Explain in your own words, what is the real meaning of sacrament for you?
814500
To me, Sacraments are the "magic" rites,that,performed correctly,offer the individual a more intense,mystical experience of the Divine.
1179517
Orthodox sacraments are not illicit.  Illicitness comes from a violation of the norms/canons that govern the particular Rite.  The Orthodox Churches operate under a different Rite than the Roman Rite so the canons of the Roman Catholic Church do not apply to the Orthodox Church (nor would they if the Orthodox were in communion with the Roman Rite).  In my reading on the subject, schism doesn't make a sacrament illicit, rather receiving a schismatic sacrament makes the sacrament illicit for those of the Catholic Rites, unless they have a grave/just reason for doing so.\n\nIt is therefore my understanding from Vatican II and other documents that.\n\n1.  If you, as a Catholic, have a grave/just reason for receiving the Eucharist in a Schismatic Church, you may do so.\n2.  Attendance of an Orthodox Mass (they call it Divine Liturgy) does not fulfill your Sunday Mass obligations.\n3.  However, because there is a lack of communion between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, you should not receive communion at a normal Divine Liturgy unless invited to by the Orthodox priest.\n4.  If you plan on attending a Divine Liturgy, and have a just reason (as in you cannot attend a Catholic Mass or have an strong sence of theological communion with the Orthodox while being fully Catholic) call the priest before hand, tell him that you are Catholic, will be attending the Divine Liturgy, that you would like his permission to partake of the Eucharist.\n5.  IF HE SAYS NO UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE YOU TO RECEIVE!!!\n\nsuggested reading   CALLED TO COMMUNION by Ratzinger (B16)
279251
For Catholics part of this is called being in the state of sanctifying grace.  What this means is for a baptized person not having any serious "mortal sin" (1 Jn 5:16-17) on their soul (unconfessed).  While sounding technical it is very simple and honest.  While in this state being an example of Christ for others is what I call "walking with God".
727217
I have found the Seven Sacraments very powerful,but there are internal actions that must accompany the external actions,and these must be done in a precise order to activate the experience.....When you asked this question did you know that you were in the process of waking up?
19795
Well, the word has 2 meanings, as follows:\n\n1.  To induce someone to convert to one's own religious faith.\n2. To induce someone to join one's own political party or to espouse one's doctrine
897382
There are 3 sacraments of initiation:\n\n     Baptism\n     Confirmation \n     Eucharist\n\nBaptism is the first Sacrament of initiation.  It makes us members of the Church and washes away original sin.  It makes us a child of God.  We are Baptized with holy water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  We use water, a candle, a white garment, and holy oil in baptism.  Baptism is celebrated only once.\n\nConfirmation, the second Sacrament of  Initiation, celebrates being filled with the Holy Spirit.  In Confirmation we receive the Holy Spirit who strengthens us to go out and share our faith with others, just as the Holy Spirit strengthened the Apostles at Pentecost.  We use holy oil in confirmation.  The Bishop anoints the candidate with sacred chrism (a type of holy oil).  We receive this sacrament only once.\n\nHoly Eucharist, the 3rd Sacrament of Initiation, is when we receive the Body and Blood of Jesus in Holy Communion.  Some symbols would be a host and chalice, or grapes and wheat.  We receive Holy Eucharist at least every Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation.\n\nSacraments of Healing include Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick.\n\nReconciliation is the sacrament in which we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness.  At reconciliation we receive absolution, God's forgiveness.  We receive this sacrament at least once a year, hopefully much more.\n\nAnointing of the Sick celebrates the spiritual and sometimes physical healing of the sick.  The priest lays hands on the sick and anoints them with holy oil.  This sacrament can be celebrated as often as needed.\n\nThere are two sacraments at the Service of Communion.  These are Holy Orders and Matrimony.  \n\nHoly Orders celebrates the giving a life to the service of the church through the priesthood or perminent deaconite.  The sacrament is celebrated by the laying on of hands followed by a prayer of consecration.  This is celebrated once.\n\nMatrimony celebrates the union of a man and woman in an intimate communion of life and love.  They celebrate matrimony with an exchange of vows and is to be celebrated only once, with the exception of the death of one of the spouses.\n\nHope this helps!!\n\nGod bless, \nStanbo
877693
im a baptized christian, but im not as hardcore as you-.- i mean im a concecrated christian, but your like...beyond.see you in heaven
650829
For Catholics the Blessed Sacrament is Eucharist (Holy Communion).\n\nWith love in Christ.
