SACRAMENTS

BAPTISM Sacrament of Initiation: The Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church’s way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.

RECONCILIATION Sacrament of Healing: The Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God’s unconditional forgiveness; as a result we are called to forgive others.

EUCHARIST Sacrament of Initiation: Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ’s Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.

CONFIRMATION Sacrament of Initiation: Confirmation is a Sacrament of mature commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiations. It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

MATRIMONY Sacrament of Service: The Sacrament of Marriage is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God’s values.

HOLY ORDERS Sacrament of Service: In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priests being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the Sacraments, by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK Sacrament of Healing: The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.