How Sacraments Teach

By Rita Burns Senseman

“Is there power in that water?” ten-year-old Hector asked as we stood next to a gurgling baptismal font waiting to go into church. As any astute catechist would do, I seized the moment and let the symbol of water teach Hector about the meaning of baptism.

Sacraments teach us
Sacraments do a lot of things. They make us holy, build up the Body of Christ, give worship to God, as well as strengthen and express our faith (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 59). And sacraments also teach (CSL, 59). By the use of ritual signs and symbols sacraments teach us of God’s saving grace and our life with God.

Every liturgical action teaches us about God. Indeed, the church says that catechesis is intrinsically bound to all liturgical and sacramental activity (On Catechesis in Our Time, 23). Think about some of these ritual moments and ask yourself what they teach us about who God is:

• an opening procession,
• sprinkling of water,
• a prayer to the Holy Spirit.

Every sign, symbol, gesture, prayer, and action is a “catechetical moment.” Our role as teachers and catechists is to prepare folks so that they are ready to learn what the sacraments teach.

Moreover, the rituals of the sacraments are preeminent because they point to the realities of God’s life that are beyond mere words and human language. Could my explanation of the cleansing power of the baptismal waters convey the full meaning of baptism to Hector? No! But, the baptismal water itself undoubtedly “taught” Hector of his new life with God.

Discover a wealth of teaching material in the liturgy
In addition to sacramental signs, the liturgy itself is a storehouse of “teaching material.” Certainly, the signs and symbols of the sacraments are paramount. But the liturgy itself forms us in faith. God is present in the liturgy, transforming us and making us holy. Thus, as catechists and teachers, we can use every ounce of the liturgy—the prayers and songs of the liturgy, the lectionary, and the entire liturgical year—to inspire and inform our catechesis.

Let’s look at some examples of how the liturgy and liturgical year provide us with teaching material. By now, many of us know to bring elements of the liturgical season into our classrooms and catechetical environments. Namely, we have purple on our prayer table during Lent or a white “Easter candle” during the Easter season. We often bring one of the respective lectionary readings to our sessions.

But here’s another example based on the Sunday celebration of Eucharist. Consider the importance of the Dismissal Rite. The presider dismisses us to continue the mission of Jesus Christ.

Now, let’s say you want to emphasize mission and discipleship. Why not develop a simple dismissal ritual for your sessions as a way of emphasizing the missionary responsibility of all disciples. You might conclude each session with a simple dismissal:

• All stand.
• Catechist says, “Let’s end our session ‘In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.’” All make the sign of the cross.
• Catechist extends his or her hand over the group and says, “Go in peace and do as Jesus would do.”

Another option is to simply “unpack” the meaning of the Dismissal Rite during a session on mission or discipleship. (See sidebar for a description of how to “unpack the meaning” of a liturgical symbol or action.)

Finally, be aware of the liturgical year. Throughout the liturgical year the church is remembering the mystery of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Catechesis needs to be in sync with the rhythm and cycle of the community’s life.

• Talk about the mystery of incarnation during Advent, not just about “Jesus’ birthday.”
• Remember those preparing for baptism, and do penance during Lent.
• Urge your students to go to the Easter Vigil
• Wear red on Pentecost.

In the end, while it is of the highest importance that we “understand the sacramental signs,” it’s even more important that we actually celebrate the sacraments (CSL, 59). So, although it may seem obvious, encourage those you catechize to come to Sunday Eucharist. Then, as any good catechist would do, seize every possible moment to help them to see the connection between the Great Sacrament and their daily lives.

How symbols work
Symbols work by engaging the imagination. A symbol points to something else, something “other.” We imagine something “other” than the symbol itself. Sacramental symbols point to God who is “other” and who is much bigger than our human imagination.

See for yourself how symbols work. Take the symbol of bread and try this.

• Brainstorm everything that comes to mind when you think of bread. Spend several minutes imagining bread(s).
• Now go back and review your list. What connections can you make between your bread list and the Divine? What connections can you make with Eucharist?

How to unpack the meaning of a liturgical symbol
This three-step process is a mystagogical method. Mystagogy loosely means to uncover the mystery of Christ (Catechism, 1075). Follow these three simple steps with any sacramental sign or liturgical action.

Ask those you catechize:

1. What did you see, hear, or feel? Or, what do you remember most clearly?
2. What did it mean?
3. What will you do differently? Or, so what?

Here’s the method used to unpack the Communion Rite at Mass.

1. What do you remember about sharing in Communion today?
2. What did it (personalize what they have said) mean?
3. What will you do differently, this week because you have received Christ?

Rita Burns Senseman

Rita Burns Senseman is a freelance writer and a catechist in her parish. She has held parish and diocesan positions in religious education. She holds a master’s in theology from the University of Notre Dame.