The Seven Holy Sacraments Link to more in-depth explanations

Living Signs of Christ’s Presence in the World

Baptism welcomes us into the Christian community and the family of God. It cleanses the soul from the effects of original sin and any sins committed up to that time; adults being baptized thus receive forgiveness of sins. Once baptized, the person has the right to receive other sacraments. In baptism, we receive a new life and a share in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. In the ritual of baptism, the priest or minister pours water on the head or immerses the person fully in the water. This action is done three times, together with the words "I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." In the case of an emergency, any baptized person can perform a valid baptism.

Eucharist means "thanksgiving," also called the Mass or Holy Communion. It celebrates the Last Supper of Jesus with his Apostles. It is the sacrament of the body and blood of Jesus Christ and is the central celebration that illustrates the presence of the body of Christ. We receive the body and blood of Jesus so that we can become the body of Christ in the world. We are given the grace of God (or, life of God) for our daily lives. The Eucharistic celebration symbolizes the unity of the church, in the sign of the bread (the Host) and of the wine. Only the priest can consecrate (make holy) the bread and wine; Jesus becomes present in these elements to give life to the entire worshipping community. In Catholicism, only the male priest or bishop can administer the sacrament.

Also known as Confession, the sacrament involves sincere sorrow for violating one’s friendship with God, and a desire to be reconciled with God and of the faith community. Those sins committed after one’s baptism are forgiven. Confession of sins is made to an ordained priests, who grant absolution, (the assurance of God’s forgiveness). Then the priest assigns an atonement for sin by doing penance or a good work symbolizing wholeness in a life with God.

Usually performed by a bishop, confirmation strengthens the commitment to Christ made at baptism. The Holy Spirit given to a us at baptism empowers us to receive the gifts of the spirit and strengthens us to be witnesses to the gospel. The sacrament can only be received once, and is performed by the laying on of hands of the bishop or priest and the anointing with the oil of Chrism on the forehand. If the bishop is unavailable, a priest can also administer the sacrament, with oil and the words "Be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Peace be with you."

Marriage is a sacrament which gives God’s grace to the husband and wife, in order to fulfill their duties to each other end to their children. They receive the help they need in order to be loving, faithful, and to live out their covenant (sacred promise) to each other and their children. The sacrament is given by the two partners themselves, with the priest representing the church: (the people of God) and acting as witness. The exchange of rings symbolizes the covenant made.

Anointing with blessed oil and prayers by a priest gives comforting grace and brings Christ to the seriously ill or dying. Elderly people may also receive the sacrament if necessary; or anyone facing serious surgery. It brings healing to both the spirit and body, and restores a person’s health if it is God’s will. The emphasis is on spiritual healing – strengthening the soul – through the forgiveness of sins. The priest or hospital chaplains used oil to anoint a person on the forehand, the hands, and any other part of the body that is diseased. If the person is seriously ill, then Viaticum – "Bread for the Journey" is given.

This sacrament ordains a priest for the church, to carry out the mission of Christ. It allows the priest to perform the sacraments for the people as the priest is a representative of Christ. The priest becomes part of the teaching, sanctifying (saving) and governing body of the church. The bishop places his hands on the candidates head (called Imposition of Hands), and anoints the priest at his ordination ceremony. Cardinals and the pope may also ordain priests.