sac.sacramentals-09 (1)

Signs

Actions, gestures, movements or realities that convey meaning.

Symbols

Representations that throw together broken halves of a whole to make reality present.

Rites

Symbolic actions performed in a specific order or manner.

Seal

A symbol used to authenticate or confirm something.

Sacraments

Sacred signs and actions that produce and communicate specific effects.

Sacramentals

Sacred signs that resemble the sacraments and aid in sanctification.

Ex opere operato

The belief that sacraments are effective by virtue of the action itself.

Incarnation

The belief that God reveals himself to the community, not just individuals.

Ritualism

An excessive focus on the external aspects of religious rituals.

Rubricism

An excessive adherence to the prescribed rules and regulations of rituals.

Paschasius Radbertus

A theologian who wrote about the nature of the Eucharist.

Berengarius

A theologian who discussed the boundaries and beliefs related to the Eucharist.

Hugh St Victor

A theologian who contributed to sacramental doctrines.

Peter Lombard

A theologian who wrote about the nature and effects of sacraments.

Edward Schillebeeckx

A theologian who emphasized the encounter with God in the sacraments.

Grace

The invisible divine assistance or favor given to humans.

Salvation History

The unfolding of God's plan for the redemption and salvation of humanity.

Ex opere operantis

The belief that sacramentals are effective through the intercessory prayer of the Church.

Ecclesia

The Church as a whole, including its members and hierarchy.

Visible signs

The external, tangible elements of the sacraments and sacramentals.