Workbook
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For a workbook on the Sacraments of Initiation click here
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GRACEAt the heart of all these mysteries is the belief that God loves us completely without any action on our part.
This free gift of God’s unconditional love is called GRACE. Although God’s grace can be experienced in many special ways, the Catholic Church believes Sacraments are a very special way to experience God’s presence. Each sacramental celebration is an opportunity for the Christian to encounter Christ/Hehu Karaiti as the ‘Sacrament of God’ the greatest sign of God’s ora/life and aroha/love. |
For Sacraments to be effective they must be lived daily.
Initiation Sacraments:
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Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are sometimes called the Sacraments of Initiation.
Baptism: Welcomes us into a family of people who believe in living as Jesus did. This family is all around the world, welcoming others. In Baptism we acknowledge the gift of the Holy Spirit in each of us. It is a gift given to us from God that guides, supports, strengthens and forms us into people that are able to live joyful lives full of love. |
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Eucharist or First Holy Communion: Is a regular event that nourishes us to continue our personal growth and live in community. It is a time of gathering with others and acknowledging that none of us is perfect, but we are perfectly created. It is a time when we acknowledge the sacrifice that Jesus gave his life for us, while at the same time we gather around a table, like the first apostles, and commit our lives to Jesus.
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Healing Sacraments:
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Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick and Sacraments of Healing.
Reconciliation or Penance: Is a Sacrament which we can participate in regularly. In Reconciliation we recognise that God loves us so much, Te Atua wants us to live a life free from the things that hurt ourselves and others, and that break our relationships down. God wants us to live a life full of loving, healthy, merciful and supportive relationships. Through Reconciliation God wants to help us become the best people we can be and to use the gifts we have been given to make our world a wonderful place to be. God wants you to know you are never alone and that with a relationship with Te Atua you can find peace. Anointing of the Sick
This sacrament is for people who are not well, and is a healing Sacrament ministered by a priest. It enables people to tune into the gifts of the Holy Spirit that bring peace and courage to help deal with the challenges of serious illness, and the difficulties of growing older. People are able to receive this Sacrament more than once. |