The Sacraments
A sacrament is a sign instituted by Christ by which we receive the grace that the sign signifies. There are seven sacraments which have been entrusted to the Church.
Sacraments of Christian Initiation
Baptism
Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation by which the reception of all the other sacraments depends upon. Through baptism, both original sin and personal sins are washed away. This is why water is a fitting sign for baptism, since water is used for physical cleansing. One also becomes a child of God and a member of the Catholic Church through this sacrament.
Eucharist
The Eucharist is the central aspect of our faith, since it is through this sacrament that we receive Jesus himself in his body and blood. Jesus, who is God, became man, died for our sins, and rose from the dead so that we might receive his life in the Eucharist. “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you…’” (John 6:53). Jesus says that he is the bread of life, bread is a fitting symbol for the Eucharist since bread nourishes us physically so too does Jesus feed us spiritually with his body and blood
Confirmation
Confirmation is the third sacrament of initiation, preceded by baptism and the Eucharist. It binds one more firmly to the Church and strengthens one to live out their faith more boldly. The chrism oil is used as the sign for this sacrament since in times past oil was used as an ointment to highlight one’s health and strength when applied to the skin.
Sacraments of Healing
Reconciliation
Reconciliation is the sacrament whereby Jesus pours out his forgiveness upon us, the forgiveness which was won for us by his suffering and death on the cross. This is the ordinary way that Jesus established to receive his forgiveness. After Jesus rose from the dead he breathed the Holy Spirit on the disciples and gave them power to forgive and bind sins (John 20:22-23). This ministry of forgiveness is continued to this day through bishops and priests.
Anointing of the Sick
Along with reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick one of the two sacraments of healing. It is the sacrament that one receives during a grave illness, injury, advanced aged, or as one is nearing death. We pray for healing of body, but above all we pray for healing and strengthening of spirit during this difficult time. The sick person receives the comfort of the Church’s concern for them and the grace which binds them more closely to Christ by way of Christ’s suffering on the cross. Holy oil is used in this sacrament as a sign of healing, this is a fitting sign since oil has historically been applied to sores on the skin to promote healing.
Sacraments of Service
Holy Orders
In addition to holy matrimony, this is a sacrament of service. Deacons, priests, and bishops give of themselves to the faithful primarily by the celebration of the sacraments. The priest becomes an alter Christus (another Christ) when celebrating the sacraments as Christ is bestowing his grace upon his people through the priest. The laying on of hands by the bishop is the sign for this sacrament as he calls down the Holy Spirit (1 Timothy 4:14).
Holy Matrimony
In addition to holy matrimony, this is a sacrament of service. Deacons, priests, and bishops give of themselves to the faithful primarily by the celebration of the sacraments. The priest becomes an alter Christus (another Christ) when celebrating the sacraments as Christ is bestowing his grace upon his people through the priest. The laying on of hands by the bishop is the sign for this sacrament as he calls down the Holy Spirit (1 Timothy 4:14).