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A Pastor and the Sacraments

Catechesis in the faith is called to look anew at the makeup of parishioners. There is a need to "promote a new expression of the Gospel...looking to a language of faith...which is common to all." (GDC #203)

Sacraments play a major role in the life of each parish. In fact, sacraments encircle the liturgical life of the parish. The pastor, as spiritual leader of a parish community, has the opportunity to enhance the spirituality of the sacraments, both in terms of those received frequently by parishioners and those about to be received for the first time by babies, converts, and children in the parish religious education program.

LITURGY AND CATECHESIS

Catechesis is called to promote knowledge of the meaning of liturgy and the sacraments. At the same time, catechesis is to educate parishioners in terms of "prayer, for thanksgiving, for repentance, for praying with confidence, for community spirit, for understanding correctly the meaning of the creeds..." assuring a genuine liturgical life. [GDC #85]

The General Directory for Catechesis puts special emphasis on recognizing the sacraments as forming " ‘an organic whole in which each particular sacrament has its own vital place.’ In this whole, the Holy Eucharist occupies a unique place to which all of the other sacraments are ordained. The Eucharist is to be presented as the ‘sacrament of sacraments.’ " [GDC #115]

PLANNING AHEAD

Vatican II helped the understanding of sacraments to develop into a more community-based experience. Recently, the Catechism of the Catholic Church clarifies the role of recipient. One must believe that the sacrament will bring grace and be prepared to receive it. The recipient’s faith is expressed and strengthened through participation. The Church’s faith precedes the recipient’s faith. That is, the Church confesses the apostolic faith when celebrating the sacraments. [CCC #1124]

This is where the parish’s role in terms of guidance and example for the parish community becomes critical. The parish can help people recognize the sacraments as public acts of the church; that they express the nature and mission of the church. Sacraments are a means of connecting the recipient directly to the church—thus uniting more than the individual to God alone, but also to the church community. Consider how effective the ministry of the parish currently emphasizes these issues. Reflect on ways that your parish, in its own unique way, can bring greater life to the sacraments.

The following resources provide current materials on sacraments and sacramental preparation.

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