Sacraments
The Sacramental Life
What is a Sacrament?
A sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. God gives us these signs as the means by which we receive His grace, and as tangible assurances that we truly do receive it. Through the sacraments, Christ conveys His saving work to His Church in visible and physical form.
(Gen 17:1–21; Jn 6:53–58; R 2:25–29; 1 Cor. 16; 1662 Catechism, To Be a Christian Q.121)
What Are the Sacraments?
The Sacraments are:
-
Holy Baptism
-
The Holy Eucharist (Lord’s Supper / Holy Communion)
-
Confirmation
-
Reconciliation of Penitents (Confession)
-
Holy Matrimony
-
Holy Unction (Anointing of the Sick)
-
Holy Orders
Christ gave the Church authority to administer the means of grace (Jn 20:21-23) and instituted two chief Sacraments, Baptism and the Eucharist, as necessary for new life and union with Him. Through the same authority, the Church also preserves five other sacramental rites, Confirmation, Confession, Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders, which arise from apostolic practice [from the Apostles themselves] and continue to convey God’s grace. Together, these make up the seven Sacraments, all entrusted to the Church by Christ’s authority.
(Gen 2:18–24; Mt 19:4–6; Mt 28:19–20; Lk 22:14–20; Jn 6:52–58; Jn 20:21–23; 1 Cor 11:23–26; 2 Cor 1:21–22; 2 Tim 1:6–7; Heb 6:1–2; Jas 5:14; 1662 Catechism; To Be a Christian Q.123–124; Art. XXV)
How Do We Receive the Sacraments?
We receive the Sacraments with faith, repentance, and thanksgiving, trusting not in ourselves but in Christ who works through them. The grace given is real, but for it to bear fruit in us we must receive with humility, devotion, and obedience to His will.
(Mk 16:16; Jn 6:52–58; Acts 2:38–47; 1 Cor. 11:27–32; 1662 Catechism; To Be a Christian Q.122; Art. XXVIII)
Baptism
"And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" Acts 2:38
Holy Eucharist
"I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh" John 6:51
Confirmation
"Then they [Peter & John] laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit." Acts 8:17
Reconciliation of Penitents (Confession & Absolution)
Jesus breathed on the Apostles and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” John 20:22-23
Holy Matrimony
"'Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church." Ephesians 5:31-32
Holy Unction
"Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." James 5:14
Holy Orders
"While they [the Apostles] were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then, after fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them and sent them off." Acts 13:2-3
Contact
Like what you see? Get in touch to learn more.