Summary:
There are seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church. Each are important to Catholics in terms of religious development and a path toward God.
~~Baptism~~
Baptism is the first sacrament a Christian receives. It is the first of the three sacraments of initiation. Before receiving other sacraments you must be baptized. In baptism all of your sins are forgiven. Original sin is removed. You receive actual and sanctifying grace. Although you are baptized you must still work on your faith. Baptism doesn't mean that you are automatically saved without trying. You must work to become closer to God.
Through baptism we become members of the church and children of God. The church recognizes baptism of all Christian faiths. You are baptized only once in your life. Traditionally a priest is the one who performs the baptism but in an emergency situation anyone can baptize and it is considered valid. By being baptized we are reborn into a new life.
Along with your parents, in baptism you also have godparents who help you along the way. Their job is to guide you on your faith journey along with your parents.
~~Eucharist~~
The Eucharist is a key element in the faith. In the Eucharist you receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus initiated this sacrament when he shared the Last Supper with his disciples. As Catholics we believe that the priest turns the bread and wine to the body and blood of Christ through the consecration. This is called transubstantiation. We believe that the risen Lord is present at the Eucharist. This is the only sacrament in which Jesus is truly present as both God and man. In the other sacraments he is present only by his power and its effects. In the Eucharist, Christ renews the sacrifice he made so that he can remain with us throughout history.
If you are baptized when you are young then you traditionally receive your First Communion when you are in the second grade. The word Eucharist means thanksgiving. It is the ever-present reminder that Jesus is with us in this sacrament sharing his sacrifice with us.
~~Confirmation~~
Confirmation is traditionally the third and final sacrament included in the sacraments of initiation since 1910. Although you already have the Holy Spirit inside you, this sacrament helps you to use the Spirit within you and recognize its presence. Jesus instituted this sacrament on Pentecost. After being confirmed you are considered an adult in the faith community. You have a responsibility to the faith and to your church.
Customarily it is the bishop who administers the sacrament of confirmation, however in certain circumstances he may appoint a priest to serve in his place. The laying on of hands in the sacrament shows the sharing of the Spirit with the person being confirmed. The person is also anointed with oil. The sacrament of confirmation is important for people who were baptized young in that they are telling the world that they agree with their parents decision in baptizing them and they are now ready to accept the responsibilities of the church as an adult by their own choices and decisions.
~~Penance~~
This sacrament is called by three names. Each of them shows one element of the sacrament. They are confession, reconciliation, and penance. It is called confession because we must recognize and confess our sins. We must admit we have done wrong and be willing to make amends. This sacrament is called penance because we must do something to make up for our sin. It shows that we have owned up to our sin and are willing to try and do better. It is called reconciliation because we must reconcile with God and those we have wronged.
This sacrament restores the gift of God's grace. To be forgiven one must ask to be forgiven. God has told us that there is no sin to great to be forgiven if we only ask. As a Catholic it is important to receive this sacrament regularly. In this sacrament you must examine your conscience, feel sorrow for your sins, admit your sins, receive absolution, and complete your penance.
~~Matrimony~~
In matrimony a man and woman vow faithfulness to one another through marriage. For the couple, marriage is the way they live out their baptismal identity. The Christian marriage has three major characteristics: the couple's permanent commitment to one another, the couple's unconditional love for each other, and their capability to have and care for children.
Traditionally a priest is the one who marries the couple. They exchange rings and vows of commitment. They are accepting the responsibility to give each other unconditional love and support through all times and to help each other in their faith journeys. In matrimony the couple is bound in a permanent commitment to each other that cannot be broken. The church doesn't recognize divorce. If there are special circumstances that imply that a marriage should not have happened the church can study their marriage and can declare it null. The man and woman are then free to marry again within the church.
~~Holy Orders~~
The sacrament of Holy Orders is the ordaining of a priest, deacon, or bishop. Holy orders gives those who are called to help others a chance to do that by helping others in their spiritual journey. It gives them the power to perform some sacraments and rituals in the Catholic faith.
After ordination, most priests work in parishes. They preside in the sacraments of that church and try to guide their congregation towards God. Those who have received Holy Orders have taken a vow of celibacy, so that they may consecrate themselves wholeheartedly to God and his work.
~~Anointing of the Sick~~
The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick gives those who are suffering help. It can heal them or give them the grace and strength they need to bear their sickness and make amends with God. This sacrament uses the gestures of the laying on of hands and words of petition on behalf of the sick along with anointing with oil to bring the recipient closer to an understanding of their faith and journey at its present time with God.
This sacrament also celebrates the resurrection is some ways. It helps the recipient to be less afraid of what is to come and what will happen if they do pass on.
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