Sacramentals

[winsome]

 In another thread the topic of Sacramentals came up so I thought I would give my understanding for discussion.


As their name indicates they are related to sacraments. Catholics tend to think of sacramentals as objects that have been blessed by an ordained minister with a special blessing. But according to the Catholic theologian Marcellino D'Ambrosio it is the ceremony that is used to bless the object which is the sacramental. He gives this definition.
Sacramentals are liturgical ceremonies instituted by the Catholic Church that bear some resem­­blance to the seven sac­ra­ments and dispose the Christian to receive and cooperate with grace.  Each includes a prayer of blessing accompanied by a sacred sign representing bene­fits obtained through the intercession of the Church.

However since the objects blessed in such sacramental ceremonies (for example holy water and blessed salt) persist they are often called sacramentals.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says this:
"Holy MotherChurch has, moreover, instituted sacramentals. These are sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments. They signify effects, particularly of a spiritual nature, which are obtained through the intercession of the Church. By them men are disposed to receive the chief effect of the sacraments, and various occasions in life are rendered holy." (CCC 1667)

So sacramentals will include the blessing of an activity such as an engagement or a mission.

Such blessings, whether of objects or actions go back to Old and New Testament times. In Ex 40:9-11 objects and furnishings were anointed with sacred chrism. In Genesis blessings are imparted on children (see Gen 27:27-28). In Acts 13:3 Paul and Barnabus were blessed by the laying on of hands as they were sent out on mission. Jesus instructed the disciples to bless the homes of those who received them (Lk 10:5-7)

Common objects, used by Catholics, that have been blessed with sacramental ceremonies, are water and salt. Water with such a blessing is called holy water and we often dip our fingers in a small bowl of holy water on entering a church and make the sign of the cross. It reminds us of our baptism and is the link with the Sacrament of Baptism. Water is used in the Old Testament for purification. There is even a reference to holy water in Num 5:17.

Salt was used by Elisha to purify bad water (2Kg 2:19-22). Catholics used blessed salt, either on its own or dissolved in holy water for spiritual purification and protection.

It's important to note that such use of sacramentals is not magical. Their efficacy comes from the prayer of the Church and the faith of the user.

Sacramentals do not confer the grace of the Holy Spirit in the way that the sacraments do, but by the Church's prayer, they prepare us to receive grace and dispose us to cooperate with it. "For well-disposed members of the faithful, the liturgy of the sacraments and sacramentals sanctifies almost every event of their lives with the divine grace which flows from the Paschal mystery of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. From this source all sacraments and sacramentals draw their power. There is scarcely any proper use of material things which cannot be thus directed toward the sanctification of men and the praise of God." (CCC 1670)


Another point is not to confuse sacramental objects with devotional objects such as rosaries and religious pictures which are used in private prayer and devotions.

[Ladonia]

In another thread the topic of Sacramentals came up so I thought I would give my understanding for discussion.


As their name indicates they are related to sacraments. Catholics tend to think of sacramentals as objects that have been blessed by an ordained minister with a special blessing. But according to the Catholic theologian Marcellino D'Ambrosio it is the ceremony that is used to bless the object which is the sacramental. He gives this definition.
Sacramentals are liturgical ceremonies instituted by the Catholic Church that bear some resem­­blance to the seven sac­ra­ments and dispose the Christian to receive and cooperate with grace.  Each includes a prayer of blessing accompanied by a sacred sign representing bene­fits obtained through the intercession of the Church.

However since the objects blessed in such sacramental ceremonies (for example holy water and blessed salt) persist they are often called sacramentals.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says this:
"Holy MotherChurch has, moreover, instituted sacramentals. These are sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments. They signify effects, particularly of a spiritual nature, which are obtained through the intercession of the Church. By them men are disposed to receive the chief effect of the sacraments, and various occasions in life are rendered holy." (CCC 1667)

So sacramentals will include the blessing of an activity such as an engagement or a mission.

