Thursday, March 19, 2009

Plus Ca Change...



Sacramento. An interesting name:
1 Baptism,... It removes the guilt and effects of Original Sin and incorporates the baptized into the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ on earth.

2 Confirmation perfects our baptism and brings us the graces of the Holy Spirit that were granted to the Apostles on Pentecost Sunday.

3 While Catholics in the West today normally make their First Communion before they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Sacrament of Holy Communion, the reception of Christ's Body and Blood, was historically the third of the three sacraments of initiation. This sacrament is the source of great graces that sanctify us and help us grow in the likeness of Jesus Christ.

4 The Sacrament of Confession is one of the least understood, and least utilized, sacraments in the Catholic Church. In reconciling us to God, it is a great source of grace, and Catholics are encouraged to take advantage of it often, even if they are not aware of having committed a mortal sin.

5 Marriage, a lifelong union between a man and a woman for procreation and mutual support, is a natural institution, but it is also one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. It reflects the union of Jesus Christ and His Church.

6 Holy Orders is the continuation of Christ's priesthood, which He bestowed upon His Apostles. There are three levels to this sacrament: the episcopate, the priesthood, and the diaconate.

7 Extreme Unction or Last Rites, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is administered both to the dying and to those who are gravely ill.


And this from the City of Sacramento:
Sacramento city officials will convene a second meeting this afternoon to discuss the growing homeless population and the tent city north of downtown.

Mayor Kevin Johnson, city and county leaders, service providers, landowners and neighborhood activists will discuss short-term strategies such as expanding homelessness programs and setting up committees to address long-term solutions.

The group also met last week and is working on drafting recommendations to take to the City Council. Those recommendations could be presented to the council as early as Tuesday.

"We are tackling the homelessness issue head-on with a coordinated effort," Johnson said in a statement. "These meetings have been essential in focusing our efforts and developing viable and compassionate short term solutions to this complicated and regional social issue."

I'm willing to entertain which of the sacraments cover these actions.

7 comments:

Mr. Outspoken said...

My first two first day ever.

Max said...

I know this goes against the zeitgeist, but the Sacramento Tent City has always been there, and it's been much bigger in the recent past. Oprah and the UK press notwithstanding, this is an overblown issue that KJ is using to gain publicity. I am in downtown Sacramento every day, and there is less homeless on the street than even two years ago.

Rob Dawg said...

Max,
You have an excellent observation. The tent city is a long standing fixture. My point was that the City has changed attitude and is seeking to change the status quo.

Bob said...

As a flawed product of a brief Jesuit education I would say "none of the above" as G*d's grace is available only to individuals, not to municipal corporations or individuals acting solely as their agents. Pilate may seek grace as Pontius the man, not as the governor of Judea.

I don't know anything about Sac's tent city or how it came to be, but if certain elected officials are feeling uncomfortable about their role in impoverishing the community they were supposed to serve, seeking foregiveness is appropriate. For most politicians, prior to commencing good works a penance of 8000 Hail Marys would be a good start.

Rob Dawg said...

Lex,
All products of a Jesuit education are flawed. All successful products of a Jesuit education know it and the very most successful are burdened by it.

Inside the Vatican humor aside you are correct. There are going to be numerous instances of chances for proper behavior.

Max said...

Pilate may seek grace as Pontius the man, not as the governor of Judea.

Especially if he uses the public purse as his means. It's easy to be generous with other people's money.

TJandTheBear said...

My point was that the City has changed attitude and is seeking to change the status quo.

Changed attitude? Seems more like their dirty little secret became a global news story and now they're embarrassed into action.