Building the Body of Christ
Baptism Eucharist Confirmation Reconciliation Anointing of the Sick Marriage Holy Orders
The sacraments are powerful signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us through the work of the Holy Spirit. Grace is favor, the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call to become children of God, adoptive sons, partakers of the divine nature and of eternal life. It is a participation in the life of God (CCC 1996-97).
The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions (CCC 1131). Sacraments impart the graces needed to make us holy, so we may build up the body of Christ and bring forth His Kingdom. Sacraments nourish and strengthen our faith and disposes us to virtue and charity allowing us to give worthy worship and honor to God, and making us truly followers of Christ.
There are seven sacraments categorized as follows:
Sacraments of Christian Initiation: The faithful receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine.
- Baptism - the beginning of new life in Christ.
- Eucharist - the faithful receive the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Confirmation - the faithful are confirmed as disciples of Christ.
Sacraments of Healing: Lord Jesus Christ, who heals and forgives, has willed that his Church continue, in the power of the Holy Spirit, his work of healing and salvation.
- Reconciliation - sin is forgiven and the faithful are made new again.
- Anointing of the Sick - the faithful receive grace for the journey ahead.
Sacraments at the Service of Communion and the Mission of the Faithful: These two sacraments are directed towards the salvation of others through service to others.
- Marriage - a covenant for life is established between and by a man and woman.
- Holy Orders - the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles is continued.
If you are interested in receiving any of the sacraments, click on the sacrament listed above for instructions.