops?
with people of every age and gender;
 The Bishops, from the Greek word Episkopos, d) adequate intelligence and theological
meaning “Supervisor,” are Ordained Ministers culture, being indispensable for preaching
of the Third Degree, possessing the fullness of the Word of God and guiding souls.
the Sacrament of Ordination.  Ordination’s Canonical Impediments:
 Bishops are appointed to a Diocese, whose a) Having committed the offence of apostasy,
official See is called “Cathedral,” from the Latin heresy, or schism;
word Cathedra meaning “Chair,” which is b) having attempted marriage, even a civil
installed in the presbytery and signifies their one;
teaching and governing authority. c) having committed murder or procured
 The Cardinals are Bishops of great prestige, abortion;
appointed to assist the Pope in governing the d) having maliciously mutilated oneself or
Church and in electing his successor. They wear attempted suicide;
red hats and vestments, indicating their e) having carried out an act of order reserved
commitment to defend Christ and his Church till for Bishops or Priests;
the shedding of blood. f) having deeply rooted homosexual
tendencies;
Who Is the Pope? g) being married, unless a dispensation is
 The Pope is the Supreme Head of the Catholic granted;
Church; the title comes from the Latin word h) being affected by any form of insanity.
Papa, meaning “Father.” It was Jesus who Why Can’t Women Be Ordained?
appointed Simon Peter as First Pope, when he
said: “You are Peter and upon this rock I will
build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not
prevail against it” (Mt. 16:18).
 Since St. Peter was martyred and buried in
Rome, the Bishop of the City is, by right, the
Pope. Since Jesus changed the name of Simon
into Kefa, or Peter, meaning “The Rock”, the
newly elected Pope assumes a new name to
signify his vision and mission.

Who Can Receive the Sacrament of Ordination?

 The Sacrament of Ordination can be received

only by a male Catholic, whose divine vocation
has been formed, tested, and approved by the
Why Must the Clergy Remain Celibate?  St. Luke described the first Diaconal Ordination
in these words: “They presented these men
[the first seven Deacons] to the Apostles who
prayed and laid hands on them” (Acts 6:6).

What Are the Signs of Office?

 the symbolical objects that the ordinandi

receive during their Ordination.

Who Is the Minister of Ordination?

 The Minister of Ordination is the Bishop, who

can confer the three degrees of Diaconate,
Presbyterate, and Episcopate.
 However, while a Bishop can ordain a Deacon
and a Priest on his own accord, he needs the
What Is the Form of Ordination?
Pontifical Mandate, and two other consecrating
Bishops, to ordain another Bishop, lest both are  is the essential part of the Consecratory Prayer,
excommunicated. which the Bishop proclaims while extending his
hands on the candidate.
What Is the Apostolic Succession?

 The Apostolic Succession is the unbroken chain

of Ordinations connecting all Bishops
throughout history to one of the Apostles, and
thereby, to Jesus. This Succession has the
purpose of preserving the Church’s unity, and
Christ’s doctrine, until the end of times.
 The Catholic Church recognizes the Apostolic
Succession of the Greek Orthodox, and of few
other Churches of apostolic origins; while
rejecting as invalid all pseudo-ordinations
performed by Protestants.

What Is the Matter of Ordination?

 The Matter of Ordination is the Laying of

Hands by the Bishop, as documented by St.
Paul who, recalling St. Timothy’s Episcopal
Ordination, wrote: “I remind you to stir into
flame the gift of God that you have received
through the imposition of my hands” (2
Timothy 1:6).
 MATRIMONY

 By divine institution, Christian Matrimony is:

1) The permanent,
2) Covenant of love,
3) Between a qualified man and woman,
4) Intended for their common good,
5) and for the procreation and education of
Children.

Why is Matrimony Permanent?

 Holy Matrimony is an eternal conjugal

covenant before God, and not a temporary
arrangement between two lovers; as Jesus
declared: “What God has joined together, no
human being must separate” (Mark 10:9).
 Since a valid Christian Marriage is terminated
only by death, it is a mortal sin to divorce from
the lawful spouse and to live More Uxorio (as
husband and wife) with any other person.
 Separation is allowed only for very serious
reasons, such as violence or infidelity, provided
the offended party remains single and reunites
with the other as soon as reasonably possible.
Can the Sublime Dignity of Ordination be Why is Matrimony a Covenant of Love?
Comprehended?
 A true Marriage is established out of Love,
 The sublime dignity of Ordination, which which is the virtue of giving oneself to the
elevates a man into Christ’s Alter Ego, cannot be other, as Jesus declared: “No one has greater
fully grasped by the human mind. love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s
 A Deacon who serves in the person of Jesus; a friends (John 15:13).
Priest who transforms bread into Christ’s body;  Christian Love is called Agape, or the selfless
and a Bishop who forges men into God’s commitment of promoting the spouse’s good,
apostles! Not even the Angels were granted and not Eros, or the selfish attitude of
such divine powers, and still God bestowed exploiting the other for one’s interest.
them on humble servants like us.  Marrying for other reasons, such as physical
What If a Person Feels the Calling? attraction or financial gains, begets no
everlasting happiness; as by the Bible’s
 Jesus Christ and his Holy Church are in need of warning: “Were one to offer all the wealth of
priests outstanding in holiness, knowledge, and his house for love, he would be utterly
zeal. Those who feel the calling, should abide by despised” (Song of Songs 8:7).
two fundamental dispositions:
Why is Matrimony “Between a Qualified Man and
Woman”?

