Sacraments 101 (5)

Entry of bride

Priest gives a joyous welcome

Bible readings followed by sermon on nature & purpose of marriage

Then asks the couple 3 key q's: freely & without reservation, will stay with each other forever, and that they will be open to the possibility of new life.

Consent/ exchange of vows, 'through sickness & in hell, till death do us part'.

Exchange of rings- no-one can now break the bond; 'what GOD hath joined together let man not separate' Mark 10:9

Nuptial mass, Sacrament of the Eucharist; strengthened through Christ.

Prayers for couple & marriage blessing

Signing of the registar- marriage legal as well as sacramental.

Candidates are called forward by name, & asked if they are willing to serve the church

They promise to study & pray, celebrate the sacraments & obey the bishop

Their prostration is a sign of their submission to & dependance on GOD

The bishop lays his hands on each man's head, praying for the gift of the holy spirit

The candidate is anointed on the hands as a symbol of his choice by GOD and readiness to do GOD's work

Given chalice, paten & vestments to celebrate the Eucharist

Peace is shared & priests celebrate the Eucharist (mass) with bishop & fellow newly anointed priests

Penitent spends time alone in prayer & mediation

Goes to a priest

Confesses her sins, expressing SORROW & A WISH TO BE FORGIVEN

Priest gives helpful advice

Priest sets a penance, to help them get back on the right path

Priest declares GOD'S  forgiveness, using a special prayer:

'May God give you peace and pardon, and I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit'

Sprinkling of holy water; reminder of grace given at baptism

Laying on of hands; symbol of holy spirit's strengthening power

Anointing of forehead & hands with holy oil & a special prayer: symbol of healing + inner strength to those about to die

Prayer is offered, specific to sick person's needs

Holy Communion is given: if the sick person is dying, it is called VIATICUM, spiritual food  for the journey ahead.

Coffin taken to church night before or VIGIL (wake) at home

Priest greets mourners at church door

Coffin sprinkled with holy water: sign of dying & rising with Christ at baptism

White sheet on coffin or baptismal robe or cross or Gospel book

REQUIEM MASS

Prayers, commiting dead person to GOD'S care

Coffin sprinkled with holy water

BURIAL or CREMATION