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Seven Sacraments
"Sacraments are Christ's gift to His Church. It is her duty to administer them and to protect them from misuse. Jesus entrusted His words and signs to specific men, namely, the apostels who were to hand them on... Sacraments exist for the Church and through the Church. They are for her, because the Body of Christ, which is the Church, is established, nourished, and perfected through the sacraments. They exist through her, because the sacraments are the power of Christ's Body. Sacraments are not magic. A sacrament can be effective only if one understands and accepts it in faith. Sacraments not only presuppose faith, they also strengthen it and give expression to it.” YOU CAT 175, 177
Sacraments of Initiation
Baptism: Baptism frees man from original sin and from personal guilt. This is the first step for a lifetime journey of discipleship and commitment. Through this gift, we are cleansed of sin and adopted as children of God, receiving new birth in the Holy Spirit.
Eucharist/Communion: The Greek word eucharistia means thanksgiving. Through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Jesus' sacrifice on Calvary is re-presented to us and Jesus becomes fully present, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, in the species of bread and wine. When we receive Christ's Body and Blood, in a state of grace, we are nourished spiritually and given graces to draw us closer to God.
Confirmation:
Sacraments of Healing
"Christ's love is shown in the fact that He seeks the lost and heals the sick. that is why He gave us the sacraments of healing and restoration, in which we are freed from sin and strengthened in our physical and spiritual weakness." YOUCAT 224
Penance/Reconciliation: The sacrament in which Christ's Divine Mercy is given freely to us. This sacrament has three components: conversion, confession and celebration. Reconciliation allows us to return to a state of grace by experiencing God' unconditional forgiveness. We, in turn, are called to forgive others as we have been forgiven.
Extreme Unction or Anointing of the Sick:
"The two sacraments have something in common: they are directed to the good of others. No one is ordained for himself, and no one enters the married state merely for his own sake." YOUCAT 248
Matrimony:
Holy Orders: