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God is the source of life
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A sacrament is a sign through which Jesus
shares his life and grace with us.
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The Church celebrates seven sacraments: Baptism,
Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Holy Orders, Matrimony, and
Anointing of the Sick
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Baptism: Initiation into Christian community, the Body of Christ. Traditionally,
it cleanses the soul of the effects of original sin and any sins committed
up to that time. The spirit enters the soul and makes it one with
Christ. Baptism is the beginning of life with God and membership among
the people of God.
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Eucharist: The
central act of Catholic worship. It unites all members of the Church
with Christ, strengthens their faith in God and their commitment to
work for salvation. Jesus is present in consecrated bread and wine
which nourish the community.
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Reconciliation: Involves sincere sorrow for violating one’s friendship with God and
the faith community. Confession of sins is made to an ordained priest
who grants absolution (assurance of God’s forgiveness). Then, the
priest assigns a good work symbolizing wholeness in a life with God.
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Confirmation: Usually conferred by a bishop, Confirmation strengthens the commitment
to Christ made at Baptism so that a person can maturely face challenges
and problems in daily life as a Christian. It initiates the Christian
into a life-long process of learning.
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Holy Orders: Consecrates Christians in service to God and the Church. Principal
ministries are those of bishop, priest, and deacon.
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Matrimony: A
man and a woman unselfishly share life, love, and Christian faith
with each other and with God. The Sacrament is administered by two
partners themselves, with the priest acting as the Church’s official
witness. (The Church recognizes serious family problems in today’s
society which could lead to divorce. Sensitivity to these realities
needs to be maintained in the teaching of this sacrament.)
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Anointing of the Sick: Anointing with blessed oil and prayers by a pries give comforting
grace, bring Christ to the seriously ill or dying. Sometimes physical
healing occurs, but emphasis is on spiritual healing (strengthening
the soul) through forgiveness of sin.
