PRAYER AND SACRAMENTS

PRAYER
 The raising of one’s mind and heart to God. It is a covenant relationship between
God and man. It is likewise the requesting of good things from God.

LITURGY
 The official public worship of the Church. It is Trinitarian, ecclesial, with Ethical
and moral link as well as eschatological in nature.

SACRAMENTS
 These are signs of God’s love. Likewise, these are sacred signs instituted by
Christ to give grace.

THREE CATEGORIES OF SACRAMENTS

A. SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION
1. BAPTISM
 The sacrament that incorporates us to the Body of Christ, enables us to be part of God’s
family and makes us children of God.

EFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

 We obtain forgiveness of original sin.

 It incorporates us into the Body of Christ where we become part of the people of God.
 It enables us to share in the prophetic, priestly and kingly mission of Jesus Christ.

SYMBOLS USED IN BAPTISM

 Water is used in Baptism as a symbol of life. In Baptism Christ gives new life.

 Holy oil is a symbol of strength and healing. It a symbol that the baby has the gift
of the Holy Spirit and has been made holy, a special friend of Jesus who is king.
Oil of Chrism is blessed by the Archbishop during Holy Week and given to every
parish to use.

 At Baptism, the church wraps new members in a white garment as a sign of

acceptance and belonging in the community of faith. White is a symbol of purity
and cleanliness. The white baptismal garment shows that the newly baptized is
now a Christian and with the help of family and friends will grow up to be like
Jesus. They are wrapped in the white garment – wrapped in God’s love.
 The candle is a sign that Jesus is the light of the world. At Easter, the Paschal
candle is lit as a sign of the risen life of Christ. At baptism, a small candle is lit
from the Paschal candle and given to the parents and godparents for the child.
The priest says, “Receive the light of Christ.” They are instructed to keep the light
burning brightly and the flame of faith alive in their child’s heart.

 The Cross
The cross is a universal symbol of Christianity. Making the sign of the cross over
a child during the baptism invokes God's protection and asks for entrance into
the body of the Christian church

2. CONFIRMATION
 A sacrament of Initiation where we receive the indelible mark of Christianity and
we are fully incorporated in the Body of Christ-the Church. It is administered by
the bishop by which we fully receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

EFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

 By which, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit as the permanent gift of the
Father.
 It enables us to become members of a royal priesthood.

THE SYMBOLS USED IN CONFIRMATION

 Laying on of Hands
During the ceremony, the bishop or priest lays their hands on the head of the
confirmand, invoking the Holy Spirit and blessing them with strength and courage
to live out their faith.

 Sign of the Cross

The Sign of the Cross is a powerful symbol of the confirmand’s commitment to
their faith and connection to the believers’ community.

 Anointing of the Chrism

The blessing of the chrism represents the confirmand’s strengthening in their
faith and commitment to living out their beliefs.
 Sign of Peace
It is a symbol of unity and reconciliation.
 Words of God
During the Confirmation ceremony, the bishop or priest will lay hands on the
confirmand and recite the words of the Holy Spirit. These words are taken from
the Bible and represent the confirmand’s acceptance of the Holy Spirit and their
commitment to living a life of faith.

3. HOLY EUCHARIST
 A sacrament of Initiation where we receive the Body and Blood of Christ, We receive
Jesus Himself. It deeply nourishes our spiritual life and make Our relationship with God
stronger and enduring.

 Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist during the Last Supper. It is considered as the First
Mass.

EFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST

 It unites us with Jesus Christ in love which help us respond with greater love to
God and neighbor.
 We receive the graces which a full member of the new covenant needs to give
personal witness to Jesus before all people.
 It brings about the real presence of Jesus among His people.
 It is a pledge of our resurrection and final glory and an anticipated sharing in
God’s gift of eternal life.
 It enables our sins to be forgiven.

