The 7 Sacraments- What is a sacrament? A sacrament is a means instituted by Christ in order to give grace(God’s assistance).
Baptism: What is Baptism? Baptism is the basis for the Christian life. A person who is baptized receives grace or God’s assistance along with the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is the door that opens a person to the other sacraments. Through Baptism the individual is freed from original sin and reborn as sons of God. A person who is baptized becomes a member of Christ and His Church we become members of Christ. A baptized person then shares in Christ’s mission on earth. There is a new life in Christ.
Confirmation: This sacrament helps a baptized Catholic to become a soldier for Christ. It seals us with the Holy Spirit and joins us more firmly to Christ. It also strengthens our bond with the Church. By receiving Confirmation a person bears witness to the Christian faith in words and deeds. They want to defend the truth!
Penance: This is called the sacrament of Penance is the first step in returning to the Father for a Catholic who has committed sin. The Sacrament of penance is a spiritual washing of soul for someone who has sinned The person first makes an examination of his conscience, is sorry for his sins, confesses his sin to the priest, and intends to repair the damage done by the sin. He can makes extra penances to show God how much he loves him.
Holy Eucharist: The Eucharist means (thanksgiving). At the heart of the Eucharistic celebration, the bread and wine, through the words of Christ and the invitation of the Holy Spirit, become the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ Himself.
It contains the entire treasure of the Church which is Jesus Himself. Jesus present in the Holy Eucharist makes every church holy ground. It is a holy sacrifice which makes present the saving Cross and Resurrection of Jesus in which we united. The faithful can receive Christ in the Holy Eucharist every day so that grow and become saints.
Holy Orders: This is where man becomes a priest in the order of Melchizedek. From the first apostles Christ ordained and gave a sacred power to his first priest to the people of the Church Ordained priest serve the people of God by teaching, leading divine worship, and governing. The sacrament happens when the Bishop lays hands on a Deacon says a solemn prayer of consecration asking God to grant the ordained the graces of the Holy Spirit. Ordination imprints an indelible sacramental character-once a priest then a priest forever.
Matrimony: The sacrament of matrimony is a bond of a man and woman made before God and several witnesses. It like the union of Christ and the Church. It gives the man and woman the grace to love each other with the love which Christ has loved his church. The grace of the sacrament is permanent. It soley for their earthly journey. It is fidelity. The two look at each other faithfully through their lives. They are one flesh and see the other’s first. It is fruitful. Matrimony is the beginning of fruitfulness where the man and woman are open to children.
Anointing of the Sick: This sacrament gives a special grace to the Christian experiencing the difficulties of grave illness or old age. It removes all sin and once again gives a grace that can not only heal an individual but may be a preparation for their death. This sacrament helps the Catholic unite to the Passion and death of Christ. |
