A sacrament is a visibile sign of an invisible grace. In each sacrament, it is Jesus Christ Himself, acting through the person of the ordained minister, who imparts His grace and blessing on His people. Christ gave us the seven sacraments to show the Father's Love, to sanctify our lives, and to enable us to participate in our own salvation.
God gave us the sacraments so that we could participate in our own salvation. Therefore, it is not enough simply to receive the sacraments. Just as we must open both our arms and our hearts to share an embrace with someone, so we partipate in the sacraments in part by making ourselves and our children spiritually ready for them.
Sacraments of Initiation
Baptism
Baptism washes us clean from all sin, original and personal, and makes us children of God by filling us with the Holy Spirit, and thereby joining us to Christ and his Body, the Church.
Click here to read what the universal catechism teaches about Baptism.
Confirmation
Confirmation brings to fullness the graces we receive in Baptism and fills us with an even greater share of the Holy Spirit. This sacrament completes our initiation into Christ's Church.
Click here to read what the universal catechism teaches about Confirmation.
Eucharist
The Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. It is the source and summit of our lives as Christians, which should flow from and lead us back to the Eucharist (CCC 1324). Our Communion in the Lord's self-sacrifice manifests our unity in Him.
Click here to read what the universal catechism teaches about the Eucharist.
Click here to learn about receiving the sacraments of initiation as an adult (RCIA).
Sacraments of Healing
Reconciliation
The early Church Fathers called Reconciliation "Second Baptism." It is a way to experience God's abundant mercy. Reconciliation forgives sins and restores us to Christ's great gift of the sacramental life of the Church.
Click here to read what the universal catechism teaches about Reconciliation.
Anointing of the Sick
James 5:13-16 exhorts Christians to receive anointing from the priests when they are sick. This anointing is for healing of body and soul and also grants the forgiveness of sins.
Click here to read what the universal catechism teaches about Anointing of the Sick.
Sacraments in Service of Communion
Matrimony
Marriage is a life-long partnership between a man and woman which is both for the good of the spouses and for the generation and education of children. Marriage shows the unity of Christ and His Body, the Church.
Click here to read what the universal catechism teaches about Matrimony.
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the continuation of Christ's priestly mission, entrusted to His Church. At ordination, bishops, priests, and deacons receive sacred power from Christ through His Church to serve the faithful.
Click here to read what the universal catechism teaches about Holy Orders.