African Catholic Community Diocese of Worcester at St. Andrew
 

 

 

 

 

WHAT IS A SACRAMENT?

Rev Father MpagiA Sacrament is a Sign of Christ . A sign usually represents something other than itself , for example smoke is a sign of fire or a red light means to stop or danger. A sign is something we see or hear which tells of something which we cannot see or hear at the moment. So, a Sacrament is a sign that indicates Jesus Christ in action, working in our souls and lives to produce grace. A sacrament is then an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.

How many Sacraments are there?

There are seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony.

 

Holy Orders

By name I have called you, by name I will send you...This is at times a very inexplicable sacrament because it is a calling, a vocation. God calls and invites normal people like you and me to serve him in a special way. The Priest is ordained by the bishop to the priesthood and thus receives this sacrament of service. He is called to live among the people, to know and share their concerns , to preach the word of God  and administer the sacraments . He is called to serve.

Are  interested in the Priesthood? or religious life? talk to any priest.

Baptism

The word 'Baptism' has Greek origins and means both 'immersion and bath' . By the immersion (or pouring onto the head with water) , one dies to sin and is given a new birth in the life of grace. so BAPTISM is new birth in the life of grace , the life of God. At Baptism we receive the grace that helps us to live as children of God, making it easier for us to believe in God and act accordingly and lessens our inclinations to evil.We see used in the sacrament water , light(candle), White cloth and oils. Parents and Godparents take up an important role of guiding the child(infant) or Adult in the ways of faith.

Confirmation

The word confirm implies to do something with firmness or strength. With this sacrament we make a mature decision to become an ADULT in faith. The sacrament gives us strength to profess our faith even under difficulties and persecutions and to give a good example to others. Candidates accompanied by their sponsors , take on a new name, they stand and witness to the Bishop that YES, they are now true followers of Christ and fully understand what this means.

Marriage

This is the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. ( Saying I do the Catholic way). Marriage is for Catholics, a covenant in which a man and a woman surrender themselves to each other before God and the church in a personal bond of union. it is a permanent and personal commitment. Africans have a deeper sense to Marriage as it relates to family ,children and Life,three pillars of African identity and existence.

Eucharist

I am the bread of Life, he who eats this bread will live forever...these words of Jesus reveal the importance and power of this sacrament. To receive Jesus into our lives as food for the journey of our daily lives. At Mass the Eucharist has its most visible celebration as we re-live the Last supper , Jesus says to his disciples : Do this in memory of me. As we receive Jesus we are challenged to be Jesus to one another; to become what we eat.

Has your Child received First Communion? Talk to your leader .

Reconciliation

Also called Penance ( or going to Confession). This is a sacrament of healing; we know our weaknesses and sin and are in need of a new start always.By the act of confession we reconcile with God , our neighbor and receive God's forgiveness.

At any time you need confession, see any Priest or call 5086887343.

Anointing of the Sick

This is also a sacrament of Healing. Jesus in his ministry was a great healer( the blind, ten lepers, those possessed with demons etc..) In this sacrament the sick receive the healing power of God.(Strength in time of weakness). See a Priest if you are in need of anointing anytime.