In this final session, Fr. Hayden Butler discusses what it means to be an active member of a parish—how our participation in the sacraments ushers us into a community in which we are formed by the Holy Spirit. He then responds to participant questions.

Mr. Carl Swanson discusses Christian duty as it pertains to all aspects of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit during baptism. He then explains how the Christian life does not compete with our secular and natural endeavors, revealing a holistic approach to ministry and vocation.

Fr. Hayden Butler discusses the 'life of prayer,' the rhythms by which Christians encounter God and inhabit the Gospel. He then discusses the relationship between Holy Communion, fixed times of prayer each day, and personal devotions.

Bp. Stephen Scarlett discusses the Christian sense of time and story, articulating its differences with faith lived according to the world's time and story. He then stresses the importance of living a life of prayer according to the time and narrative of the Church calendar, citing it as the foundation for long-term spiritual formation and the cultivation of hope.

Fr. Hayden Butler discusses the Liturgy of Holy Communion: the structure of the service, and how it orients us toward participation in Christ's sacrifice. He then discusses how the ritual gestures and words lead us into offering our whole selves to God for His blessing, commissioning us into the work of God in the world.

Mr. Carl Swanson discusses how Christian worship is seen as the entire experience of new life in Christ, and how Holy Scripture narrates this new way of life through its sacramental character—making Christ present to the Church through the written word. He then explains the first part of the Mass, the "Liturgy of the Word," discussing the history and significance of its constituent parts, and how it leads the worshipper into the next part of the Mass, Holy Communion.

Session Notes:
https://bit.ly/IC_Liturgy-of-the-Word_Session-5_2025-03-02

Fr. Hayden Butler discusses symbolism in the Church—how it emerges from the symbolic worship of Israel, and is reoriented by fulfillment in Christ. He then discusses the components of a traditional church, and how the deliberate arrangement of the physical space communicates a rich theology, leading us further into participation in the Body of Christ.

Bp. Stephen Scarlett discusses the meaning of "sacraments"; how they are rooted in the creation and the Incarnation, and how they point forward to completion of the New Creation. He also discusses the theology and practicalities of the seven commonly recognized sacraments, as well as the use of what are called "sacramentals."

Fr. Hayden Butler discusses the concept of morality in the Christian life, framing it as the pathway to freedom and fullness of life in Christ, while also revealing some of our sources of moral insight.

Fr. Hayden Butler explores how the Creeds of the Church affirm the experiences of Christians throughout the centuries—and also how they invite us into a richer experience of God's New Creation, as they shape and portray all of reality to be about loving relationships.