The Seven Sacraments

The Sacraments are "efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us" (CCC 1131). They are not symbols only; they do what they signify. Water poured in Baptism really cleanses the soul. The words of absolution really forgive. The bread consecrated at Mass really becomes the Body of Christ.

The Church counts seven, grouped by their purpose:

• Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist.
• Sacraments of Healing: Penance (Confession) and Anointing of the Sick.
• Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders and Matrimony.

Sacraments of Initiation

Baptism. The door of the Church and the gateway to the spiritual life. Baptism washes away original sin and every personal sin, incorporates the soul into Christ and his Body the Church, and bestows the indelible character of a child of God. Once received, never repeated.

Confirmation. The strengthening of the baptized by the gift of the Holy Spirit, sealing them more closely to Christ and equipping them to witness the faith in the world. Once received, never repeated.

Eucharist. The "source and summit of the Christian life" (CCC 1324). The Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ, truly, really, and substantially present under the appearances of bread and wine. Received at Mass, and received often, it is the bread of pilgrims — the sacrament that sustains every other.

Sacraments of Healing

Penance (Confession, Reconciliation). Christ's own mercy, spoken through the priest, restoring the soul to the friendship of God after sin. Serious (mortal) sin must be brought here before Holy Communion. Venial sin is remitted here too — and frequent confession is a great grace, even when one's sins seem small.

Anointing of the Sick. The oil and prayer of the Church over one gravely ill or near death, uniting the sufferer to the Passion of Christ, forgiving sin, and strengthening the soul for healing or for the final journey. It is not "Extreme Unction" for the dying only — ask a priest whenever illness is grave.

Sacraments at the Service of Communion

Holy Orders. By which bishops, priests, and deacons are ordained to serve the Church in the name of Christ. Through the bishop the apostolic succession is preserved; through the priest, Mass is offered and sins are forgiven; through the deacon, the charity of the Church is extended. A permanent character.

Matrimony. The covenant by which a man and a woman give themselves to each other for the whole of life, for the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children. Between two baptized persons it is a true sacrament, imaging the union of Christ and his Church.

Every sacrament is a meeting with the living Christ. Approach them often, worthily, with faith — and they will do what they promise.