The Sacraments We Celebrate

In The Sacraments We Celebrate: A Catholic Guide to the Seven Mysteries of Faith, the second book in the Pillars of Faith series, Msgr. Peter J. Vaghi introduces the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. Drawing from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults, and the writings of Benedict XVI and John Paul II, Msgr. Vaghi's easy-to-use resource considers each of the sacraments from a personal, communal, and social perspective. The chapters explore the sacraments as a whole and examine the scriptural foundation, the history, and the symbolism of each. At a time when Mass attendance, Confession, and the celebration of Catholic weddings are all declining, the clarity and accessibility of Msgr. Peter Vaghi's writing on the meaning of these celebrations, complemented by questions for reflection and prayer, makes The Sacraments We Celebrate a vital resource for any Catholic seeking to understand these central actions of the faith.

Have the sacraments changed because we celebrate them differently today? The sacraments remain what they always were: visible signs of God's invisible presence. But now their unique character as personal meetings with Jesus comes through much more clearly. Now the joyful dimension of a community celebrating its faith comes into clearer focus. To appreciate this new vitality of the sacraments, we need knowledge -- a new awareness. That is what this book provides. It explores the meaning of the sacraments in general, and then takes an in-depth look at each sacrament in particular. It explains the reasoning and meaning behind the new ceremonial changes of the sacraments.

Discusses the seven sacraments of the Catholic faith and how God communicates through the people, places, and experiences that shape a person's life.

The Second Vatican Council envisioned a liturgical assembly that could understand and participate fully in the liturgy. Even when parishes have helped their members to understand and participate in the Sunday eucharistic liturgy, responses at liturgies for the other sacraments may seem uncertain and lukewarm. Do we know what we're doing when we celebrate the sacraments? In this book, as in its companion, Forming the Assembly to Celebrate the Mass, Larry Mick, a seasoned presider and writer on the liturgy, offers insights and suggestions for helping our communities understand the work we are called to do when we celebrate sacraments. The author explains each sacrament and its liturgical aspects in ways that will invigorate and prepare parish ministers for the work of liturgical catechesis. Once leaders are prepared, the book can then be used for catechizing the whole assembly. Parish councils, liturgy boards, liturgical ministers, adult formation groups and individuals in the assembly will all find in this book fresh perspectives for celebrating and savoring the sacraments.

The sacraments are at the heart of our life as Catholics, the way we celebrate together our continuing conversion and encounter with God. Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing, Marriage, and Holy Orders 'al are activities that require preparation to bring us to the fullness of our life in community and in Christ. Chapter by chapter, Father Lawrence Mick puts these core experiences into their historical and theological context, and illuminates the ways the sacraments bring us together as God's people. Ever conscious of the complex history of the church and its dynamic relationship to ritual, as well as the varied histories of human communities, Understanding the Sacraments Today is a book to be visited and revisited, a companion to the ongoing and repeated practices that nourish us. Lawrence E. Mick, a priest in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, is a liturgical consultant and writer whose numerous books include Living Baptism Daly, published by Liturgical Press. He has also been active in parish, retreat, and campus ministries.

An extremely helpful and clearly written book for understanding and celebrating the sacraments. Explains the shift in focus as history and culture impact our value systems.

Making full use of the new Code of Canon Law, recent conciliar documents, and pertinent ecclesiastical directives, this work brings together into one handy volume a wealth of information along with authorized norms whereby priests and aspirants to the ministry may be safely guided in the lawful and reverential celebration of the sacraments. The author is a recognized expert in the area of pastoral theology and canon law and, as such, brings to this book the qualifications which promise to make it a standard reference work in its field.

Over 3 million copies sold! Essential reading for Catholics of all walks of life. Here it is - the first new Catechism of the Catholic Church in more than 400 years, a complete summary of what Catholics around the world commonly believe. The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the Sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes and cross-references for a fuller understanding of every subject. The word catechism means "instruction" - this book will serve as the standard for all future catechisms. Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments), and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a positive, coherent and contemporary map for our spiritual journey toward transformation.