Sacrament Parts and Church Interior

Sacraments of Initiation

Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist

Sacraments of Healing

Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick

Sacraments of Service

Holy Orders and Matrimony

Grace

God's gifts, power, life and help that he gives to us in the sacraments

Sacrament

Sacred ritual in the Catholic Church that puts us in touch with Jesus. A visible and natural sign of an invisible or supernatural action of God.

Minister

The person who administers a sacrament. Acting en persona Christi.

Matter

the material thing and the action

Form

the necessary words spoken by minister

Spiritual effect

The unseen, supernatural change that happens in the recipient, the grace received

Proper Disposition

To be open to receiving the sacrament by having knowledge, faith and intention. Proper preparation.

Valid

Minister, matter and Form are correct and done correctly

Efficacious

A valid sacrament is received by a person with proper disposition therefore it has a spiritual effect. It goes BOOM!

ex opere operato

A term in sacramental theology (literally, "by the work done"), meaning that sacraments are effective by means of the sacramental rites themselves, and not because of the worthiness of the minister.

ex opere operantis

The openness of the recipient of a sacrament, which determines (at least partially)whether the sacrament is efficacious.

Cruciform (cross) shape of the building

Many churches are built in the shape of a cross to remind people of Jesus' crucifixion and sacrifice.

Altar

Central to the church and symbolizes Christ Himself. It is where the Last Supper is re-enacted and the Eucharist (the body and blood of Christ) is consecrated.

Tabernacle

This is a prominent, usually golden, box, often located behind the altar. It holds the consecrated Eucharist (the Host) as a sign of Jesus' real presence in the church.

Sanctuary lamp

Lit when the tabernacle contains the Eucharist. Its light signifies Jesus' constant presence.

Statues and Icons

Used to venerate saints and angels and reminders of their presence and intercession.

Stained Glass and Windows

These often tell stories from the Bible or the lives of saints, serving as visual narratives for those who may be illiterate.

Holy Water Font

Found near the entrance, it reminds people of their baptism and encourages them to enter the sacred space with reverence.

Confessional

A small room or booth where people can confess their sins to a priest and receive absolution.

Ambo/Lectern

A type of ornate podium from which the Bible readings are proclaimed.

Garden imagery and flowers

Reminds us of liturgy as a foretaste of Heaven on earth (a garden like Eden or the New heaven New Earth).

The Cross

The image of Christ crucified is a reminder of Christ's paschal mystery. It draws us into the mystery of suffering and makes tangible our belief that our suffering when united with the passion and death of Christ leads to redemption.

Cyclical Sacraments

Unlike ROP (rite of passage) these are received more than once on a regular basis (Eucharist and Reconciliation)