59541
I couldn't find six steps - but this may help:\nHow to Make a Good Confession\n\nThe Sacrament of Reconciliation is the normative means by which a Christian avails themselves of the mercy and grace of God for the forgiveness of sins.  The two effects of confession are the sacramental forgiveness of sin through the redemption of Jesus Christ, and an increase in grace that helps renew a Christian’s soul and increase their ability to resist temptation.  In an earlier article, I dealt with answering the question of why Catholics practice confession of sins to a priest.  If you need an answer to this question, click here for an answer.  In this article I will help instruct the reader on how to make a good confession.\n\n Requirements for Confession\n\n Under normal circumstances only a baptized Catholic can receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  However, this restriction can be lifted in the case of grave circumstances (such as imminent death of a non-Catholic Christian).  For Catholics, three things are required for a valid sacramental confession.  First, the Catholic must examine his conscience honestly and thoroughly and must not withhold confession of any mortal sins (CCC 1456).  Second, the confessor must be contrite and repentant (CCC 1451). A contrite person will seek the Sacrament of Confession because he is sorry for his sins.   Love for God is the best motivation for seeking God’s forgiveness, but even if the confessor is not perfectly contrite (and seeks forgiveness out of simple fear of hell) the Sacrament of Reconciliation will still remain valid (CCC 1453).  However, if a person enters the Sacrament with the intention of committing the sin later, then this person is not sorry for his sins and the sin will not be forgiven.  Finally, the confessor must complete the penance assigned to him by the priest as soon as possible (CCC 1494). \n\nWhat to do in the Confessional\n\n 1) Wait for your turn at the Confessional, and if you have not done so examine your conscience\n\nWhether you examine your conscience at home or in the church, it is important that you honestly examine your actions since the last confession.  All mortal sins and the approximate number of times they were committed must be confessed for a valid confession.  Venial sins do not have to be confessed, but if you desire to do so you may.  If you believe your confession will last a great deal of time (in excess of fifteen minutes) it is advisable to schedule a private confession with the priest.  A private confession is a good idea for those who have either left the Church, committed a sin which requires possible counseling, or have not confessed in a long time.  If you want to know what a mortal sin is and need help examining your conscience, click here.\n\n2) Enter the Confessional and choose either a face-to-face confession or anonymous confession\n\nSince Vatican II, most parish churches allow the confessor to choose between a face-to-face or anonymous confession.  Usually, this is done by dividing the confessional room into two halves separated by a grill or curtain.  If you desire an anonymous confession simply kneel down in front of the curtain (the curtain will separate you from the priest) and the priest will begin the confession.  If you desire a face-to-face confession, simply walk around the curtain and sit in the chair opposite the priest.  Remember that you are about to confess your sins to Jesus Christ’s representative on earth.  You confess to Christ and the Church.  Your humility, honesty, and penitence should be tempered by this fact.  Also remember that confessions are absolutely confidential.  The priest will never share your sins with anyone else.  He is instructed to keep the seal of the confessional even under pain of death; so do not let your worries affect your confession.\n\n3)  The priest will begin the Confession with the prayer of the Sign of the Cross\n\nMake the sign of the cross and say, “Forgive me Father for I h
884029
It refers to what the Christian Church calls "the Communion of Saints", which is one of the doctrinal truths mentioned in the Apostles' Creed. The endless interaction between the saints on Earth and the saints in heaven.
198819
I am a Catholic Convert - trust me, the experience of receiving the Holy Eucharist in the Catholic Church is the most wonderful thing you will ever experience.  To try to describe it would fall short.\n\nMind you, this is all in a spiritual context.
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This is in the Catholic Religion??? I have NEVER heard of this one!\n\nWOW ya learn something new everyday!!!!\n\n\nCatholic baptism and salvation\nIn Catholic teaching, baptism plays an essential role in salvation. This teaching dates back to the teachings and practices of first century Christians, and the connection between salvation and baptism was not, on the whole, an item of major dispute until Martin Luther's teachings regarding grace. The Church teaches that "baptism is necessary for salvation" (Catechism, 1257) and entry into heaven; and therefore, a person who knowledgeably, willfully and unrepentedy rejects baptism has no hope of salvation. Three forms of baptism are acknowledged by the Church. Baptism by water refers to the traditional baptism where the individual is immersed or infused with water in the name of the Trinity.\n\nThe Church also recognizes two other forms of baptism: "baptism of blood" and "baptism of desire." Baptism of blood refers to unbaptized individuals who are martyred for the Faith, while baptism of desire refers to catechumens who die before they can be baptized. The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes these two forms:\n\nThe Church has always held the firm conviction that those who suffer death for the sake of the faith without having received Baptism are baptized by their death for and with Christ. This Baptism of blood, like the desire for Baptism, brings about the fruits of Baptism without being a sacrament. (1258)\n\nFor catechumens who die before their Baptism, their explicit desire to receive it, together with repentance for their sins, and charity, assures them the salvation that they were not able to receive through the sacrament. (1259)\n\nAs for unbaptized infants, the Church is unsure of their fate; "the Church can only entrust them to the mercy of God" (Catechism, 1261).
320318
from what i've googled.. the ceremony seems to be just a greeting into the church, maybe ask you a couple questions infront of everybody.. but after that.. u start confirmation classes - which sounds like reprogramming to me.  classes.. to join a church.. to get u thinking right cuz all the other religions have been tained by time
201924
I'll start with this, first a person, must truly understands sin and have remorse for sin, and the knowledge that Jesus is thier Saviour. The correct form of baptism, is the same form that John the Baptist used, how Jesus Christ was baptised. Totally submerged, this is not just a complete washing away of sin, but is a symbol of death and resurrection, death to the sinful man and resurrection of the new man.
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I am Catholic and my background in liturgical knowledge is based on the Eucharist, so I would have to agree with your statement.  However, this is only meaningful if people really believe and understand what this means.  It sounds like you have the scripture down pat, and truly believe what it says, so I'd say you are in good shape.
181642
Baptism is just a sign that God has come in your heart. Have you asked Him? Baptism does not get you to Heaven. It is your relationship with Jesus.
235484
In my religion I am my own priest.  The downside is this means I have to be able to answer all the tough questions I encounter in life such as: Why do bad things happen to good people?  What is the purpose in life?\n\nThe good side is the feeling of rightness that so many people come to the same conclussions as I did looking at the world around me, and how well my religion fits in with science and the observable world.