The Sacrament of Baptism

In Emerging Catholicism, through its creation-centered spirituality, we are forced to rethink the Augustinian emphasis on Original Sin (and the Modern era's obsession with it). If we are to turn the focus to Original Blessing (which is something more prominent in Genesis and in the Gospels) we must discuss the place of Baptism in the Catholic Faith.

If Baptism is to remain a Sacrament, and not just be regarded as a symbol of our initiation into the Church, we must explore its real meaning.

Perhaps we should ask the question, "What is the real power of Baptism?".

Br. Michael

The Sacrament of the Eucharist (Holy Communion)

The Holy Eucharist is central to the faiths of over a billion Catholic Christians worldwide. However, few take the time to see more than mere tradition when it comes to Communion. How many people who take communion every day have taken an active role in persuing this Mystery?

With more and more people pointing out the "cannibalistic" imagry invoked by the Eucharistic ritual, how can we celebrate this as Catholics today?

Let's begin this discussion.

Br. Michael

The Sacrament of Confession (Penance)

The Sacrament of Confession is one of the most defining Catholic traditions. In the Anglican Communion, individual confession has almost been totally replaced by the "general absolution" given by the priest after the "confession of sin" section of the Mass. Even the encouragement of confession in the traditional sense seems less and less common.

If we are to live as Catholics in the Postmodern world, we must consider what this sacrament can really mean for us, and restore it to our spiritual lives.

I encourage you to post comments here, so we can begin dialogue together on the Sacrament of Confession.

Br. Michael