 Christian Matrimony is monogamous, as

opposite to polygamous; and heterosexual, as
opposite to homosexual; as Jesus declared:
“The Creator made them male and female and
said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his
 father and mother and be joined to his wife’” 1) AGE: A man cannot validly enter Matrimony
(Matthew 19:4-5). before completing 16 years of age, or a woman
 The two parties must be qualified for 14. In the Philippines, the lawful celebration of
Matrimony, meaning, they should not incur any Marriage requires both parties to be 18 years
impediment that will make the Sacrament old, and to obtain the consent of their parents
invalid. or guardians until the age of 21.
 The perverted relationship with a person of 2) IMPOTENCE: Antecedent and Perpetual
the same gender is against Nature and God’s Impotence, which is the incapacity of having
will and, if unrepented, begets eternal sexual intercourse, whether on the part of the
damnation. man or the woman, nullifies Marriage; while
Sterility, or the incapacity of having children,
Why is Matrimony Intended for the Spouses’ Common
neither forbids nor invalidates a Marriage.
Good?
3) PREVIOUS SACRAMENTAL MARRIAGE: A
 The primary purpose of Matrimony is the Catholic bound by a prior Sacramental Marriage
reciprocal wellbeing of the spouses; as God invalidly attempts a second one, unless the
said: “It is not good for the man to be alone, I spouse is dead, or the Church has issued a
will make a helper suited to him” (Genesis Declaration of Nullity. A valid Marriage cannot
2:18). be dissolved by any authority - not even by the
 Husband and wife complement each other at Pope.
the physical and spiritual level, since their 4) MIXED MARRIAGE AND DISPARITY OF CULT:
bodies were created paired to provide intimacy The Marriage between a Catholic and a non-
and procreation; and their intellectual faculties, Christian (Mixed), or a non-Catholic Christian
to be harmoniously interactive (Disparity of Cult), is invalid, unless the Local
Ordinary has granted dispensation.
Why is Matrimony Intended for the Procreation and 5) SACRED ORDERS AND PERPETUAL VOW OF
Education of Children? CHASTITY: Deacons, Priests and Bishops, as well
 The secondary purpose of Matrimony is giving as perpetually professed religious, invalidly
life to children, as by God’s command, “Be attempt Marriage; unless the Pope has granted
fertile and multiply, fill the earth” (Genesis a Dispensation.
1:28); as well as educating them to be holy 6) ABDUCTION, FORCE OR GRAVE FEAR: No
Christians and honest citizens. Matrimony can exist when a party was
 Those spouses who cannot have children for kidnapped in view of contracting Marriage, or
natural causes can nevertheless engage in married by reason of force or of grave fear;
spiritual parenthood, by engaging in adoption, unless the victim chooses Marriage of her own
charity, social services, and prayer. accord after being separated from the captor
and established in a safe and free place.
What Is the Difference Between Divorce, Separation, 7) CRIME: Anyone who in view of entering
and Annulment? Marriage with a certain person has brought
 Divorce - is the process of terminating a about the death of that person’s spouse, or of
marriage or marital union. his own, invalidly attempts Marriage.
 Separation - the action or state of moving or 8) CONSANGUINITY: Marriage is invalid between
being moved apart. those related by Consanguinity, both legitimate
 Annulment - a legal procedure that voids a and natural, or by Legal Adoption, in all degrees
marriage and declares it null from its inception. of the direct line (parents and children;
grandparents and grandchildren), or in the
What Are the Marriage Impediments? second degree of the collateral line (brothers
and sisters). The impediment of Consanguinity
The Impediments are the 13 obstacles that render a
in the third and fourth degree of collateral line
Matrimony illicit or invalid; some of them can be
dispensed by the Church.
 (first cousins; nephews and uncles) can be Sacrament of Matrimony by expressing their
dispensed. consent before the Church.
9) AFFINITY: The legal relationship existing
between a spouse and the blood-relatives of  The Priest who assists at the Rite of Marriage is
the other spouse, known as Affinity, invalidates appointed to receive the consent of the
a Matrimony in any degree of the direct line spouses and to give the blessing in the name of
(step-father with step-daughter; father-in-law the Church. However, he is the Minister of the
with daughter-in-law). Holy Mass during which the Sacrament of
10) PUBLIC PROPRIETY OR QUASI-AFFINITY: A Marriage takes place.
partner of a public concubinage, or of an invalid
What Is the Matter of Matrimony?
marriage, cannot validly marry those related by
consanguinity in the first degree of the direct  The Matter of the Sacrament of Matrimony is
line to the other party: for instance, a live-in the Exchange of Consent, which is the human
partner cannot marry the natural daughter, nor act by which the spouses mutually give
the mother, of his companion. themselves to each other, by declaring: “I take
11) LACKING SUFFICIENT USE OF REASON: Those you to be my wife” – “I take you to be my
who do not have sufficient use of reason, or the husband.”
psychological capacity, to understand and
assume the three essential properties (Unity, Under What Conditions is the Matter Considered
Indissolubility, Openness to life), cannot Valid?
contract a valid Matrimony.  The Matrimonial Consent is considered valid if
12) ERROR: The Matrimony is invalid when one exchanged under these three conditions:
party has married a different person from the
one he intended; or when the party was
mistaken about an important quality of the
other party which was directly and principally
intended for the Marriage.
13) DECEIT: The Marriage is invalid when one of the
parties was deceived concerning some quality
of the other party, which of its very nature can
seriously disrupt the partnership of conjugal
life.

