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Sacraments: intro to sacraments, symbol and ritual)
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A sign is
something that represents one thing, not many different things.
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Rituals are
not symbolic actions that are done for a specific, practical purpose
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All rituals serve as ways of
communicating values, beliefs, concerns and ideals
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In Pre- Christian times Sacramentum was a pledge of money or property given as collateral for a lawsuit or contract
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Symbols are_____ realities which can be perceived with our senses
tangible
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The Sacred/ Holy (God) communicates through the
people, places, events and experiences that shape our lives
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The word Sacrament comes from the Latin word ____ which means “to set apart as sacred/ holy” (not to put into practice)
Sacrare
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It wasn’t until the 12th century that the definition of sacrament took on a restricted sense to mean the seven official rites in the Catholic Christian Church
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Another expression for symbols is :
meaning pictures” (not verbal insights”)
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Symbols that are easily recognized and understood throughout the world by all people are referred to as _____
universal symbols (not cultural symbols)
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Rituals can become routine for the people who practice them
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Rituals do not try and control God
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The universal understanding or application of sacrament is anything which represents a hidden reality which is sacred or mysterious
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Every world religion makes use of sacraments even though the word sacrament is not used to designate these actions/ events
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All aspects of creation point to or symbolize something beyond themselves that is mysterious, precious or sacred
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Green: symbolizes
hope, life and growth
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Ashes:
penance and the changing, non-permanence of earthy life
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Donkey:
Symbol of docility; humbleness, and suffering
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Butterfly:
resurrection, eternal life, metamorphosis-- new life breaking forth
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Dove:
holy spirit, peace, purity, and the human soul.
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IHS:
first three letters of the Greek for Jesus Christ
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Incense:
fumes symbolize the ascent of prayer to God
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Blessed Palms:
Jesus’ victory/ triumph and a way to honor royalty
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Red:
passion for God and martyrdom. Presence of the Holy Spirit during Pentecost.
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INRI:
Latin abbreviation for “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”
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XP:
first two letters of the Greek word (monogram) for Christ
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Violet/purple:
symbolizes a time of expectation as well as purification or penance
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Holy Water:
constant reminder of our baptism (belonging to Christ), symbolizes new life and rebirth
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