The Sacraments
Seven signs, given by Christ and entrusted to the Church, through which God shares his own life with us.
God could have chosen to act on us invisibly. Instead he works through things we can see and touch: water, oil, bread and wine, a spoken word, the laying on of hands. The Catechism describes the sacraments as efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church (see CCC 1131). They do what they signify. The water of Baptism does not merely represent new life; through it God gives new life.
The Church celebrates seven sacraments, which touch the important moments of Christian life (CCC 1210).
Sacraments of Christian initiation
- Baptism: the beginning of new life in Christ, which frees us from sin and makes us members of the Church.
- Confirmation: the strengthening gift of the Holy Spirit, which completes the grace of Baptism.
- The Eucharist: the Body and Blood of Christ, the sacrament that nourishes the Christian for the whole of life.
Sacraments of healing
- Penance and Reconciliation: the forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism, through confession to a priest.
- Anointing of the Sick: strength, peace, and courage for those who are seriously ill or weakened by age.
Sacraments at the service of communion
- Holy Orders: the sacrament by which bishops, priests, and deacons are ordained to serve the Church.
- Matrimony: the lifelong covenant of a man and a woman, which Christ raised to the dignity of a sacrament.
Once or often
Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders are received only once, because they mark the person permanently. The Eucharist and Reconciliation are meant to be received often; together they are the ordinary food and medicine of Catholic life.
A note on this page
This is a short introduction, not a complete treatment. For the Church’s own teaching, read Part Two of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and speak with your parish about preparing for any of the sacraments.
Further reading: Catechism of the Catholic Church (Vatican).