Objective:
The middle school youth will come to a better understanding of the use and meaning of sacramentals, how they remind us of the Sacraments and keep us focused on God.
Overview:
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Sacramentals are sacred signs instituted by the Church. They prepare men to receive the fruit of the Sacraments and sanctify different circumstances of life” (1677). Sacramentals are closely tied to our liturgical ceremonies that come to us from the Catholic Church. They are meant to remind us of the seven Sacraments. Within each Sacrament, we receive grace to live our lives for God. As an extension, sacramentals remind us of the sacred signs and symbols in each of the Sacraments. Sacramentals remind us of our Catholic faith in everyday life. They are often small images or items that remind us of Jesus, the Church or the Sacraments. When displayed, they tell others we are Catholic.
There are many examples of sacramentals. Although there are some universal sacramentals like a crucifix or rosary, the Catechism says that the Church allows for people to have sacramentals that may be specific to a culture as long as it expresses a truth of the Catholic faith (1679). Other examples of sacramentals include holy water, relics, statues of saints, prayer cards, or devotionals to a particular saint.