Sacraments in the Catholic Church

Sacraments in the Catholic Church

The Sacraments of the Catholic Church

• Sacraments are outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Christ for our sanctification.
• The Catholic Church recognises seven sacraments: Baptism, Holy Eucharist (Communion), Reconciliation (Confession), Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick.

Sacraments of Initiation

• Baptism is the sacrament through which people become members of the Church. It washes away original sin and any personal sin.
• Confirmation is when Catholics receive the Holy Spirit to make them strong and perfect Christians. It strengthens and confirms the grace of Baptism.
• The Holy Eucharist, or Communion, is the sacrament where Catholics receive the Body and Blood of Christ under the forms of bread and wine.

Sacraments of Healing

• Reconciliation, also known as Confession or Penance, is when Catholics confess their sins to a priest to receive God’s forgiveness and to be reconciled with the Church.
• Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Extreme Unction, is for the seriously ill, the elderly, or those about to undergo a serious operation, and it provides comfort, peace, and strength.

Sacraments of Service

• The sacrament of Marriage celebrates the lifetime union of a man and a woman in a partnership of the whole of life, echoing Christ’s undying love for his Church.
• Holy Orders is the sacrament through which men are ordained as deacons, priests, or bishops, dedicating their lives to serve God and the Church.

The Importance of Sacraments

• Sacraments are important because they are means of grace and express the faith of the Church.
• They help Catholics live a Christian life, mark key stages in a Catholic’s life journey, and support Catholics in their worship of God.
• Sacraments are a way through which Catholics can receive God’s grace and be united with Christ.