Why Is the Christian Family Called the Domestic

Church?

 The Christian Family is called the Domestic What Is the Form of Matrimony?
Church because it is the basic community of
 The Form of Matrimony are the words of
faith and love, essential for the growth of the
Consent: “I take you to be my wife” – “I take
Church as well as the wellbeing of society;
you to be my husband.”
moreover, it is the seedbed of religious and
 This can be rephrased in question-and-answer
priestly vocations.
format, where the Priest asks to both spouses:
 The model of the Domestic Church is the Holy
“N., do you take N. here present, for your
Family of Nazareth, where Jesus, Mary and
lawful husband/wife, according to the rite of
Joseph lived in perfect harmony among
our Holy Mother, the Church?” And the
themselves, with God and with their neighbors.
spouses individually reply: “Yes, I do.”
Who Are the Ministers of Matrimony?

 The Ministers of Marriage are the Spouses, who

mutually confer upon each other the
What Are the Requirements of a Valid Form of  The Veil, which preserves the Bride’s beauty,
Matrimony? has to be transparent and reveal her face, in
deference to Jacob who, because of a closed
veil, mistakenly married Leah instead of her
sister Rachel (cf. Genesis 29:25).

What is the Meaning of the Bouquet?

 The Bouquet symbolizes fertility and the start

of a new life: as the flowers blossom with colors
and seeds, so the Bride with children and life
 After the wedding reception, the bouquet is
tossed to the maids to wish them good luck for
their future marriages.

What is the Meaning of Joining the Right Hands?

 During the exchange of the Matrimonial

In Which Church Should a Marriage Be Celebrated? Consent, the Spouses join their right Hands to
signify their total commitment to one another.
 The Sacrament of Matrimony should be
 Traditionally, personal covenants and business
celebrated in the Parish Church in which either
contracts were sealed by a right hand-shake,
of the contracting parties has resided for at
which was equivalent, if not more binding, than
least one month; however, they can choose any
the present written Marriage Contract.
other Parish for serious reasons.
 Reservations should be made at least two What is the Meaning of the Round-Shaped Wedding
months in advance, to allow enough time for Rings?
preparing the necessary documents.
 The so-called Garden Marriages, as well as  The Rings, made of gold or platinum, signify the
Marriages outside Parish Churches, are not everlasting love and fidelity of the Spouses
allowed, unless with the permit of the local that, as a circle, has no end.
Parish, where all documentation and  These are placed on the ring-finger because it is
requirements are prepared. believed that a vein runs directly from there to
the heart, and the ring would remind the
Why Does the Bride Stand on the Left Side of the Spouses of their eternal covenant of love.
Groom?
What is the Meaning of the Arrhae?
 During the Wedding Ceremony, the Bride
stands on the left side of the Groom because it  The Arrhae, or coins, that the Groom places on
is the closest to his heart. the cupped hands of the Bride, symbolize the
 God created Eve from one rib on Adam’s left Husband’s responsibility of providing for the
side, which is the closest bone to his heart (cf. material needs of the Bride and their future
Genesis 2:22); to signify that the Wife must children.
have a primary and exclusive place in the Man’s What is the Meaning of the Marriage Veil and the
heart. Eight-Shaped Cord?
What is the Meaning of the Wedding Gown and Veil?  The Marriage Veil, placed on the Bride’s head
 The white Wedding Gown symbolizes the and extended to the Groom’s shoulder
purity and innocence that a Christian Bride symbolizes their exclusive and eternal love.
would preserve till the day of her Matrimony.  The Eight-Shaped Cord, which is placed around
the Couple’s shoulders, signifies the
indissolubility of Matrimony, whose yoke of
love should be carried together