Natural vs. Supernatural Life

• Human life consists of Natural Life and Supernatural Life, which shape us physically and spiritually.

Natural Life

• Natural Life encompasses all experiences in the physical world from birth to death.
• Includes physical growth from birth.
• Eating and nourishment are both part of natural life
• Learning and relationships count as part of natural life
• Healing and Making life choices are also aspects of natural life.
• Natural Life elements are crucial for survival, growth, and well-being.

Supernatural Life

• Supernatural Life concerns your relationship with God and the grace He provides.
• Being born into Gods family through Baptism is part of supernatural life
• Nourishing your soul through the Eucharist helps you with your spiritual journey
• Growing in faith and wisdom (Confirmation is part of this process)
• Receiving God's mercy (Reconciliation and Committing to serve God help to develop your supernatural life
• This involves living in God's grace and becoming who you’re meant to be in Christ.

Sacraments

• Sacraments bridge natural and supernatural life.
• The seven sacraments connect natural life to our supernatural life.

Natural Life Transformed

• Being born transforms you into a child of God through Baptism.
• Eating daily means you are nourished by Christ's Body and Blood through Eucharist.
• Growing up is where your faith matures with the Holy Spirit's strength through Confirmation.
• Saying sorry is receiving God's forgiveness and healing through Reconciliation.
• Healing from sickness gives strength in suffering through Anointing of the Sick.
• Choosing a vocation commits you to serving God and others: Holy Orders/Matrimony.

Importance

• Focusing only on natural life might lead to missing true meaning and purpose.
• Embracing both natural and supernatural life leads to finding meaning, purpose, and joy in God.
• Balancing both dimensions leads to eternal happiness.

Definition of a Sacrament

• A sacrament is an efficacious sign of grace, instituted by Christ, and entrusted to the Church, dispensing divine life.

Aspects of a Sacrament

• Efficacious Sign:
  • It brings about the grace it signifies, not just a symbol.
  • Baptism truly washes away sin, rather than just representing cleansing.
• Instituted by Christ:
  • Established by Jesus Himself as a means of sanctification.
  • Jesus commanded His disciples to baptize (Matthew 28:19) and instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper (Luke 22:19-20).
• Gives Grace:
  • Grace is the free and undeserved help from God that enables growth in holiness.
  • Sacraments confer sanctifying grace (heals the soul) and actual grace (helps us act according to God's will).
• Entrusted to the Church:
  • Are administered by the Church through the power of Christ and only The Church has the authority to celebrate the sacraments validly.

Sacraments and Grace

• Baptism washes away original sin and makes a person a child of God.
• Eucharist nourishes the soul with the Body and Blood of Christ.
• Confirmation strengthens the soul with the Holy Spirit.
• Reconciliation restores grace by forgiving sins.
• Anointing of the Sick gives strength and healing.
• Holy Orders grants grace to serve as a priest.
• Matrimony gives grace to live a faithful marriage.
• Sacraments are effective through Christ's power, not the minister's holiness

Efficacy of Sacraments

• Sacraments Act Ex Opere Operato (CCC 1128)
  • Power comes from Christ Himself.
• Sacraments Require Proper Disposition (CCC 1131)
  • Recipient must properly receive grace.
• Sacraments and Salvation (CCC 1129)
  • Necessary for salvation, conveying Christ's sanctifying grace.

Categories of Sacraments

• The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1211) divides the seven sacraments into three categories:

• Sacraments of Christian Initiation:

  • Establish Christian life foundation
  • Baptism washes away sin (CCC 1213)
  • Confirmation strengthens faith (CCC 1285)
  • Eucharist nourishes the soul (CCC 1324)

• Sacraments of Healing:

  • Restore and strengthen soul
  • Reconciliation grants God's mercy (CCC 1422)
  • Anointing of the Sick brings spiritual healing (CCC 1499)

• Sacraments of Service and Mission:

  • Support the Church's mission
  • Holy Orders helps priests serve the Church (CCC 1536)
  • Matrimony unites couples with love (CCC 1601)

• Each sacrament confers grace and strengthens the believer's relationship with God.