Such blessings, whether of objects or actions go back to Old and New Testament times. In Ex 40:9-11 objects and furnishings were anointed with sacred chrism. In Genesis blessings are imparted on children (see Gen 27:27-28). In Acts 13:3 Paul and Barnabus were blessed by the laying on of hands as they were sent out on mission. Jesus instructed the disciples to bless the homes of those who received them (Lk 10:5-7)

Common objects, used by Catholics, that have been blessed with sacramental ceremonies, are water and salt. Water with such a blessing is called holy water and we often dip our fingers in a small bowl of holy water on entering a church and make the sign of the cross. It reminds us of our baptism and is the link with the Sacrament of Baptism. Water is used in the Old Testament for purification. There is even a reference to holy water in Num 5:17.

Salt was used by Elisha to purify bad water (2Kg 2:19-22). Catholics used blessed salt, either on its own or dissolved in holy water for spiritual purification and protection.

It's important to note that such use of sacramentals is not magical. Their efficacy comes from the prayer of the Church and the faith of the user.

Sacramentals do not confer the grace of the Holy Spirit in the way that the sacraments do, but by the Church's prayer, they prepare us to receive grace and dispose us to cooperate with it. "For well-disposed members of the faithful, the liturgy of the sacraments and sacramentals sanctifies almost every event of their lives with the divine grace which flows from the Paschal mystery of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. From this source all sacraments and sacramentals draw their power. There is scarcely any proper use of material things which cannot be thus directed toward the sanctification of men and the praise of God." (CCC 1670)


Another point is not to confuse sacramental objects with devotional objects such as rosaries and religious pictures which are used in private prayer and devotions.

You said the following:

"It's important to note that such use of sacramentals is not magical. Their efficacy comes from the prayer of the Church and the faith of the user".  Very well said. One has to delve into things a bit before they become clear. How many times do we glance at things and reject them out of hand becuse they do not look right? No one says we have to believe these things for salvation, and we of the Latin Rite are well aware of where our salvation comes from,  but if a person chooses to include them, they can be used as positive additions to the religious experience.

[DaveW]

Winsome - I am curious what you would call something like a mezuzza or the fringes on a prayer shawl.  They are physical items commanded in scripture as reminders of God's commands (see Deut 6 and Num 15)

They are not specifically connected to a sacrament but are scriptural.

[winsome]

Winsome - I am curious what you would call something like a mezuzza or the fringes on a prayer shawl.  They are physical items commanded in scripture as reminders of God's commands (see Deut 6 and Num 15)

They are not specifically connected to a sacrament but are scriptural.

Hi Dave,

I'm not sure how those type of things would fit in. As I said above it's really the ceremony of blessing that is the sacramental.

Also I  think devotional objects such as rosaries or religious pictures are not sacramentals. Perhaps the prayer shawl fringes would fit more into that category. as reminders of God.

[DaveW]

Well, A mezuzza (small box containing a parchment with scriptures) that is attached to a door jamb IS blessed by a rabbi when it is attached to a door. The parchment is also blessed and approved by a rabbinical authority when manufactured.



Similarly - tefillin/phylacteries [small boxes containing scriptures placed on the head and arm] are also approved and blessed on manufacture.

[FireSword]

I think the sacraments help explain what a church is.

Since an object is blessed via the power of the anointing in the person.

So the Church is a meeting place where the member of Christ gather on a regular basis, hence bringing a holyness of Christs presence within the building or place.

I think this is supernatural revelation from God, feel free to discuss.

[mclees8]

I think the sacraments help explain what a church is.

Since an object is blessed via the power of the anointing in the person.

So the Church is a meeting place where the member of Christ gather on a regular basis, hence bringing a holyness of Christs presence within the building or place.

I think this is supernatural revelation from God, feel free to discuss.

The problem here is how we view the church. We should not see the building as the church, which is what you indicate by saying the church is a place where believers meet. The building that is made to look religious is just a meeting house where the Church (believers) meet. Tradition has distorted how wee look at the church. The church does not need a building to gather and worship the Lord. I gather with lesserfortunates than me under a banyon tree at the park I have done this several years now. I call it the church without walls. Steven reminded us in his discourse that the earth is the lords footstool. What building can you make for Him?

The church is in the temple of the heart. We are the church where ever we may be. we are the church congregationlly when we gather together whether in a house or a relgious styled building or even under a tree
Paul said "know ye not that ye are the temple and the spirit of God dwells within you"

I do not think objects are blessed by the anointing of a person, but people are as  they allow Christ and his holy Spirit into their hearts through one who is anointed .

