Table of Contents
NIHIL OBSTAT: Rev. Daniel J. Mahan, S.T.B., S.TL.
Censor Librorum
IMPRIMATUR: Rev. Msgr. Joseph F. Schaedel
Vicar General/Moderator of the Curia
Given at Indianapolis, Indiana, on February 19, 2001
The nihil obstat and imprimatur are official declarations that a book is free of doctrinal and moral error. No implication is contained herein that those who have granted the nihil obstat and imprimatur agree with the content, opinions, or statements expressed.
Acknowledgments appearing on page 153 constitute a continuation of the copyright page.
Cover Design: Other Brother Design
Cover Illustration: Steve Snodgrass
Interior Illustrations: Other Brother Design
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Stasiak, Kurt, 1952-
Sacramental theology : means of grace, ways of life / by Kurt Stasiak. p. cm. - (Catholic basics)
Rev. ed. of: Means of grace, ways of life.
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 978-0-829-43069-1
1. Sacraments-Catholic Church. 2. Pastoral theology-Catholic Church. I. Stasiak, Kurt, 1952- Means of grace, ways of life. II. Title. III. Series.
BX1970 .S825 2001
234.1608822-dc21
2001029698
CIP
ISBN: 978-0-829-43069-1
Published by Loyola Press, 3441 N. Ashland Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60657 U.S.A. 2002 The National Conference for Catechetical Leadership.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. Manufactured in the United States of America.
01 02 03 04 05 Bang 5 4 3 2 1
ABOUT THE SERIES
Catholic Basics: A Pastoral Ministry Series offers an in-depth yet accessible understanding of the fundamentals of the Catholic faith for adults, both those preparing for lay ministry and those interested in the topics for their own personal growth. The series helps readers explore the Catholic tradition and apply what they have learned to their lives and ministry situations. Each title offers a reliable introduction to a specific topic and provides a foundational understanding of the concepts.
Each book in the series presents a Catholic understanding of its topic as found in Scripture and the teachings of the Church. Each of the authors has paid special attention to the documents of the Second Vatican Council and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, so that further learning can be guided by these core resources.
Chapters conclude with study questions that may be used for small group review or for individual reflection. Additionally, suggestions for further reading offer dependable guides for extra study.
The initiative of the National Conference of Catechetical Leadership led to the development of an earlier version of this series. The indispensable contribution of the series editor, Dr. Thomas Walters, helped ensure that the concepts and ideas presented here are easily accessible to a wide audience.
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS:
NATIONAL RESOURCES FOR CHURCH MINISTRY
Each book in this theology series relates to standards for theological competency identified in the resources listed below. Three national church ministry organizations provide standards for certification programs that serve their respective ministries. The standards were developed in collaboration with the United States Catholic Conference Commission on Certification and Accreditation. The fourth resource is the latest document, developed to identify common goals of the three sets of standards.
Competency Based Certification Standards for Pastoral Ministers, Pastoral Associates and Parish Life Coordinators. Chicago: National Association for Lay Ministry, Inc. (NALM). 1994.
These standards address three roles found in pastoral ministry settings in the United States. They were the earliest to receive approval from the United States Catholic Conference Commission on Certification and Accreditation. Copies are available from the National Association for Lay Ministry, 5420 S. Cornell, Chicago, IL 60615-5604.
National Certification Standards for Professional Parish Directors of Religious Education. Washington, DC: National Conference for Catechetical Leadership, 1998.
NCCL developed standards to foster appropriate initial education and formation, as well as continuing personal and professional development, of those who serve as directors of religious education (DREs). The standards address various areas of knowledge and abilities needed in the personal, theological, and professional aspects of the ministry. Also included is a code of ethics for professional catechetical leaders. Available from the National Conference of Catechetical Leadership, 3021 Fourth Street NE, Washington, DC 20017-1102.
NFCYM Competency-Based Standards for the Coordinator of Youth Ministry. Washington, DC: National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, 1996.
This document lays out the wide range of knowledge and skills that support ministry with young people, as well as the successful leadership and organization of youth ministry wherever it may be situated. The standards are available from the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, 415 Michigan Avenue NE, Suite 40, Washington, DC 20017-1518.
Merkt, Joseph T., ed. Common Formation Goals for Ministry. A joint publication of NALM, NFCYM, and NCCL, 2000.
Rev. Joseph Merkt compared the documentation of standards cited by three national organizations serving pastoral, youth, and catechetical ministries. The resulting statement of common goals identifies common ground for those who prepare persons for ministry, as well as for the many who wear multiple hats. Copies are available from NALM, NCCL, or NFCYM.
INTRODUCTION
Actions speak louder than words. This timeworn clich may seem a strange way to introduce a study on liturgy and the sacraments. Tired as the saying may seem, however, its message is trueand is most apt to the subject of this book.
Actions speak louder than words. The sacraments are among the most important ways Catholic Christians practiceamong the most important ways we act outwhat it is we believe. The Catholic faith is a discipline of doctrines and dogmas, a religion of teachings and precepts. Most of all, however, our Catholic faith is a way of life that constantly calls us to put into practice what it is we profess in our creed. What we as Catholics believe in our minds is supposed to guide how we act in the world.
Actions speak louder than words. The late German theologian, Hans Urs von Balthasar, once offered the religious equivalent of this clich. He suggested that it is not so important that the value of Christianity be seen in itself, but that it is absolutely crucial that Christianitys value be seen in us. In other words, if the world wants to know what we believe as Christians, it should be able to learn that simply by observing us as we go about the ordinary business of our lives. Ultimately, the most effective homilies on the Gospels are given not by the priest in church, but by those Christians who preach day in and day out by living in the world what they, in church, say they believe.
Actions speak louder than words. For Catholics, the liturgy and the sacraments are actions that speak particularly loud and clear. The sacraments are
