SACRAMENTS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH 

There are seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. The sacraments remind us of God’s presence in our lives and our call to bring the love of God to our worldly endeavors.

THE SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION

The sacraments of Christian community are rituals that affirm our membership in a community of faith. They facilitate an expression of shared commitment to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. These sacraments are Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.

Baptism

Baptism represents our birth into a new life in Christ and our membership in the Church. In Baptism, we dedicate our lives to God, and, recognizing that we have a sacred purpose on earth, we reject the unholy idea that we are on here to serve man and glorify worldly ambitions.

Confirmation

Confirmation renews our baptismal vows. It is administered at a time in our lives when we understand the differences between serving God and serving man. It affirms our desire to put God first in our lives and announces our readiness to serve others with the gifts God gave us. Confirmation is a sacrament we receive once.

Eucharist

The Eucharist is the central part of the Catholic Mass. The eating of sanctified bread and wine honors Jesus’ sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. In receiving the Eucharist, we accept that Jesus Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and ascension represent something new in the world — a path to eternal life and full reconciliation with God. We receive the Eucharist often.

THE SACRAMENTS OF HEALING

The sacraments of healing help us cope with and overcome injuries, illness, pain, and suffering of mind, body and spirit. We may receive these sacraments many times.

Confession, Penance,  Reconciliation

In the sacrament of confession, we acknowledge the ways in which we have failed to love as God loves and seek forgiveness for our sins. In our acts of contrition, we pray and seek reconciliation with those we have wounded offended. We are reminded that we are in constant need of God’s mercy and that we must also forgive those who trespass against us. We may receive this sacrament often.

Anointing of the Sick

Sickness takes many forms, including physical diseases, psychiatric disturbances, and addictions. The gift of healing helps us to be whole and integrated in mind, body, and spirit, so that we may in turn heal others and help others bear the burden of suffering.

The sacrament of healing is often associated with Last Rites— the blessing of those nearing death. While this is common, the anointing is also for those suffering from maladies of that afflict hope and confidence in God’s love and those who are troubled by cynicism and ill-will against others that diminishes their capacity to be a conduit of God’s love. Anointing must be done by a priest, presbyters or bishops and may be administered more than once

THE SACRAMENTS AT THE SERVICE OF COMMUNION

The Church recognizes that all vocations are ministries when we are honest, fair, kind, and helpful to others. Holy Orders and Matrimony are special vocations as they ask individuals to practice these things while asking them to assume extraordinary responsibilities. 

Holy Orders

Holy Orders enable the Church manage the Church, evangelize, and administer the sacraments. Priests, bishops, and deacons receive the sacrament of Holy Orders after they have met the criteria for ordination. The Catholic Church reserves Holy Orders for men and welcomes women into religious community life as sisters and nuns. 

Matrimony  

The Catholic Church regards the sacrament of marriage as a vocation, a calling, and as a covenant between a man and a woman. As their union may generate new life, couples assume special responsibility to teach their children about God, salvation through Jesus Christ, and the sanctity of life.