SEVEN SACRAMENTS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church
“Christ instituted the sacraments of the new law. There are seven: Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony. The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian Life: they give birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian’s life of faith. There is thus a certain resemblance between the stages of natural life and the stages of the spiritual life.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1210.)
Baptism
is a sacrament, an encounter with Christ, a time when Christ comes to us and acts within us and among us. It is a powerful and visual reminder to all that God’s love and salvation are not earned but offered to us as a gift. It is this gift that we desire to share with our children.
- A baby’s baptism is a time for celebration and joy.
- One is freed from initial sin and welcomed into the Church.
Confirmation
One receives the Holy Spirit and becomes an adult member of the Catholic Church. Adults wishing to be Confirmed should sign up for our RCIA program. Children in High School and FFP are prepared for this Sacrament in eleventh grade.
Reconciliation/Penance
One receives pardon from God for the sins one has committed.Adults wishing to receive Reconciliation for the first time should sign up for our RCIA program. Children in our school and FFP (Faith Formation Program ) are prepared for this sacrament in second grade prior to receiving First Communion. For those that have not received the sacrament of reconciliation, please take the time to look over this document to prepare yourself for this sacrament.
Marriage
The sacrament in which a lifelong partnership is formed between a man and a woman.
Couples contemplating marriage should call the pastor for information about premarital preparation policies. This should be done six to twelve months in advance of the anticipated wedding date.
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament by which deacons, priests and bishops are ordained and receive the grace and power to perform sacred duties.
Anointing of the Sick
Uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, giving them the strength, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner through the sufferings of illness or old age.