Grace Trinity Catholic Church celebrates seven sacraments paramount in the Church and in its Traditions. These are Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, and Holy Orders. Sacraments are tangible, visible, and grace-filled expressions of our growing relationship with God.
They are divided into three groups: initiation, healing, and service. But how or do they affect my life as a Christian, a Catholic, or Priest? Do they matter to me? And why and/or why not? Do I carry on because The Church tells me so, or do they contribute to my soul?
Baptism: Water and Oil. Hebrew Scripture, The New Testament. History and tradition get to my soul. What is happening here? Cleansing what? From what? Christ instituted the Sacraments to give grace. But why did the Jews baptize? We find baptism in the book of Leviticus when the Levite priests ordered symbolic bathing prior to putting on their garments. This was not called baptism but demonstrates the importance of a practice dating before John’s Baptism of repentance
(Luke 3:3, Acts 19:4.).
I believe it was in ritual purity and performed in natural waters. It was a restoration to the state of purity. So, does the Officiant restore someone to that state in our church? I do not believe we were born with spiritual stain but Original Blessing. So, what is the Clergy doing? And why are we so moved? The answer is simple but real. The Adult, Child, or Baby enters a Spiritual Family of believers that dates back thousands of years. The Parent(s)or God Parents take a profound oath to live life in the worthiest manner conceived. Baptism does not remove a stain; it creates an invisible, holy, ever-lasting garment of grace over the Baptized. It is an acceptance of Christ’s love and care.
Confirmation: The Sacrament of Confirmation began in the Middle Ages when theologians began to teach that Confirmation was the sacrament of maturity. What are we confirming? We confirm that we believe in the Holy Spirit embodied in the spiritual reality of the Trinity, The Father and Mother, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. With confirmation, we are invited to the spiritual hospitality of the Holy Spirit (Paraclete or Counselor) to enter into the soul, body, and spirit of the confirmed, This spiritual act provides a lifetime of endurance, resourcefulness, and strength to live a lifetime in love, and peace.
Eucharist: Spiritual Nourishment. The sacrament of Holy Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion or The Body and Blood of Christ, is the Sacrament Christ gives us for his continual remembrance and our spiritual nourishment. It is believed that Eucharist originated with the Last Supper of Jesus with the disciples. There are scholars who believe the Last Supper was a celebration of the Passover celebrated by the Jews[1]. The Eucharist is a unifying Sacrament that transcends denominational divisions. It unites us in a special way to each other and to Christ, deepening our relationship with him. It also encourages us to reach out to those around us, for the bond we share with each other has its foundation in this Sacrament.
At Grace Trinity Catholic Church, understanding regarding the Eucharist is left to the individual. We do not strictly adhere to the theological premise of consubstantiation or transubstantiation but rather believe the Body and Blood of Christ is a faith mystery miracle. We welcome everyone to the Lord’s table for Communion.
We believe the Breaking of the Bread is “The gifts of God for the People of God. Happy are we to be called to this meal.” We believe in a loving God who gives us communion without shame. We say together: “Through Your grace, we are worthy to receive You. May we receive this gift in the purity of heart. May it bring us healing and strength now and forever.” It is not ours to judge others but to allow each person to look at their relationship with God when receiving communion. Communion is for those who need healing, not only those who feel they are free of mistakes. We consecrate wine and juice and provide a gluten-free host when requested.
Reconciliation: Reconciliation (confession) is a very intimate experience. We must recognize that reconciliation begins with realizing that all is not right in our lives. Reconciliation is demonstrated and made evident in three actions: self-reflection, confession, and forgiveness. Are we contributing all respect and love to ourselves, our neighbors, our community, and the world?
Action of Self-reflection:We work toward justice and mercy by examining ourselves deeply. Are our actions, thoughts, and behaviors acceptable to God? Are they the Christian way of life we professed wanting at Baptism and Confirmation? Are we “stumbling in the footsteps of Jesus?” What have we done that separates us from our Creator?
The Action of Confession:This Examination of Conscience gives us the opportunity to acknowledge our shortcomings and humanness directly to God within our heart and soul, to another trusted person, or a priest. We recognize our yearning to work toward being a better person and to live more fully with God. We can be reconciled with God and others in our weekly Mass. It can be called “Our Call to be Aligned Toward God” or “Examination of Conscience” during our Mass.
Action of Forgiveness: God gives us this opportunity to forgive as God forgives us. It is grace that allows us to forgive ourselves and others. Part of forgiveness is changing our behavior. No confession or apology is fully completed until we work to change ourselves. We accept God’s forgiveness and healing as we forgive ourselves and others.
Anointing of the Sick: Previously, this Sacrament was called Extreme Unction (the Last Anointing). It was changed at the time of Vatican II. If communion is given at the time of the anointing, it is called viaticum (on the way with you).
The sacrament consists of readings from the Scriptures, the laying hands, the blessing of the oil, anointing, the Lord’s Prayer and the Eucharist if the person is able.
The Fifth Chapter of the Letter of the Apostle James formed the basis of the Sacrament of anointing the sick. Our clergy at Grace Trinity Catholic Church administers the Anointing of the Sick on an individual according to need. It provides spiritual aid, comfort, and restoration in spirit. This Sacramento can be offered individually or at Mass. It forgives our actions and thoughts that separate us from God.
Suffering is a part of life. Death is a part of life. Anointing of the Sick unites us with Jesus and God. They may experience restoration to health and sometimes not. It does offer peace and comfort to the living.
The priest anoints on the forehead, the hands, and sometimes the feet. The priest says at prayer, “Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” Anointing can occur during a crisis, sickness, accidents, pain, insight, growth, age and death. God wants to be a part of our lives in joyful and difficult times. We receive this God’s comforting gift through the words and love of our friends and family.
It is easy to believe that physical and mental healing miracles ended in Biblical times. Today, our miracles can be seen in the medicines, technology, and skills of doctors, surgeons, and other caretakers. God works in communion with the medical, psychiatrists, and therapists in practice and through the sacraments.
Matrimony: This is the only sacrament in which the couple marrying are the ministers. The Officiant and those present are official witnesses of the two making a covenant to each other. Grace Trinity Catholic Church offers this Sacrament to men, women, and LGBTQIA+. We believe marriage is between two people, regardless of gender or gender identity. We affirm for all couples the recognition and blessing of their union. We support couples and their families regardless of prior marital status or diversity of families. Every family is valuable and every marriage deserves support for spiritual, emotional, sexual, and economic stability.
Holy Orders: Women and men are called by the faith and God to serve in the church. The Spirit calls to each of us to serve God according to our talents. Some are called to mission work to serve the poor and help those in hospitals and care homes.
There are some who are called to shepherd as deacons, priests, and bishops through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, these candidates receive the grace to accept the responsibility to guide and serve the Faith Community and administer the Sacraments. Following the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, our clergy protect and care for the Faith Community from which they are called to serve.
Women and men who are single, married, partnered, or LGBTQIA+ are encouraged to follow the call of the Spirit to receive this Sacrament. The Sacrament of Holy Orders is administered by a Bishop and there are specific requirements that must be met. Grace Trinity Catholic Church members interested in pursuing this path can initiate the process by contacting one of our clergy's currently ordained members.
[1] Pitre, Brant, Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist Unlocking The Secrets of the Last Supper (New York: Crown Publishing Group, 2011), 11.
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