Comprehensive Guide to Prayer, Sacraments, and Christian Life

PRAYER

The raising of one's mind and heart to God (st John Damascus).

BLESSING

A prayer asking for that good care for a particular person, place, or activity.

BLESSING FORMAL PRAYER

Bless us o lord for these gifts we are about to receive from thy bounty of christ our lord.

PRAISE

A prayer of giving glory to God not for what he does, but simply because he is.

ADORATION

The prayerful acknowledgement that God is Good and creator of all things.

VENERATION

A form of spiritual communication typically a plea, offering, or expression of reverence, directed towards sacred objects, figures.

PETITION

A prayer form in which one asks God for help or forgiveness.

INTERCESSION

A prayer on the behalf of another person or group.

CONTRITION

A formal or informal Christian prayer where a person expresses sincere sorrow for their sins.

THANKSGIVING

A prayer of gratitude for the gift of life and the gifts of life.

SACRAMENTAL PRINCIPAL

God is present to humankind and we respond to God's grace through the ordinary and everyday life in the world.

LIFE IN THE WORD

Life in the word is sacramental.

THE SACRAMENTAL PRINCIPAL

Christians Believe God the son joined a human nature through the incarnation (meaning in the flesh).

SACRAMENTS DESIRE

Our transformation, Our change of heart, Our growth in awareness, Our ability to become our best selves who are able to live responsibly, deeply love, care, respect oneself, others and the world.

BAPTISM

OUTWARD SYMBOL.

OUTWARD SYMBOLS

Water, white garment, candle, oil (chrism).

Emergency Baptism

Anyone may baptize in emergency situations; in fact, one has the duty to baptize a child in an emergency situation.

Role of Priest

Bring others closer to God through worship, prayer and service.

Examples of Priest's Role

Praying for friends + family, attending mass or youth worship, offering daily struggles or success to God, serving the altar.

Role of Prophet

Listen to God's word and speak truth with courage. Help others see/do what is right.

Examples of Prophet's Role

Standing up for what is right even when it's unpopular, sharing positive or faith-based messages, encouraging a friend to make good choices, living with integrity showing that actions match beliefs.

Role of King

Lead with service, justice, and responsibility; not by power, but by love, care for others and use their gifts to make the world better.

Examples of King's Role

Helping organize service projects, mentoring or tutoring younger students, taking responsibility for chores, commitments, including others who feel left out or isolated, protecting creation, recycling, conserving resources.

Effects of Baptism

Inward Grace.

Cleansing Effect of Baptism

Cleanses from original sin and all personal sin (if one is an adult).

Incorporation through Baptism

Incorporates one into the material body of Christ, the church.

Theological Virtues

Influences the theological virtues into the soul (faith, hope, charity) as sheer gifts.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Includes 7 personal gifts of the holy spirit (wisdom, understanding, knowledge, fortitude, fear of God, counsel, piety).

Death and Resurrection in Baptism

We die and rise with Christ.

Grace of Recognition

Importing the grace of recognition.

Four Steps of OCIA (RCIA)

1. RCIA to OCIA (Rote—- order).

Period of Inquiry

A person hears the word of God and responds to it. Questions about the scripture and the church are answered.

Period of Catechumenate

Over the course of a year, catechumenates state their faith.

Requirements during Catechumenate

In special classes, are mentioned by a sponsor, do service, participate in the liturgy of the word at mass.

Enrollment in Book of the Elect

Once the first Sunday of Lent, candidates are enrolled in the book of the elect by the bishop.

Purification and Enlightenment

During Lent, catechumens scrutinize their lives and do penance.

Sacraments of Initiation

At the end of this period, they receive the three sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil Mass.

Nostalgia after Baptism

The newly Baptized 'Meothphyetes' continue to meet with one another after Easter until Pentecost gradually takes their places in the church.

Godparent Requirements

Be at least 16 years old, be a Catholic who has received sacraments of initiation, be a practicing Catholic, be a role model in living as a disciple of Jesus.

Vocal Prayer

The expression of feelings in words.

Meditation

Actively using thoughts, emotions, imaginations and desires to think about God's presence.

Mental Prayer

Conversing with Jesus to reflect on one of the mysteries of his life.

Contemplation

Silent wordless prayer in which you simply rest in the presence of God.