These Are the Sacraments

by Fulton J. Sheen

These Are the Sacraments is a lucidly written and handsomely illustrated presentation of the seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church. Bishop Fulton J. Sheen is responsible for this memorable and dramatic book which defines the meanings of the Sacraments to man, their power, and their application.

Bishop Sheen first analyzes the necessity for the Sacraments and gives an explanation of their origin. Then he delves into each, beginning with the rebirth of the Christian at Baptism, continuing on with the strength received at Confirmation, the reception of the Body and Blood of Christ in Holy Communion, the forgiveness of sins in Penance, the anointing of the body in the Last Sacrament, the power of Consecration granted the men receiving Holy Orders, and the nuptial blessing obtained by those who receive Matrimony. In his text, Bishop Sheen skillfully describes the elements particular to each Sacrament, defining the matter and form necessary for valid administration. The world-famous photographer Yousuf Karsh artistically illustrates the text with superb black-and-white photographs which not only complement the flow of work, but the work a sense of reverent dignity and poetic beauty.

Genres: Theology, Catholic, Religion, Nonfiction

196 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1995

About the author

Fulton John Sheen was an American bishop of the Catholic Church known for his preaching and especially his work on television and radio. Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Peoria in Illinois, in 1919, Sheen quickly became a renowned theologian, earning the Cardinal Mercier Prize for International Philosophy in 1923. He went on to teach theology and philosophy at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and served as a parish priest before he was appointed auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York in 1951. He held this position until 1966 when he was made bishop of the Diocese of Rochester in New York. He resigned as bishop of Rochester in 1969 as his 75th birthday approached and was made archbishop of the titular see of Newport, Wales.
For 20 years as "Father Sheen", later monsignor, he hosted the night-time radio program The Catholic Hour on NBC (1930–1950) before he moved to television and presented Life Is Worth Living (1952–1957). Sheen's final presenting role was on the syndicated The Fulton Sheen Program (1961–1968) with a format that was very similar to that of the earlier Life Is Worth Living show. For that work, Sheen twice won an Emmy Award for Most Outstanding Television Personality, and was featured on the cover of Time magazine. Starting in 2009, his shows were being re-broadcast on the EWTN and the Trinity Broadcasting Network's Church Channel cable networks. His contribution to televised preaching resulted in Sheen often being called one of the first televangelists.
The cause for his canonization was officially opened in 2002. In June 2012, Pope Benedict XVI officially recognized a decree from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints stating that he lived a life of "heroic virtues," a major step towards beatification, and he is now referred to as venerable. On July 5, 2019, Pope Francis approved a reputed miracle that occurred through the intercession of Sheen, clearing the way for his beatification. Sheen was scheduled to be beatified in Peoria on December 21, 2019, but his beatification was postponed after Bishop Salvatore Matano of Rochester expressed concern that Sheen's handling of a 1963 sexual misconduct case against a priest might be cited unfavorably in a forthcoming report from the New York Attorney General. The Diocese of Peoria countered that Sheen's handling of the case had already been "thoroughly examined" and "exonerated" and that Sheen had "never put children in harm's way".

Reviews

[larryoguay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Archbishop at his best

A must read of one is interested in the basics of the Roman church. As in his long TV show, his explanation is simple and irrefutable.

[Paigeroush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this was required reading for all adult catechumens. Sheen eloquently breaks down each sacrament in its traditional Roman explanation. I found this at an estate sale and I feel it’s purpose during this Lenten season was to give me a deeper understanding of the Church and how blessed we are as Catholics to receive these sacraments throughout our Christian lives.

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Are the Sacraments is a small 200 page book that provides the reader information on everything they ever wanted to know about the Sacraments. The book is divided into eight chapters - an introduction on the Sacraments and then one for each of the seven Sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony). The book begins by talking about a divine sense of humor that Jesus must have had. This is because a sacrament combines two elements (visible and invisible) to make something holy. He then discusses the Bible as a sacramental, what the Sacraments bring to mankind, and the power of the Sacraments. To give you an example of how the chapters look, I will tell you some of the parts of the chapter on Baptism.

Water: The Material Sign of Baptism
Baptism and the Life of Christ
The Blessing of Baptismal Water
Baptism in the Early Church
Outside the Church
Sponsors
Exorcisms
The Body in Baptism
The Baptism Itself
Effects of Baptism
The Infusion of Virtues

As you can see, literally everything about a Sacrament is covered, and it is very well thought out and organized. I read a different book that covered Sacraments when I went through the RCIA process, but I don't recall what it was now. I wish I had read this book instead, as it is quite possibly the best book on Sacraments one can read. The only negative I have about the book is the book itself. The words are too close to the margins and the book is very stiff and feels like if you open it, it will rip the spine in two. It's a shame that a five-star message is wrapped in a three-star presentation. Despite that, I still think this is a book that belongs in every Catholics library. Inquirers, Converts, and Cradle Catholics alike will find great merit in this book. I highly recommend it!

[Brian Reagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating discussion of the Roman view of the Sacraments, or the visible means by which God effects spiritual graces. The text is theologically profound while being accessible to just about any person.

This is a good text for Catholics, former Catholics, and for people who think they understand what the Roman Catholic church teaches. Additionally, for those who want to understand the development and formation of thought on how the many aspects of grace and salvation come together this is an excellent read.