[Catholica]

Well, A mezuzza (small box containing a parchment with scriptures) that is attached to a door jamb IS blessed by a rabbi when it is attached to a door. The parchment is also blessed and approved by a rabbinical authority when manufactured.



Similarly - tefillin/phylacteries [small boxes containing scriptures placed on the head and arm] are also approved and blessed on manufacture.

Hi Dave,

It is my belief that objects related to Judaism are typically not regarded as sacramentals within the Catholic faith.  Here is the section of the Catechism on Sacramentals:

ARTICLE 1
SACRAMENTALS

1667 "Holy Mother Church has, moreover, instituted sacramentals. These are sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments. They signify effects, particularly of a spiritual nature, which are obtained through the intercession of the Church. By them men are disposed to receive the chief effect of the sacraments, and various occasions in life are rendered holy."173

The characteristics of sacramentals

1668 Sacramentals are instituted for the sanctification of certain ministries of the Church, certain states of life, a great variety of circumstances in Christian life, and the use of many things helpful to man. In accordance with bishops' pastoral decisions, they can also respond to the needs, culture, and special history of the Christian people of a particular region or time. They always include a prayer, often accompanied by a specific sign, such as the laying on of hands, the sign of the cross, or the sprinkling of holy water (which recalls Baptism).

1669 Sacramentals derive from the baptismal priesthood: every baptized person is called to be a "blessing," and to bless.174 Hence lay people may preside at certain blessings; the more a blessing concerns ecclesial and sacramental life, the more is its administration reserved to the ordained ministry (bishops, priests, or deacons).175

1670 Sacramentals do not confer the grace of the Holy Spirit in the way that the sacraments do, but by the Church's prayer, they prepare us to receive grace and dispose us to cooperate with it. "For well-disposed members of the faithful, the liturgy of the sacraments and sacramentals sanctifies almost every event of their lives with the divine grace which flows from the Paschal mystery of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. From this source all sacraments and sacramentals draw their power. There is scarcely any proper use of material things which cannot be thus directed toward the sanctification of men and the praise of God."176

Various forms of sacramentals

1671 Among sacramentals blessings (of persons, meals, objects, and places) come first. Every blessing praises God and prays for his gifts. In Christ, Christians are blessed by God the Father "with every spiritual blessing."177 This is why the Church imparts blessings by invoking the name of Jesus, usually while making the holy sign of the cross of Christ.

1672 Certain blessings have a lasting importance because they consecrate persons to God, or reserve objects and places for liturgical use. Among those blessings which are intended for persons - not to be confused with sacramental ordination - are the blessing of the abbot or abbess of a monastery, the consecration of virgins and widows, the rite of religious profession and the blessing of certain ministries of the Church (readers, acolytes, catechists, etc.). The dedication or blessing of a church or an altar, the blessing of holy oils, vessels, and vestments, bells, etc., can be mentioned as examples of blessings that concern objects.

1673 When the Church asks publicly and authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the power of the Evil One and withdrawn from his dominion, it is called exorcism. Jesus performed exorcisms and from him the Church has received the power and office of exorcizing.178 In a simple form, exorcism is performed at the celebration of Baptism. The solemn exorcism, called "a major exorcism," can be performed only by a priest and with the permission of the bishop. The priest must proceed with prudence, strictly observing the rules established by the Church. Exorcism is directed at the expulsion of demons or to the liberation from demonic possession through the spiritual authority which Jesus entrusted to his Church. Illness, especially psychological illness, is a very different matter; treating this is the concern of medical science. Therefore, before an exorcism is performed, it is important to ascertain that one is dealing with the presence of the Evil One, and not an illness.179

Popular piety

1674 Besides sacramental liturgy and sacramentals, catechesis must take into account the forms of piety and popular devotions among the faithful. The religious sense of the Christian people has always found expression in various forms of piety surrounding the Church's sacramental life, such as the veneration of relics, visits to sanctuaries, pilgrimages, processions, the stations of the cross, religious dances, the rosary, medals,180 etc.

