The haunting, vivid story of a nun whose past returns to her in unexpected ways, all while investigating a mysterious death and a series of harrowing abuse claims A young nun is sent by the Vatican to investigate allegations of misconduct at a Catholic school in Iceland. During her time there, on a gray winter’s day, a young student at the school watches the school’s headmaster, Father August Franz, fall to his death from the church tower. Two decades later, the child—now a grown man, haunted by the past—calls the nun back to the scene of the crime. Seeking peace and calm in her twilight years at a convent in France, she has no choice to make a trip to Iceland again, a trip that brings her former visit, as well as her years as a young woman in Paris, powerfully and sometimes painfully to life. In Paris, she met an Icelandic girl who she has not seen since, but whose acquaintance changed her life, a relationship she relives all while reckoning with the mystery of August Franz’s death and the abuses of power that may have brought it on. In The Sacrament, critically acclaimed novelist Olaf Olafsson looks deeply at the complexity of our past lives and selves; the faulty nature of memory; and the indelible mark left by the joys and traumas of youth. Affecting and beautifully observed, The Sacrament is both propulsively told and poignantly written—tinged with the tragedy of life’s regrets but also moved by the possibilities of redemption, a new work from a novelist who consistently surprises and challenges.

The Church: Her Books and Her Sacraments by E. E. Holmes: Delve into the rich tapestry of the Church's history, teachings, and sacraments as E. E. Holmes provides a comprehensive guide that illuminates the significance and spiritual depth of the Church's literature and sacred rituals. Key points: Exploring Church Tradition: Journey through the centuries as Holmes unravels the origins and evolution of the Church, offering insights into its foundational texts, theological doctrines, and liturgical practices, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the Church's identity and its role in the lives of believers. Sacramental Mysteries: Delve into the profound symbolism and spiritual significance of the Church's sacraments, including baptism, the Eucharist, and confession, as Holmes explores their historical context, theological underpinnings, and transformative power, inviting readers to embrace these sacred rituals as avenues for spiritual growth and communion with the divine. Literary Heritage: Discover the vast literary treasury of the Church, from ancient manuscripts to theological treatises and devotional writings, as Holmes highlights key texts and authors that have shaped the Church's intellectual and spiritual landscape, fostering a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of Christian literature. The Church: Her Books and Her Sacraments by E. E. Holmes: The Church: Her Books and Her Sacraments by E. E. Holmes is a profound exploration of the sacred texts and sacramental rituals that form the foundation of Christian worship and spiritual life. Through insightful commentary and thoughtful analysis, Holmes delves into the significance of scripture and the sacraments, offering readers a deeper understanding of their spiritual significance and transformative power. Whether you are a devout believer seeking to deepen your faith or an inquisitive seeker exploring the depths of religious tradition, this book serves as a guide to unlocking the spiritual treasures and profound truths found within the church's rich heritage. The Church: Her Books and Her Sacraments is a testament to the enduring power of religious rituals and the wisdom contained within sacred texts, inviting readers on a journey of spiritual discovery and enlightenment.

The following book is a series of lectures delivered by Ernest Holmes, who was an eminent Anglican priest and author. The intent of the lectures, as the author says it himself is: (1) to remind an instructed congregation of that which they knew already—and to make them more grateful for the often underrated privilege of being members of the Catholic Church; and (2) to suggest some simple lines of instruction which they might pass on to others.

Introduction I. The Church II. The Church's Books (1) The Bible III. " " (2) The Prayer Book IV. The Church's Sacraments V. Baptism VI. The Blessed Sacrament VII. The Lesser Sacraments VIII. Confirmation IX. Holy Matrimony X. Holy Order XI. Penance XII. Unction Index

A course of instructions given at All Saints, Margaret Street in Lent 1910 by E. E. Holmes, B.D., Archdeacon of London.

The most solemn, majestic, and beautiful gifts that Jesus Christ gave to the world are His sacraments. He endowed them with unprecedented and unparalleled power—power to change lives, save souls, and share God’s very life. The sacraments are the ordinary means by which God directs the course of each human life and all of world history. The Church celebrates seven sacraments: baptism, Eucharist, confirmation, matrimony, holy orders, confession, and anointing of the sick. Each was established by Jesus for the sake of salvation. When Jesus spoke of the sacraments, He made clear that they were essential: Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God (Jn 3:5) . . . unless you eat of the flesh of the Son of man and drink His blood, you have no life in you (Jn 6: 53). In Swear to God, Dr. Scott Hahn explores the richness of Christ’s sacraments—their doctrine, history, symbols, and rituals. Drawing upon the Bible and the Church’s tradition, he shows how God’s covenants—with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David—became the driving forces in history. When Jesus came to fulfill all these covenants, He established a new covenant, with greater power than ever before. Christians are God’s children now. Joined to Christ by baptism, we can already share in the eternal life of the Trinity, a life we hope to know fully in heaven. But heaven is with us, even now, in the sacraments.

Addresses the realities of congregational and familial practices of baptism and the eucharist and provides models for intentional liturgical and educational transformation.

The church's development and use of sacraments has evolved in many ways from the days of the early church to the present. This sourcebook provides key theological texts that played a role in those movements. Johnson traces the history and theology of individual sacraments along with their liturgical context in the church's worship. He includes materials previously developed in James F. White's classic collection, Documents of Christian Worship: Descriptive and Interpretive Sources (Westminster John Knox Press, 1992), and supplements these to provide a wide range of indispensible materials. He also contributes helpful background notes to give the reader the full breadth and depth of the church's thought on these important topics. This book will be of great value to those studying the history of Christian worship and the development of the sacraments.