Sacraments

• • A sacrament is a physical act with a spiritual meaning
  • A gospel sacrament is a sacrament done because either Jesus did it or He told Christians to do so
• Examples of sacraments are:

  • Baptism
  • Reconciliation - confessing and apologising for sins
  • Eucharist
  • Confirmation
  • Marriage
  • Holy orders
  • Anointing the sick
• The three examples of a gospel sacrament are:

  • Baptism
  • Eucharist
  • Prayer
• • Some Christians do not perform sacraments as they believe all actions are sacred
  • They believe it is not necessary to use rituals to communicate with God and receive his grace
• Pilgrimage:

  • A journey with spiritual significance

  Pilgrimage is not compulsory but many choose to do so to:

  • deepen connection with God
  • feel connected to community of Christians
  • learn more about history of Christianity
  • see sights where miracles happened and receive special blessings
  • seek healing
• Pilgrimage sites:

  Taizé:

  • people are encouraged to live out Christian Gospel in spirit of joy, simplicity and reconciliation
  • people experience meditative music and chants as part of candlelit worship
  • people gather with monks for prayer three times a day
• Walsingham:

  • Believed to be site of important vision of Virgin Mary
  • Saxon noblewoman claimed that Mary took her to her house in Nazareth, where Angel Gabriel announced to Mary she would give birth to Jesus
  • Site is known as Nazareth of England

  Key events:

  • Some Christians walk barefoot in last mile - act of penance
  • Daily service where pilgrims pray together
  • Procession from ruined priory to shrine
  • Daily service called Sprinkling of Well as some believe water can give special blessings