1675 These expressions of piety extend the liturgical life of the Church, but do not replace it. They "should be so drawn up that they harmonize with the liturgical seasons, accord with the sacred liturgy, are in some way derived from it and lead the people to it, since in fact the liturgy by its very nature is far superior to any of them."181

1676 Pastoral discernment is needed to sustain and support popular piety and, if necessary, to purify and correct the religious sense which underlies these devotions so that the faithful may advance in knowledge of the mystery of Christ.182 Their exercise is subject to the care and judgment of the bishops and to the general norms of the Church.

    At its core the piety of the people is a storehouse of values that offers answers of Christian wisdom to the great questions of life. The Catholic wisdom of the people is capable of fashioning a vital synthesis. . . . It creatively combines the divine and the human, Christ and Mary, spirit and body, communion and institution, person and community, faith and homeland, intelligence and emotion. This wisdom is a Christian humanism that radically affirms the dignity of every person as a child of God, establishes a basic fraternity, teaches people to encounter nature and understand work, provides reasons for joy and humor even in the midst of a very hard life. For the people this wisdom is also a principle of discernment and an evangelical instinct through which they spontaneously sense when the Gospel is served in the Church and when it is emptied of its content and stifled by other interests.181

IN BRIEF

1677 Sacramentals are sacred signs instituted by the Church. They prepare men to receive the fruit of the sacraments and sanctify different circumstances of life.

1678 Among the sacramentals blessings occupy an important place. They include both praise of God for his works and gifts, and the Church's intercession for men that they may be able to use God's gifts according to the spirit of the Gospel.

1679 In addition to the liturgy, Christian life is nourished by various forms of popular piety, rooted in the different cultures. While carefully clarifying them in the light of faith, the Church fosters the forms of popular piety that express an evangelical instinct and a human wisdom and that enrich Christian life.

Thus to be a sacramental the signs would have to be instituted by the Church.  Jewish holy items are not instituted by the Church.  Sacramentals are objects which call to mind the sacraments, which these Jewish items do not.  Rather in a certain way they recall a time when we had not received the full revelation of God.  We understand that Jews might use them, and acknowledge that for Jews they are holy items, but they are not sacramentals.

[DaveW]

I am wondering what has been worked out concerning these items in the Jewish Rite set up by John Paul 2.

[Catholica]

I am wondering what has been worked out concerning these items in the Jewish Rite set up by John Paul 2.

Dave,

If you discover information about the Jewish rite, let us know.  I can't find anything about it, and I have never heard anything about it, it is never listed in any list of Catholic rites.  As far as I can tell it doesn't exist.

[FireSword]

I think the sacraments help explain what a church is.

Since an object is blessed via the power of the anointing in the person.

So the Church is a meeting place where the member of Christ gather on a regular basis, hence bringing a holyness of Christs presence within the building or place.

I think this is supernatural revelation from God, feel free to discuss.

The problem here is how we view the church. We should not see the building as the church, which is what you indicate by saying the church is a place where believers meet. The building that is made to look religious is just a meeting house where the Church (believers) meet. Tradition has distorted how wee look at the church. The church does not need a building to gather and worship the Lord. I gather with lesserfortunates than me under a banyon tree at the park I have done this several years now. I call it the church without walls. Steven reminded us in his discourse that the earth is the lords footstool. What building can you make for Him?

The church is in the temple of the heart. We are the church where ever we may be. we are the church congregationlly when we gather together whether in a house or a relgious styled building or even under a tree
Paul said "know ye not that ye are the temple and the spirit of God dwells within you"

I do not think objects are blessed by the anointing of a person, but people are as  they allow Christ and his holy Spirit into their hearts through one who is anointed .

Do you gather regularly under that tree?
Then it becomes hallowed ground and becomes a church.

I got this from a scripture where Paul says, "the Church that is in her house"
Her being there did not make the church in her house, the church was there even when she wasn't there, which suggests it became a house church and remained so because it became a holy place.

Also in anther place it says "Take of thy shoes, because this is holy ground"

Another  says "The Church that is in the wilderness"

This of course means that my church is even older than the Catholics as it was, around during the old testament, where Gods people Gathered.

[mclees8]

I think the sacraments help explain what a church is.

Since an object is blessed via the power of the anointing in the person.

So the Church is a meeting place where the member of Christ gather on a regular basis, hence bringing a holyness of Christs presence within the building or place.

