Signs & Symbols of the Catholic Faith

Remember the Sacraments? Sacraments are Visible Signs of Invisible Grace, Instituted by Christ, for our Sanctification

Sacraments are Visible Signs of Invisible Grace, Instituted by Christ, for our Sanctification

Other Signs & Symbols The faithful of the church express and perceive spiritual realities through physical gestures, rituals, signs, and symbols.

The faithful of the church express and perceive spiritual realities through physical gestures, rituals, signs, and symbols.

Symbols Borrowed from Creation God speaks to us through creation. “ I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” -- John 15:5

God speaks to us through creation.

“ I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” -- John 15:5

Ancient Christian Symbols -- Fish The Greek word “ICTHUS” and acronym for “Jesus Christ Son of God Savior” (Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter). Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." –Mark 1:17

The Greek word “ICTHUS” and acronym for “Jesus Christ Son of God Savior” (Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter).

Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." –Mark 1:17

The CHI RHO The symbol of the Savior's name. Two Greek letters to signify the name of Christ. The military symbol used by Constantine: "In hoc signo vinces" (In this sign you shall conquer).

The symbol of the Savior's name. Two Greek letters to signify the name of Christ.

The military symbol used by Constantine: "In hoc signo vinces" (In this sign you shall conquer).

White Robe of Baptism Signifies innocence and the removal of original sin. “ These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; 8 they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Revelation 7:14

Signifies innocence and the removal of original sin.

“ These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; 8 they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

Revelation 7:14

Priestly Vestments

Religious Orders

Fire & Light “ You are the light of the world. . . . Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” – Matthew 5:14-16. Lux in Tenebris

“ You are the light of the world. . . . Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

– Matthew 5:14-16.

Easter Fire Father, we share in the light of your glory through your Son, the light of the world. Make this new fire holy, and inflame us with new hope. Purify our minds by this Easter celebration and bring us one day to the feast of eternal light.

Incense By its burning it symbolizes the zeal with which the faithful should be animated; by its sweet fragrance, the odor of Christian virtue; by its rising smoke, the ascent of prayer before the throne of the Almighty.

By its burning it symbolizes the zeal with which the faithful should be animated; by its sweet fragrance, the odor of Christian virtue; by its rising smoke, the ascent of prayer before the throne of the Almighty.

Incense Frankincense was one of the gifts brought to Jesus by the Magi. “ Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a gold censer. He was given a great quantity of incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the holy ones, on the gold altar that was before the throne. The smoke of the incense along with the prayers of the holy ones went up before God from the hand of the angel.” --Revelation 8:3-4. The Thurible is carried by the Thurifer

Frankincense was one of the gifts brought to Jesus by the Magi.

“ Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a gold censer. He was given a great quantity of incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the holy ones, on the gold altar that was before the throne. The smoke of the incense along with the prayers of the holy ones went up before God from the hand of the angel.”

--Revelation 8:3-4.

Water Water is an ancient sign of cleansing. “ Wash away all my guilt; from my sin cleanse me. . . . Cleanse me with hyssop, that I may be pure; wash me, make me whiter than snow. --Psalm 51

Water is an ancient sign of cleansing.

“ Wash away all my guilt; from my sin cleanse me. . . . Cleanse me with hyssop, that I may be pure; wash me, make me whiter than snow.

--Psalm 51

The Water of Baptism We use water in Baptism symbolizing our freedom from sin. We bless ourselves with the sign of the cross as a reminder of our baptism. The blessing of the congregation is called the “asperges”.

We use water in Baptism symbolizing our freedom from sin.

We bless ourselves with the sign of the cross as a reminder of our baptism.

The blessing of the congregation is called the “asperges”.

Holy Oils Oil of Chrism – used for Baptism, Confirmation , & Holy Orders Oil of Catechumens Oil of the Sick “ Christ” means the “anointed” one.

Oil of Chrism – used for Baptism, Confirmation , & Holy Orders

Oil of Catechumens

Oil of the Sick

“ Christ” means the “anointed” one.

Anointing with Oils Oil is a sign of abundance (of grace) and joy. Oil is a sign of cleansing and healing Oil in Confirmation is a sign of Consecration. By the anointing you will receive the “mark” or “seal” of the Holy Spirit.

Oil is a sign of abundance (of grace) and joy.

Oil is a sign of cleansing and healing

Oil in Confirmation is a sign of Consecration.

By the anointing you will receive the “mark” or “seal” of the Holy Spirit.

Essential Rite of Confirmation Laying on of hands Anointing with Chrism

Laying on of hands

Anointing with Chrism