The Catechetical Review - Communicating Christ for a New Evangelization

Code of Canon Law for Catechists: The Sacraments

Authored by Fr. Arnold Rosney in Issue #33.4 of The Sower
We continue to look at how catechists can benefit from a better understanding of the Code of Canon Law, looking at the seven sacraments. The seven sacraments are treated in Book IV ‘The Sanctifying Function of the Church’ of the code of canon law under canons 849-1165. The sacraments as ‘the principal elements of the liturgy’ constitute three-quarters of Book IV under seven titles corresponding to the seven sacraments. The canons give primary emphasis to the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist in accordance with the norm in canon 842.2 which states; ‘The sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and the Most Holy Eucharist are interrelated in such a way that they are required for full Christian initiation.’ The canons in Book IV of the Code are on the whole concerned with what is minimally necessary for validity in the Latin Church. Nine preliminary canons (cc. 840-848) introduce the canonical teaching on the sacraments. For those engaged in the ministry of catechesis four canons are of particular importance and relevance in how they carry out the task of evangelization in fidelity to the teaching of the Church. They are canons 840, 841, 843.2, and 846 which treat the following: definition of the sacraments (c. 840); requisites for the validity of the sacraments (c. 841); duties of ministers and others (c. 843.2), and observance of liturgical laws (c. 846).

The rest of this online article is available for current subscribers.

Start your subscription today!


This article is from The Sower and may be copied for catechetical purposes only. It may not be reprinted in another published work without the permission of Maryvale Institute. Contact [email protected]

Articles from the Most Recent Issue

Witnessing to Life
By Kimberly Baker
As Christians, we are called to affirm the dignity of each human being. This dignity has its beginning from our first moment of existence, when each of us receives the gift of life itself. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of... Read more
AD: Glorious Works of Art and Inspiration
By Colleen Rainone
Free This is a paid advertisement. To order these resources visit www.ignatius.com or call 800-651-1531.... Read more
AD: Decided Excellence Catholic Media
By Colleen Rainone
Free This is a paid advertisement in the January-March 2024 issue. Advertisements should not be viewed as endorsements from the publisher. To find out more, go to www.decidedexcellence.com or email at [email protected] .... Read more

Pages

Watch Tutorial Videos

We've put together several quick and easy tutorial videos to show you how to use this website.

Watch Now