Dictionary

Words on this page

Baptism

Baptism involves declaring faith in God and being washed with water. It means being cleansed from sin, being united to Jesus Christ, receiving his Holy Spirit and becoming God’s children. Sometimes called ‘Christening’.

Confirmation

Confirmation is about ‘confirming’ the faith in God we declared at baptism. It also involves being strengthened by God’s Holy Spirit. In the Church in Wales it is administered by the bishop.

Eucharist

‘Eucharist’ comes from the Greek word for ‘thanksgiving’. At the Eucharist the Church remembers Jesus’ last supper where he gave bread and wine to be his body and blood, a sign of his saving love. See also Holy Communion.

Holy Communion

At Holy Communion blessed bread and wine is shared, by which we receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The congregation gives thanks for Jesus’ life, his death and resurrection and his continuing presence. See also Eucharist.

Prayer

Prayer sustains our human relationship with God and may involve words (formal or informal) or be silent. Prayer can involve adoration (‘I love you’), confession (‘sorry’), thanksgiving and supplication (‘please’).

Sacrament

A sacrament is a visible sign of God’s invisible gift. In the sacrament of baptism the sign is water to cleanse and revive; in the Eucharist it is blessed bread and wine, Jesus’ body and blood.

Home Education Religion, Values and Ethics Guidance The Journey of Life

The Journey of Life

I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.
Jeremiah 29:11

This learning journey draws mainly from two statements of what matters: ‘Events and human experiences are complex, and are perceived, interpreted and represented in different ways’ and ‘Human societies are complex and diverse, and shaped by human actions and beliefs’. There are connections with other statements of what matters and with other Areas that can also be explored through this sub lens.

Sub Lens Guidance

Meaning, Purpose and Influence

Life Stages and Events

Physical and Spiritual Journeying

Exemplar Approaches

This section gives examples of ways in which a pluralistic learning journey might be developed. The journey could start at any stage and should not be restricted to the examples given. Questions are encouraged to allow learner influenced development.

Each example relates to a specific phase of development but should be adapted to suit learners.

Further Along

How do people of non-religious philosophical convictions celebrate important times in their lives?

What are rites of passage for Muslims? How does this link to the Five Pillars of Islam?

What is a sacrament and how do different denominations practice them? Do all Christian denominations have sacraments? If not how are special occasions marked?

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