The Catholic Church recognizes seven sacraments as outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Jesus Christ and entrusted to the Church for the sanctification of the faithful. These sacraments are:
Baptism:
the sacrament of initiation, through which one is reborn as a child of God and incorporated into the Church. This sacrament is usually administered to infants, but can also be administered to adults. The rite of baptism involves the pouring of water on the head of the person being baptized, along with the words “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Through this sacrament, the person being baptized is cleansed of original sin and receives the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Confirmation:
the sacrament of strengthening, through which one receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit and is strengthened in the faith. This sacrament is usually administered to young people around the age of 14, but can also be administered to adults. The rite of confirmation involves the laying on of hands by a bishop, along with the anointing of the forehead with holy oil. Through this sacrament, the person being confirmed is strengthened in the faith and receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
Eucharist:
the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, through which one receives the body and blood of Christ under the forms of bread and wine. This sacrament is the center of Catholic worship, and is usually celebrated at Mass. The rite of the Eucharist involves the consecration of bread and wine by a priest, and the reception of the consecrated bread and wine by the faithful. Through this sacrament, Catholics believe that they are receiving the body and blood of Christ, and are united with him in a special way.
Penance:
the sacrament of reconciliation, through which one confesses sins and receives absolution and penance. This sacrament is usually celebrated in the context of a private confession to a priest. The rite of penance involves confessing sins to a priest, receiving absolution, and being assigned a penance. Through this sacrament, Catholics believe that their sins are forgiven and that they are reconciled to God and to the Church.
Anointing of the Sick:
the sacrament of the sick, through which one receives healing and strength in the face of illness or infirmity. This sacrament is usually celebrated in the context of a person’s serious illness or nearing death. The rite of the Anointing of the Sick involves the anointing of the person’s forehead and hands with holy oil by a priest, along with the prayers for healing. Through this sacrament, Catholics believe that they receive the grace of healing and strength to face their illness or infirmity.
Holy Orders:
the sacrament of ordination, through which one is ordained as a deacon, priest, or bishop in the Church. This sacrament is usually celebrated in the context of ordination ceremonies for men who feel called to the priesthood or the diaconate. The rite of Holy Orders involves the laying on of hands by a bishop, along with the prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through this sacrament, men are set apart for a special role in the Church, as leaders and ministers of the sacraments.
Matrimony:
the sacrament of marriage, through which one enters into a lifelong union with another person. This sacrament is usually celebrated in the context of a wedding ceremony. The rite of Matrimony involves the exchange of vows and rings, along with the blessing of the couple by a priest or deacon. Through this sacrament, a man
Regenerate response
