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Teach the Sacraments and Let God’s Light Shine

Teach the Sacraments and Let God’s Light Shine:

As Catholics, we are so blessed to have seven sacraments available to us during our lifetimes! Although some of the sacraments can only be experienced once in a person’s life (e.g. Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Matrimony or Holy Orders), the sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation can be received regularly, and the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick whenever there is a need. So what exactly is a sacrament? In simplified terms, a sacrament is an opportunity to receive grace from God. As defined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, grace is favor, the free undeserved help God gives us. Through the sacraments, we have amazing opportunities to experience God's gift of grace and allow Him to work through our lives!

When you look at the sacraments, they can be divided into three parts: (1) Sacraments of Initiation into the Church—Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, (2) Sacraments of Healing—Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick, and (3) Sacraments of Serving— Holy Matrimony and Holy Orders. 

Teaching your children about the sacraments and living them is an important part in building the faith foundation of your children. How do your children see you approach Holy Eucharist? Have your children witnessed their parents going to Reconciliation? Have they gone to Reconciliation more than once? How is the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony lived out and witnessed for your children? 

When I was three and battling leukemia in the hospital, my parents had our parish priest come to give me the Anointing of the Sick, although I don't recommend throwing popcorn at the priest that comes to pray and/or anoint you like I did, don’t be afraid to receive this sacrament. Often, I think people think they need to be on their death bed to receive this sacrament and the graces it provides, but that’s not the case. People can receive Anointing of the Sick for emotional, mental, and physical sicknesses throughout their lives.

Today, discuss the beauty of the sacraments with your children. Help them prepare for and then celebrate the ones they receive only once, and bring those that can be received more than once regularly into your family life. As a craft to help your children remember the sacraments, make a collage that depicts all seven sacraments with images. You can also make a circle that lists the sacraments around it to illustrate the sacramental life of the Church and turn the circle into a sorting game to learn the sacraments and their categories. Experience and live the Sacraments you’ve been blessed to receive, and allow the divine graces poured into you to help God’s light in you shine out into the world!

Dear Lord, help me and my family to live out the sacraments we have received. Help us to live out our baptismal vows and faith and love for you in ways that allow your light to shine forth in our lives. Amen.





Additional Resource:

Below is a great video, from Ascension Press, that discusses the sacraments of the church you and your family can watch together.


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