I think this is supernatural revelation from God, feel free to discuss.

The problem here is how we view the church. We should not see the building as the church, which is what you indicate by saying the church is a place where believers meet. The building that is made to look religious is just a meeting house where the Church (believers) meet. Tradition has distorted how wee look at the church. The church does not need a building to gather and worship the Lord. I gather with lesserfortunates than me under a banyon tree at the park I have done this several years now. I call it the church without walls. Steven reminded us in his discourse that the earth is the lords footstool. What building can you make for Him?

The church is in the temple of the heart. We are the church where ever we may be. we are the church congregationlly when we gather together whether in a house or a relgious styled building or even under a tree
Paul said "know ye not that ye are the temple and the spirit of God dwells within you"

I do not think objects are blessed by the anointing of a person, but people are as  they allow Christ and his holy Spirit into their hearts through one who is anointed .

Do you gather regularly under that tree?
Then it becomes hallowed ground and becomes a church.

I got this from a scripture where Paul says, "the Church that is in her house"
Her being there did not make the church in her house, the church was there even when she wasn't there, which suggests it became a house church and remained so because it became a holy place.

Also in anther place it says "Take of thy shoes, because this is holy ground"

Another  says "The Church that is in the wilderness"

This of course means that my church is even older than the Catholics as it was, around during the old testament, where Gods people Gathered.

God is not in any certain place or building. God is Omni present and the universe contains Him. God is Spirit and those who are of the spirit are a walking church as Paul said ye are the temple and His spirit His within you. When we are not there under that tree on Sunday that place is just the city park. God is not in that place until we come together in His name to invoke His presence. This is absolute truth. We don't have to go that spot to be in His presence.
When God was on the mountain the bush burned because God was present there to speak to Moses. Go there today and that bush would not be burning neither would that ground be hollow. God must be present to make a place hollow ground but when we leave God does not remain there to make that place Hollow
Remember the women at the well when Jesus said to her
Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.   

[AVZ]

Another point is not to confuse sacramental objects with devotional objects such as rosaries and religious pictures which are used in private prayer and devotions.

There is no difference between the two. Both sacramental objects and devotional objects hold no power and are only symbols or reminders of the believes and sacraments.

[Catholica]

Another point is not to confuse sacramental objects with devotional objects such as rosaries and religious pictures which are used in private prayer and devotions.

There is no difference between the two. Both sacramental objects and devotional objects hold no power and are only symbols or reminders of the believes and sacraments.

This is not true. As one example, demons hate holy water and blessed salt.

[DaveW]

I am wondering what has been worked out concerning these items in the Jewish Rite set up by John Paul 2.

Dave,

If you discover information about the Jewish rite, let us know.  I can't find anything about it, and I have never heard anything about it, it is never listed in any list of Catholic rites.  As far as I can tell it doesn't exist.

I will be seeing Dan Juster (on the TJCII executive committee) around June 1. I will ask him.

[DaveW]

This is not true. As one example, demons hate holy water and blessed salt.

Where does that information come from?

[Catholica]

This is not true. As one example, demons hate holy water and blessed salt.

Where does that information come from?

Real life experience of exorcists.

Some examples:

http://bobstanley.tripod.com/exorcism.htm

[winsome]

This is not true. As one example, demons hate holy water and blessed salt.

Where does that information come from?

Real life experience of exorcists.

Some examples:

http://bobstanley.tripod.com/exorcism.htm

I can confirm that from the experience of people I know.

[LightHammer]

This is not true. As one example, demons hate holy water and blessed salt.

Where does that information come from?

Real life experience of exorcists.

Some examples:

http://bobstanley.tripod.com/exorcism.htm

Not to mention the scriptures. (See Elisha's bones and St. Paul's handkerchief).

[DaveW]

Real life experience of exorcists.

Some examples:

http://bobstanley.tripod.com/exorcism.htm

Not to mention the scriptures. (See Elisha's bones and St. Paul's handkerchief).

I am familiar with Elisha's bones and the Paul's cloths.
The holy water is from actual experience?  I have had several "real life" experience with exorcism myself. There was no holy water or salt around but one thing I learned is that everything a demon says and does is a lie.

