Models of the Church
closer to God.
● Atienza, Shannen April 13, 2019
● Bocboc, Loraine
● Chang, Shinhui
● Eclevia, Kristine Nicole
● Ignacio, Kristen
● Maigue, Joyce
12HA-10
Baptism - Servant to the world
Baptism is the first “Yes” made by our parents to become members and sharers of the
Church’s mission. As written in Acts 2:38, the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit are also received
in Baptism, our chains are broken and our burdens are taken away rebirthing us to serve purely out
of Faith, Hope and Love.
To give life and meaning to the Church’s mission, some parents are known to baptize their
child because it has been a social routine or family tradition for social acceptance, it is a means of
a useful document which is beneficial for future legal or ecclesial problems, and a chance to
celebrate in forms of party or fiestas. In this mistaken motives, which often dominate, few children
mature in faith.
The roles and duties of parents and godparents must be brought more sharply in the rite
itself. Series of three to four union of dialogues between the Clergy and the people to help parents
reflect on their obligations, to clarify their motives in requesting baptism and to deepen their ties
with the Church community. The Church must begin in evangelization in preparing them for the
sacrament of baptism.
Confirmation - Sent as a prophet
Confirmation, in his own free will, is the second “Yes,” reaffirming his share in the
Church’s mission - taking responsibility for what he believes in and professing it to the Church. it
is completing the grace of baptism. (CCC 1285)
Up to this recent time, several misconceptions about confirmation are still prevailing. Many
of its recipients see it as a compliance rather than a desiring act towards the mission of Church.
Furthermore, seminars and meetings involving the recipient(s) and his parent(s) before the
celebration of sacrament must be executed creatively and interactively. In this way they can deepen
their understanding about Confirmation and not see it as a way of compelling but rather a step
Holy Eucharist - Sacrament of Christ
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) strongly asserts the "Real Presence" of Jesus'
body in the Eucharist; It is His body and His blood, we commemorate Christ’s presence.
The challenge in this present time is how we can make our everyday lives an authentic
expression of the Eucharist and the Lord’s Day.
After receiving the Eucharist, our actions must increasingly manifest Christ in us,
otherwise, our communion with Christ is "fragmented," incomplete. (SC, 82) The Eucharist must
become the center of our lives and totally reorienting how we live life around it ; We make Christ
present through our words and actions. The love we celebrate in the sacrament is demanded to be
shared by all. (SC, 84)
Reconciliation - Communion in mission
Reconciliation focused on restoring broken relationships. God reconciles us to Himself
through the death of his Son (Rom 5:1), so our relationship with Christ as individuals are renewed
through reconciliation.
People mistakenly equates forgiveness and reconciliation which challenge the qualities of
their character. In some situations, they know it is their Christian duty to forgive, but they often
feel they are either being deceived or taken advantage of.
It necessary to explain the thin line between forgiveness and reconciliation; Forgiveness is
always required by God, but it does not always lead to reconciliation (a long process). A change
of perspective might be helpful, when one perceives that the person who has wronged him is being
used as an instrument in God’s hand to help him mature, serve others and glorify Him, it may be
easier for him to move ahead with forgiveness and confirmation of genuine repentance.
Matrimony - Communion
Matrimony or the Sacrament of Marriage is the sacrament that unites two individuals and
binds them to an eternal covenant to each other. The church, us the people, is the communion to
God, and this communion starts with the domestic church --the family-- as the communion of
persons. Just like any social institution or group, the church starts with a smaller unit in which the
faith and evangelization begins, prosper, and eventually branches out. And with this comes the
concern of people who choose to stay single or step out of marriage due to personal or legal reasons
(such as one may be subject of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from the other).

Jesus said that Moses permitted divorce due to man’s hardness of heart; thus, it may seem
that sin has impaired the goodness of marriage, it did not destroy it (Matthew 19:8). Marriage is
sacred and lies beyond the binding papers of the legal court. Prior to accepting this sacrament, the
Church should impose a more firm and strict screening of couples who wish to get married.

Holy Orders - Sent as a prophet

Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to His apostles
continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time, thus it is the sacrament of apostolic
ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate (CCC 1536). The
ordained ministers exercise their service for the people of God by spreading the Good news and
serving the spiritual needs of others in the Catholic Church.

There have been accusations wherein priests use their power in order to sexually harass
children or teenagers. In line with this, Chrism Mass is celebrated during Holy week (officiated by
the local ordinary of the diocese) in which the Clerics renew their ordination vows. As for the laity,
proximity must be practiced. They can also offer their prayers for the faithfully challenged
individuals.

Anointing of the Sick - Sacrament of Christ

The anointing of the sick is the last rite of sacrament a member of the Church is encouraged
to receive. It is often administered to bring spiritual and physical strength during an illness,
especially near the time of death. (James 5:14-15)

Due to faulty catechesis or experiences, the reception of the sacrament was associated with
the immediate danger and/or moment of death whereas sacraments are for the living. The
sacrament needs to be brought more fully to the attention of the faithful through proper catechesis
of receiving sacraments so that more might receive its benefits at the appropriate time.