Faith Resources

HOW WE CELEBRATE

Restoring Creation

The Father sends his Son and his Spirit to accomplish his “plan of mystery” (Eph 3:9). This is “the economy of salvation,” a new reality, a new and genuine way of existence free from the corruption of evil and death.
Gathered together to worship in spirit and in truth, (John 4:23-24) these mysteries are proclaimed so that we may live them and bear witness to them. In our fellowship which we call, ‘Liturgy,’ we participate in the God’s redemptive work expressing in our lives, and manifesting to others, “the mystery of Christ and the real nature of the true Church” (Sacrosanctum Concilium 2)

The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come!’

The Spirit, the Church’s Living Memory, connects us with the Risen Christ.
It is He who gives life to the proclaimed Word and allows us to hear the Voice of Christ.
It is He who transforms the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ
It is He who empowers us with the necessary energy (Grace) to live out in the world what we celebrate.
By His power, we the Church enter into the ‘fellowship of the Holy Spirit’ (2 Corinthians 13:13)
making us the visible sign (Sacrament) of God’s divine life (Trinity).

The Seven Sacraments

Sacraments of Initiation – BAPTISM, CONFIRMATION, EUCHARIST
Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist lay the foundations of the Christian life.
Just as every natural life has an origin, development and nourishing,
we are born anew (Baptism), are strengthened (Confirmation),
and receive the food of eternal life (Eucharist).

Sacraments of Healing – RECONCILIATION AND ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Because we carry this new life “in earthen vessels” (2 Cor 4:7). subject to suffering, illness and death,
our new life in Christ can be weakened and even lost by sin.
Christ, who forgave the sins of the paralytic and then healed him (Mark 2:1-12)
wants his work of healing and salvation to continue.
Therefore, He gave us the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and Anointing of the Sick.

Sacraments of Service – MATRIMONY AND HOLY ORDERS
Holy Orders and Matrimony, although contributing to the person’s salvation,
are directed primarily to the salvation of others.
Believers, consecrated by Baptism and Confirmation,
receive a particular consecration through Holy Orders for the service of the Church
Christian spouses, through Matrimony, are consecrated to the duties of married life.