SACRAMENT - a material reality that points to and makes present an abstract reality

1. The sacramental principle

1.1. Every aspect of human life and experience, each dimension on creation, reflects Gods presence

1.1.1. Where is God's Presence seen?

1.1.1.1. Mass

1.1.1.2. Sacramental Imaginations

1.1.1.3. In our everyday lives

1.2. Mediation takes place through creation and human experience

2. Paschal Mystery

2.1. Saving action of Christ- made present though sacrament, actions of Christians, relationships

2.1.1. Relationship ongoing through sacraments

2.2. The salvation that is made present in Christ, through his passion, death and resurrection that continues to be made present today

3. Christ as the Sacrament of God

3.1. Jesus life and ministry are reason we see God

3.2. Makes present the abstract reality the mysterious creator of God, made present in the person.

3.2.1. Christ as the human symbol of God

3.3. Jesus is the Primordial Sacrament

4. Sacrament, Prayer and Liturgy

4.1. Liturgy: A public prayer and act of God on behalf of God's people.

4.1.1. Each Sacrament involves prayer and liturgy

4.2. Prayer: Relationship between God and the Human Person. Jesus being the model to prayer

5. Sacrament as symbol and ritual

5.1. Sacrament is a Christian symbol or ritual

5.1.1. Symbol

5.1.1.1. Christian symbols appear during rituals

5.1.2. Ritual

5.1.2.1. A ritual is a symbol acted out- most important symbols to the community.

5.2. A visible sign of Grace

5.2.1. Sacraments bring into our conscious minds and make present to us symbols and rituals. It symbolizes and ritualized Grace of God

5.3. Christian experience of God is Mediated through symbols

5.3.1. Allows humans to see God's presence and revelation

5.3.2. Mediation

6. Sacramental theology in the Second Vatican Council;

6.1. Key Documents to Sacramental Theology: DEI VERBUM & SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM

6.1.1. Dei Verbum- to reveal Godself

6.1.2. Sacrosanctum Concilium- renewal of the principles and practical norms of liturgical celebrations

6.2. Second Vatican Councils purpose: Spiritual Renewal and redefine faith

7. The Church as the Sacrament of Christ

7.1. The Church is seen as the "visible presence of the invisible Christ"

7.1.1. Way to encounter Christ

7.2. The Church provides a relationship between God and Christians, unifying humankind