SACRED VESSELS AND OBJECTS IN THE CHURCH

 Altar
The Lord’s Table, place where sacrifice of Mass is offered to the Father and
made present to us.
 Altar Cloth
The cloth that covers altar.
 Corporal
The square piece of white cloth spread over center of altar where priest will offer
gifts of bread and wine to become Body and Blood of Jesus.
 Sanctuary
The area around the altar
 Sanctuary lamp
The candle or light near tabernacle to show Jesus is present
 Tabernacle
The place where Eucharist is kept. We genuflect in front of Tabernacle to show
reverence.
 Altar Rail
divides sanctuary from congregation, encloses sanctuary and Altar
 Ambo
The prominent stand or lectern from which Scripture readings are proclaimed
 Lectionary
A large book containing Bible readings at Mass
 Roman Missal
A large book containing prayers said by priest at Mass. Held by altar server at
beginning and end of Mass. Placed on altar during Liturgy of the Eucharist
 Credence table
side table in sanctuary where objects used for Mass are placed before and after
use.
 Paten
A round metal plate which holds hosts to be consecrated into Body of Jesus
 Chalice
The cup used by priest when he consecrates wine into Blood of Jesus Made of
silver, gold or solid material that does absorb liquid
 Pall
A small white cloth covered square that covers top of chalice, also cloth used to
cover coffin at funeral
 Ciborium
It is a covered container used to hold hosts consecrated at Mass. Consecrated
hosts are left in ciborium and placed in Tabernacle for veneration or for sick
 Cruets
Bottles like containers that hold water and wine at Mass
 Finger towel and bowl/lavabo
These are used to wash hands of priest before Eucharistic Prayer
 Purificator
A small white cloth used to clean chalice after each person receives
Blood of Jesus, and to clean chalice after Mass
 Sacristy
The room in church where priest prepares for Mass
 Monstrance
A large metal container to display or show host for worship and Praise. Used at
Benediction and Exposition of Blessed Sacrament
 Pyx
It is a small container used to bring Communion to the sick
 Paschal candle
It is a large candle placed in tall holder to symbolize light of Risen Christ. It is the
“Easter Candle” and is blessed and Prepared at the Easter Vigil on Holy
Saturday night.
It Stays in the Sanctuary until end of Pentecost then placed near baptismal font
and used for Baptisms and funerals.
 Sprinkler/Aspergilium
An instrument capable of holding water, that accompanies the bucket or pail
containing holy water for Sprinkling Rites. The sacred vessels used to hold
consecrated hosts (chalice, paten, ciborium, pyx and monstrance) are blessed
and made of precious metal or gilded on inside, they do not break or deteriorate
and are distinguishable from ordinary vessels.

 Amice

This is a rectangular piece of cloth with two long ribbons attached to the top
corners. The priest puts it over his shoulders, tucking it in around the neck to hide
his cassock and collar. It symbolizes a helmet of salvation and a sign of
resistance against temptation.

 Alb

This long, white, vestment reaching to the ankles and is worn when celebrating
Mass. Its name comes from the Latin ‘albus’ meaning ‘white.’ This garment
symbolizes purity of heart.

 Cincture

This is a long cord used for fastening some albs at the waist. It is worn over the
Alb by the priest at Mass. It is a symbol of chastity. It is usually white in color.

 Stole

A stole is a long cloth, often ornately decorated, of the same color and style as
the chasuble. A stole traditionally stands for the power of the priesthood and
symbolizes obedience. The priest wears it around the neck, letting it hang down
the front. A deacon wears it over his right shoulder and fastened at his left side
like a sash.

 Chasuble
 The chasuble is the sleeveless outer vestment, slipped over the head, hanging
down from the shoulders and covering the stole and alb. It is the proper Mass
vestment of the priest and its color varies according to the feast.

B. SACRAMENTS OF VOCATION/SERVICE
1. MATRIMONY
 A sacrament of service which manifests a covenant of love between the couple.
They responded to God’s call of service by building a family and upbringing good
Christian dignified children.

SYMBOLS

 Ring
 Arrhae
 Cord
 Veil
 Candle

2. HOLY ORDERS
 A sacrament of service where the person gives himself to a total surrender to
God. By which, the person is given the authority to be a minister of the
sacraments.

SYMBOLS

 Stole
 Chrism
 the laying of hands
 the chalice

C. SACRAMENTS OF HEALING

1. Confession/Penance
 A sacrament of healing which enables our sins to be forgiven through the priest,
the representative of Jesus. Through this act of conversion that our friendship is
restored with God, reconciling us to the loving presence and grace of our
Creator.
Symbol
 Sign of the Cross/ absolution

2. ANOINTING OF THE SICK

 A sacrament of healing given to the sick and the dying which brings them
physical or spiritual healing, forgiveness and grace from God.

SYMBOLS OF ANOINTING OF THE SICK

 Blessed or consecrated oil
 the sign of the cross
 praying hands, hands, the forehead,
 laying down of hands