Personal Reflection
Anita
What I've learnt through this experience is that religious sacraments are sacred for life. The essence of the Holy Spirit received during Baptism is with us throughout our life. At times we may not connect deeply with this presence, but through receiving the Holy sacrament of Baptism, the Holy Spirit will always remain in us.
The theme of baptism is all about the cleansing of sin, for us to resist temptation and evil, to find God and rejoice in being good and sharing love. Through the sacraments we are reminded that even though the world is filled with temptations and wrong doings, we are instilled with the knowledge of goodness and happiness through the Holy Spirit and Christ.We must not despair in the act of sin, as being human is to be sinful , however, its how we repent, forgive and improve that keeps the Holy Spirit alive within us.
Also the baptismal ceremony is filled with sacred and meaningful symbols that adds to the essence of the sacred presence received during baptism. Being baptised as a baby I didn't get to appreciate the true meaning of baptism or feel the significance of the event. Furthermore, Everything about the ceremony is meaningful, from the priest clothes to the words said and hymns sung, which encapsulates the sacramentality of the event.
The theme of baptism is all about the cleansing of sin, for us to resist temptation and evil, to find God and rejoice in being good and sharing love. Through the sacraments we are reminded that even though the world is filled with temptations and wrong doings, we are instilled with the knowledge of goodness and happiness through the Holy Spirit and Christ.We must not despair in the act of sin, as being human is to be sinful , however, its how we repent, forgive and improve that keeps the Holy Spirit alive within us.
Also the baptismal ceremony is filled with sacred and meaningful symbols that adds to the essence of the sacred presence received during baptism. Being baptised as a baby I didn't get to appreciate the true meaning of baptism or feel the significance of the event. Furthermore, Everything about the ceremony is meaningful, from the priest clothes to the words said and hymns sung, which encapsulates the sacramentality of the event.
Stacey
What I have learnt whilst undertaking the making of this resource is that there is a lot of meaning behind the traditions in Catholic faith. To an outsider looking in, Catholic practices seemed strange and old fashioned. After researching more about the sacraments, I can see why these important traditions full of symbols and rituals are so important to a Catholic person. The sacraments make you feel closer to God; they make God visible and fill you with the Holy Spirit.
Baptism is the first Sacrament and symbolic of starting a new life with God. The symbolic factor of water is not lost on me. I have been christened and remember the event clearly in my mind as I was 16 and chose for it to happen. I could see, hear and feel the water all around me. I could hear the words being said and when I rose up out of the water I was a stronger and a newer person. The water made God alive and real at that moment in my life and it symbolised the beginning of my life as a new person.
After studying this unit, I now feel more confident in being able to teach in a Catholic school if I was given the opportunity. This is because I now feel like I understand and can embrace the Creeds and Sacraments that are so important to the Catholic faith.