Sacraments III

January 12 & 26, 2008

Before Class

• Read Chapters 20-22 in U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults
• Read the following handouts:
  • Confession to a Human Being
  • Continual Conversion and Penance
  • Reconciliation
  • Holiness and Joy

Homework

• Read Chapters 23-24 in U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults
• Read Summary of the National Directory for Catechesis
• Read the following handouts:
• Women and the Priesthood
• Marriage, Sexuality, and Contraception
• The Priesthood of the Faithful

To Make Up an Absence

If you are unable to attend this class, please submit at the following class written responses to two questions from each chapter, for a total of six questions. Each response should be 2-3 paragraphs in length and address the question completely. Please include the question that you are addressing at the top of each answer.

Chapter 20. Holy Orders

1. Describe the priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial priesthood of priests and bishops. How are they different? How does each complement and support the other?
2. Describe the effects of this Sacrament, in each of its three degrees. Describe the essential rite of ordination, and how the effects of Holy Orders are signified by the signs and symbols in the rite.
3. How is the Sacrament of Holy Orders "primarily directed to the salvation of others" (p. 262-263)? How are the ordained ministries of bishop, priest, and deacon each essential for the life of the Church?

Chapter 21. The Sacrament of Marriage

1. How is the Sacrament of Marriage "primarily directed to the salvation of others" (p. 262-263)? What are the purposes of marriage?
2. Describe the effects of this Sacrament and how they are signified by the signs and symbols in the Rite.
3. How does contemporary culture undermine God's will for marriage? How are spouses and all Christians called to respond?
4. What is a declaration of nullity? How does the Church's practice of granting declarations of nullity emphasize the permanence and indissolubility of sacramental marriage?

Chapter 22. Sacramentals and Popular Devotions

1. What are sacramentals, and how are they related to sacraments? How are they different? Give examples.
2. How do "expressions of popular piety extend the liturgical life of the Church" (CCC 1675)? Give examples.
3. What are some benefits of praying the Rosary? Why do some people have sacred art such as crucifixes, statues, and holy images in prominent places in their homes?