That is why it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to be operative in the gift of Discerning of Spirits. In fact it helps to have 2 or 3 people with that gift for confirmation. It is the only way to tell what is true and what is a lie and when the demon is actually gone.  They go into hiding and pretend to have vacated but are actually still there.

I am not saying that an aversion to Holy Water is not true; just that I have not seen it.

And since the New Covenant is faith-based, that could be a product of the priest believing the Holy Water had an effect and the Holy Spirit backed that belief up.

[Lively Stone]

Another point is not to confuse sacramental objects with devotional objects such as rosaries and religious pictures which are used in private prayer and devotions.

There is no difference between the two. Both sacramental objects and devotional objects hold no power and are only symbols or reminders of the believes and sacraments.

This is not true. As one example, demons hate holy water and blessed salt.

That isn't true.

[DaveW]

Catholica - that was an interesting story and prayer.  IN general the prayer is not too different from what I have prayed myself for people. One thing I did not see was a specific binding of the evil one.  Matthew 12:29  Mark 3:27

To my mind that is very important.  And since we see that in the gospel accounts (and acts too) that demons often had names in keeping with their function (spirit of infirmity, divination, etc) there was no attempt in the article to identify the offending spirit. (discerning of spirits - 1 Cor 12) That can be important in instructing the person being set free how to stay free.  With out that, this scenario can come into play:

Matt 12.43 "Now when the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and does not find it.
44 Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came'; and when it comes, it finds it unoccupied, swept, and put in order.
45 Then it goes and takes along with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. That is the way it will also be with this evil generation."

[Catholica]

Real life experience of exorcists.

Some examples:

http://bobstanley.tripod.com/exorcism.htm

Not to mention the scriptures. (See Elisha's bones and St. Paul's handkerchief).

I am familiar with Elisha's bones and the Paul's cloths.
The holy water is from actual experience?  I have had several "real life" experience with exorcism myself. There was no holy water or salt around but one thing I learned is that everything a demon says and does is a lie.

That is why it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to be operative in the gift of Discerning of Spirits. In fact it helps to have 2 or 3 people with that gift for confirmation. It is the only way to tell what is true and what is a lie and when the demon is actually gone.  They go into hiding and pretend to have vacated but are actually still there.

I am not saying that an aversion to Holy Water is not true; just that I have not seen it.

And since the New Covenant is faith-based, that could be a product of the priest believing the Holy Water had an effect and the Holy Spirit backed that belief up.

The Catholic Church has more than a little experience to know the difference over the period of 2000 years.  It is true.  If there is one thing the Catholic Church is known for, it is authority to drive out demons.

I don't know what you mean by "the New Covenant is faith-based".  It actually has components of both faith AND authority.  Jesus speaks about a person's authority to drive out demons.  Catholic priests have the authority to make water holy and to invoke blessings.  That authority comes from Christ and draws its power from Christ's authority which was given to it.  The object once blessed is blessed by faith and authority, and works regardless of whether one believes that the water is holy or not.  That is why it affects demons and can perturb the demonically oppressed/possessed.

[Catholica]

Here is a full text of the Rite of Exorcism.

Rite of Exorcism

[DaveW]

I don't know what you mean by "the New Covenant is faith-based".

How many times did Our Lord tell someone "Be it done to you according to your faith?"

Our faith releases God's miracle power. Remember in Nazarath that even HE could do little in the way of miracles due to their unbelief.

Mark 6:5 And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.

[Catholica]

I don't know what you mean by "the New Covenant is faith-based".

How many times did Our Lord tell someone "Be it done to you according to your faith?"

Our faith releases God's miracle power. Remember in Nazarath that even HE could do little in the way of miracles due to their unbelief.

Mark 6:5 And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.

Yes, faith is powerful.  But not faith alone.  That is the Protestant heresy.  For example, to exorcise some demons requires praying AND fasting.

[DaveW]

Yes, faith is powerful.  But not faith alone.  That is the Protestant heresy.  For example, to exorcise some demons requires praying AND fasting.

BTDT.  There certainly those times and those demons.

And no - I am not a sola fidelis kinda guy. The whole concept of "sola" anything is not Jewish. It is too abstract.  The God of the bible is not abstract, he deals in relationship.

