Sacramental Theology: Means of Grace, Ways of Life Book

Table of Contents

About the Series viii Certification Standards:
National Resources for Church Ministry ix Introduction xi

Chapter 1: Liturgy: Some First Thoughts 1
Liturgy Is the Work of the People 3
Liturgy Is the Work of All the Faithful 5
Liturgy Is the Work of the Trinity 7
Liturgy Is an Encounter with God and with the Church 11
Summary 12
For Reflection 12

Chapter 2: The Sacraments: The Church’s “Visible Words” 14
What Are the Sacraments? 16
The Sacraments Are of and for the Church—
Not Only in the Church 17
The Power of Sacramental Words and Symbols 26
Summary 27
For Reflection 28

Chapter 3: The Sacraments and Grace: Discovering Hidden Treasures 29
What Is Grace? 31
The Sacraments Confer Grace 33
The Sacraments Confer Ex Opere Operato. Ex Opere Operato? 38
A Sacrament Is an Encounter with Christ—and with Christ’s Church 41
Summary 43
For Reflection 45

Chapter 4:    The Sacraments and Their History:The Changing Ways and Means of Expressing Eternal Truths    46
How Many Sacraments Are There? 48
A Brief History of the Sacraments 50
From Recognition to Ratification:
And Then There Were Seven 61
An Overview of the “Attitude” of Sacramental Theology 64
Summary 70
For Reflection 71

Chapter 5: The Sacrament of Baptism: The Gateway to Life in the Spirit 72
Baptism Is the Door to Life in the Spirit 74
The Baptism of Adults in the Postconciliar Church 78
The Baptism of Infants in the Postconciliar Church 82
Adult Baptism and Infant Baptism 86
Summary 89
For Reflection 89

Chapter 6: The Eucharist: Source and Summit of Ecclesial Life 91
The Eucharist: Sacrament of “Perfection” 93
The Eucharist in Practice: Cult and Controversy 96
Eucharistic Adoration and Devotion 101
Summary 104
For Reflection 105

Chapter 7: Exploring More Hidden Treasures 106
The Sacrament of Reconciliation 108
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick 115
The Sacrament of Matrimony 119
The Sacrament of Holy Orders 121
The Sacrament of Confirmation 123
Summary 128
For Reflection 130

Conclusion 131
Appendix I 134
Appendix II 140
Glossary and Biographical References 144
Abbreviations 149
Bibliography 150
Acknowledgments 153
About the Author 154