Jesus after the resurrection commanded his disciples. “Go therefore and make disciples of all
the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” (Mt 28:19-20)
The gaining and training of disciples has always been the central work of the evangelising
Church. Conversion is always an ongoing process, a deepening of our understanding of
ourselves and of our relationship with God. This means that the conversion process does not
cease with the giving of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. This
encounter is ongoing encounter with God; it is a growth journey running into eternity. “We
have come to believe in God's love: in these words the Christian can express the fundamental
decision of his life. Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but
the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive
direction.” [...]
Table of Contents
1. Rite of Christian Initiation
2. Major Characteristics of liturgy
3. Pastoral Care of the Sick and Dying
4. Anointing of the Sick
5. Catechesis
6. Identity
Purpose and Themes
This work explores the application of core liturgical principles—derived from the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)—to the practice of Pastoral Care for the sick and dying, demonstrating how the celebration of the Paschal Mystery provides essential spiritual support throughout all stages of life.
- Application of liturgical theology to pastoral care for the ill.
- The role of the community as the primary minister of sacraments.
- Transformation of understanding from "extreme unction" to a holistic healing ministry.
- The necessity of ongoing catechesis regarding the meaning of sickness and suffering.
- Re-affirming Christian identity through sacramental signs and symbols.
Excerpt from the book
Anointing of the Sick:
The caring community is the underlying foundation of the sacrament, without which it cannot speak effectively. Our God is a God who became flesh in Jesus Christ. He willed that his care and concern should become incarnate in the flesh and blood of people who believed in him. All who contributed in any way to the health and well-being and comfort of the sick and elderly are an integral part of the sacramental care of the Church. The fostering of a caring community is a primary concern if the sacrament of anointing is to be intelligible.
Mutual prayer provides the context for the sacrament of anointing. When the sick are separated from the rest of the assembly, possibly housebound, the minister as representative of the faithful in the community administers the sacrament. Members of the community should also visit the sick person, unless severity of illness precludes this action. Since all liturgies celebrate the Paschal mystery, it is often appropriate to offer the Eucharist along with the anointing “In bringing communion to them the minister of communion represents Christ and manifests faith and charity on behalf of the whole community towards those that cannot be present at the Eucharist.”
Summary of Chapters
Rite of Christian Initiation: Describes the initiation process as a liminal experience of transformation where the candidate dies to the old self and is reborn into the community of faith.
Major Characteristics of liturgy: Outlines fundamental liturgical attributes such as prayer, community action, and the celebration of the Paschal Mystery that define the sacramental life.
Pastoral Care of the Sick and Dying: Emphasizes the community's role in providing spiritual support to the sick, grounded in the Gospel tradition of anointing and prayer.
Anointing of the Sick: Explores the foundation of the sacrament within a caring community and the importance of mutual prayer for those who are housebound or separated from the assembly.
Catechesis: Discusses the necessity of educating the sick and their families about the modern emphasis on healing and the holistic approach to the Rite of Anointing.
Identity: Explains how the liturgy confirms and regenerates one's identity as a follower of Christ, especially when one is facing depression or despair due to illness.
Keywords
Liturgy, RCIA, Pastoral Care, Anointing of the Sick, Paschal Mystery, Catechesis, Christian Identity, Sacraments, Community, Evangelization, Healing, Eucharist, Faith, Conversion, Christian Initiation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The work examines how principles from the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) can be effectively applied to the pastoral care provided to the sick and dying.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include the community as the primary minister of sacraments, the role of liturgy in healing, the importance of ongoing catechesis, and the reinforcement of Christian identity.
What is the main objective of the author?
The objective is to demonstrate that the Paschal Mystery, as celebrated in liturgy, remains relevant and supportive throughout every stage of the human life process, including illness and death.
Which scientific or theological methods are employed?
The text utilizes a comparative theological approach, analyzing liturgical rites and documents to establish a connection between initiation and pastoral care.
What topics are covered in the main body of the text?
The text covers the characteristics of liturgy, the communal foundation of sacraments, the specific rites of anointing, and the role of catechesis in framing sickness and suffering.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The most relevant keywords include Liturgy, Pastoral Care, RCIA, Anointing of the Sick, Paschal Mystery, and Christian Identity.
How has the understanding of the Rite of Anointing evolved since Vatican II?
The understanding has shifted from the old concept of "extreme unction"—associated primarily with imminent death—to a holistic focus on healing, health, and spiritual support for any sick person.
Why is the "caring community" essential for the sacrament of anointing?
The community acts as the foundation of the sacrament; without its presence and support, the sacramental action loses its effectiveness and intelligibility as a sign of God's love.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Des Gahan (Autor:in), 2008, The application of three major characteristics of liturgy as seen in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults to Pastoral Care of the Sick and Dying, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/132327