[FireSword]

Here is a full text of the Rite of Exorcism.

Rite of Exorcism

I don't see Judas name

[Lively Stone]

Here is a full text of the Rite of Exorcism.

Rite of Exorcism

A rite for exorcism is unnecessary. We need to only be in full knowledge that we have the authority of Christ to cast out evil spirits to do it---all in the name of Jesus Christ.

[AVZ]

Another point is not to confuse sacramental objects with devotional objects such as rosaries and religious pictures which are used in private prayer and devotions.

There is no difference between the two. Both sacramental objects and devotional objects hold no power and are only symbols or reminders of the believes and sacraments.

This is not true. As one example, demons hate holy water and blessed salt.

I fear you have been watching too much "Supernatural".

[DaveW]

Here is a full text of the Rite of Exorcism.

Rite of Exorcism

A rite for exorcism is unnecessary. We need to only be in full knowledge that we have the authority of Christ to cast out evil spirits to do it---all in the name of Jesus Christ.

Unnecessary?  Perhaps.  But there is nothing wrong with it either as long as it covers all the necessities (like a check list) and can be flexible enough to allow for the operation of discerning of spirits. You cannot just assume the thing is gone when you hit the end of the program. You need to wait for supernatural confirmation.

from the rite:

Then he commands the demon as follows:
I command you, unclean spirit, whoever you are, along with all your minions now attacking this servant of God, by the mysteries of the incarnation,....

I do not see this as evidence of the identity of the spirit being revealed. 

In the following "exorcism" sections, it seems to be addressing the devil himself rather than a lowly demon in his ranks.

"I adjure you, ancient serpent,"
"I adjure you, profligate dragon"
etc.

[winsome]

Exorcism is a formal casting out by a priest with the full authority of his priesthood and the Church lays down a formal rite for this.

However there are different levels of demonic activity over a person and formal exorcism is not always (or often) required.

Some lay people have a ministry of deliverance and do not perform this rite but use their own ways of dealing with demons. It is one of the charismatic gifts. But it is one to be exercised with caution.

The story of the seven sons of Sceva (Acts 19:13-16) is a good warning.

[DaveW]

Some lay people have a ministry of deliverance and do not perform this rite but use their own ways of dealing with demons. It is one of the charismatic gifts. But it is one to be exercised with caution.

The story of the seven sons of Sceva (Acts 19:13-16) is a good warning.

Well said Winsome.  Yes, those sons of Sceva should be considered by ANYONE attempting this ministry.

Thanks be to God who has given us these charismatic gifts.
Deliverance from the demonic is called the "children's bread" by Our Lord. Matthew 15:26

[LightHammer]

Another point is not to confuse sacramental objects with devotional objects such as rosaries and religious pictures which are used in private prayer and devotions.

There is no difference between the two. Both sacramental objects and devotional objects hold no power and are only symbols or reminders of the believes and sacraments.

This is not true. As one example, demons hate holy water and blessed salt.

I fear you have been watching too much "Supernatural".

It appears your community has had very little real experience with demonic attacks entirely unlike the Church has since her brith as is recorded in scripture.

One would say if demons are not attacking you its because they have nothing to fear from you.

[Lively Stone]

Here is a full text of the Rite of Exorcism.

Rite of Exorcism

A rite for exorcism is unnecessary. We need to only be in full knowledge that we have the authority of Christ to cast out evil spirits to do it---all in the name of Jesus Christ.

Unnecessary?  Perhaps.  But there is nothing wrong with it either as long as it covers all the necessities (like a check list) and can be flexible enough to allow for the operation of discerning of spirits. You cannot just assume the thing is gone when you hit the end of the program. You need to wait for supernatural confirmation.

from the rite:

Then he commands the demon as follows:
I command you, unclean spirit, whoever you are, along with all your minions now attacking this servant of God, by the mysteries of the incarnation,....

I do not see this as evidence of the identity of the spirit being revealed. 

In the following "exorcism" sections, it seems to be addressing the devil himself rather than a lowly demon in his ranks.

"I adjure you, ancient serpent,"
"I adjure you, profligate dragon"
etc.

A rite (and script) is UNNECESSARY for those who know Christ and believe what He says and simply walk in His ways.

Mark 16:17
These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages.