Baptism
Baptism is the first sacrament where you become united with Christ and the Church. Baptism serves as the foundation for all other sacraments.
“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Galatians 3:27
Confirmation
The confirmation candidate receives the gift of the Holy Spirit and continues their journey with Christ. They are anointed on the forehead by the celebrant.
“And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’.” John 20:22
Eucharist
The word “eucharist” means thanks giving, derived from Greek and Latin. Catholics celebrate this by offering gifts of bread and wine which become the body and blood of Christ during the Liturgy. This act of consecration where the gifts become Christ’s body and blood is called transubstantiation. The priest then shares this living body and precious blood during Communion. Food and drink nourish our bodies; Christ’s body and blood nourish our soul.
“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; he who comes to me will not hunger, and he who believes in me will never thirst’”. John 6:35
Penance
During the sacrament of Penance, we confess our sins to God through a priest who forgives our sins by His mercy, and leads us to live a more faithful life through absolution. Confession is essential to cultivating and fruitfully living out the word of God. We’re not perfect people, even if we try to be. It feels so much better to confess some of those things we have done wrong and accept forgiveness. This helps us have a stronger relationship with God.
“Therefore, confess your sins, to each other, and pray for each other, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16
Anointing of the Sick
This sacrament is bestowed upon those who are ill or suffering either physically, spiritually or mentally, which then unites the afflicted with Christ’s passion. Anointing the forehand and hands of the person with Oil of the Sick while a priest administers a special blessing is how this sacrament is received. This special blessing is one way to make the ill feel strengthened and more connected with God in both mind and body.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
The devotion husband and wife have to each other, and to Christ, mirrors Christ’s love and service to the church. Through marriage, a couple promises to help build each other up in faith, serve each other and the church and be faithful to each other until death.
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:14
Marriage
This sacrament is for those who choose to become a priest, bishop or deacon. Through ordination, they are able to perform sacred duties and serve the church community. This is not a sacrament that everyone partakes in, rather it’s one that people feel called to by God.
“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” Acts 20:28
