The Seven Sacraments
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| Rogier van der Weyden, 1445 |
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines the sacraments as "efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us" (CCC 1131). Through signs that are recognizable to our senses, the sacraments present to us the most extraordinary divine realities. see #250
Sacraments of Christian initiation see #251
In Baptism we are welcomed into the family of God. We are united to Christ and His Church. We become adopted children of God. We receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Original sin and all personal sins are forgiven. see #252-264
Confirmation
Confirmation is usaually the final sacrament of Christian initiation. In it, the Holy Spirit gives us power to live out our faith more fully and maturely. see #265-270
Holy Communion
The Eucharist is truly the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ. It is not a mere symbol, but the Real Presence of God. It is the "source and summit of the Christian life" (CCC 1324). see #271-294
Sacraments of Healing see #295
Also known as Penance, this is the sacrament by which our sins committed after Baptism are forgiven. It is a precept of the Church to receive this sacrament at least once per year. Those with mortal sins must receive this sacrament. see #296-312
Anointing of the Sick
When we are seriously ill, in danger of death, or very weak due to old age, we receive this sacrament to strengthen our faith and trust in God. see 313-320
Sacraments at the Service of Communion see #321
This sacrament is received by baptized men so that they may serve the Church as a bishop, priest, or deacon. see #322-336
Matrimony
A man and a woman are united together in a lifelong bond when receiving this sacrament. They are vowed to each other in love, and are open to the gift of children. see #337-350
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Links above are from the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Vatican.va. For a more thorough exploration of the Sacraments, consult the Catechism of the Catholic Church. For an explanation which may be more engaging to youth and young adults, consider purchasing a copy of the YOUCAT (Youth Catechism).