What Are Sacrament?

Part A – What are Sacraments?

Question 1: Explore one of the seven Sacraments.

The Catholic Church acknowledges seven (7) sacraments which include Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Eucharist, Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick and Holy Orders as part of its Christian identity and an essential commitment of its members to unify with God. The Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Sale (2005) state “…sacraments build up the Christian community and celebrate different aspects of its identity in Christ as it is healed, sustained, forgiven, and called to service.” (p. 98)

The Eucharist is the centre point of all the sacraments and the most practised by Christians around the world. The word ‘Eucharist’ itself is a Greek word meaning “thanksgiving” which is a direct reflection of the Church’s practice. At Home with God’s People (2011) states, “…love must be the dominant attitude behind one’s desire to give thanks, not just a sense of duty.” (p.108)

Many Christians also acknowledge the Eucharist as a connection to the Lord’s Supper; and as an important occasion to remember the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. It is also an opportunity for fellowship amongst the Church to worship God through the love and sacrifice of Jesus. The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2005, para. 1402-05 states:

“The Eucharist is a pledge of future glory because it fills us with every grace and heavenly blessing. It fortifies us our pilgrimage in this life and makes us long for eternal life. It unites us already to Christ seated at the right hand of the Father, to the Church in heaven and the Blessed Virgin and all the saints.” (P.99)

The Eucharist has changed its format throughout the years and there is debate as to its origin. Bradshaw, 2002 states:

“One of the major difficulties faced by scholars with regard to the origin of the Eucharist is the question of how far the accounts of the Last Supper may be treated as reliable descriptions of an actual historical event and how far they have been affected by the later liturgical practices of the first generation of Christians.” (p.61)

The earliest Eucharist was conducted in homes during simple Masses. The Bible tells us, “They broke bread at home.” (Acts 2:46) in the very early Church. It was tradition at this time to celebrate the Eucharist on a Saturday which was the Jewish Sabbath, but early Christians changed the day of meeting to Sunday, the day of the resurrection. Celebrating the Eucharist whilst sharing a meal stopped its traditional format as the rites evolved to what we know today.

Fasting from midnight until the celebration of the Eucharist was practised by the Jews and early Christians but not even being able to drink water proved difficult for priests who had to travel long distances between