SACRAMENTS
What is a Sacrament?
Each sacrament is a visible sign of the hidden mystery of God’s love.
In the Sacraments, Jesus acts in and through the ritual. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the transforming grace of Christ’s action is gifted to those participating. A Sacrament is more than a symbol of a spiritual reality; it makes the spiritual reality present as the Sacrament is celebrated.
Sacraments of Initiation
Initiates new members and provide the strength and nourishment required for Christian life to flourish.
Baptism
The first of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church which marks the beginning of a person’s journey in faith with God.
Confirmation
We receive the Holy Spirit, which helps us to become good Christians. It helps us to be brave and tell people by our words and actions that we believe in Jesus.
Holy Communion
The source and summit of our Christian life. A great gift and food for the journey.
Sacraments of Healing
Gifts of spiritual and physical healing.
Penance (Reconciliation)
We acknowledge that we sometimes make bad choices; that we sin and ask God to forgive us. No matter what we have done God longs to offer us forgiveness.
Anointing of the Sick
God’s healing love at times of illness, frailty, or when someone is close to death.
Sacraments of Service
The Church celebrates these ministries of love and service.
Marriage
The union of a couple in faithful and mutual love, coming together as a response to God’s call to holiness.
Holy Orders
As families, we should pray that some of our children will heed God’s call to permanent ministry in the Church as Religious, Priests or Deacons.