Celebration
of the Christian Mystery : Sacraments
PREVIEW OF SESSION
ONE
“LITURGY: CELEBRATING THE PASCHAL MYSTERY”
Tour guides in Rome
invariably call attention to the initials SPQR found on historical remains
as well as contemporary public works. The letters, standing for
Senatus
Popolusque Romanus (the Roman Senate and People), designate public
projects authorized by the people through the government. Although the word
liturgy comes from Greek, it similarly means public work or service
on behalf of the people. We can think of the Church’s liturgy as
her official prayer to God
made on behalf
of all Christians.
During our second year of
using “Why Catholic?” we will reflect upon the liturgy of the
Catholic Church. We will examine its principal components,
the seven
sacraments, in some depth. We will also consider other liturgical forms
such as sacramentals and devotion to the saints. This material comprises
the second section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Part
II of the United States Catholic
Catechism for Adults.
The first session this year
introduces us to the purpose and significance of Catholic liturgy. Echoing
the Vatican II document Sacrasanctum Concilium,
the reflection
helps us understand what we mean by calling the sacraments “mysteries”
and how they are related to one of the central tenets of our faith –
Jesus’ death
and resurrection.
Rev.
Carmen Mele. O.P. (Padre Carmelo)
Director, School of Lay Ministry
Pope
John Paul II Institute
Diocese of Fort Worth
800
W. Loop 820 South
Fort
Worth, TX 76108
cmele@fwdioc.org
817-560-3300x262
Session 1 -
LITURGY:
CELEBRATING THE PASCHAL MYSTERY
Session 2 -
SACRAMENTS: SIGNS OF THE NEW COVENANT
Session 3 -
THE BODY OF
CHRIST AT PRAYER
Session 4 -
BAPTISM; BORN TO NEW LIFE
IN CHRIST
Session 5-
CONFIRMATION;
SEALED WITH THE SPIRIT
Session 6 -
EUCHARIST; THE
REAL PRESENCE OF CHRIST
