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. They are visible signs of God's invisible grace.
— Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1131
Entering the Christian Life
The sacraments of Christian initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist — lay the foundations of every Christian life.
Baptism
The gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God.
Confirmation
Completes baptismal grace and gives the Holy Spirit to strengthen us for witness. We become more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with special strength.
Eucharist
The source and summit of the Christian life. In the Eucharist, Christ gives us His Body and Blood — food for eternal life. All other sacraments are oriented toward it.
Restoration and Reconciliation
Through the sacraments of Penance and Anointing of the Sick, the Church continues Jesus's work of healing and salvation.
Penance & Reconciliation
Also called Confession, this sacrament offers God's forgiveness for sins committed after Baptism. Through the priest, Christ offers absolution and reconciliation with God and the Church.
Anointing of the Sick
Confers special grace on those experiencing illness or old age. Through anointing with holy oil and prayer, the sick receive strength, peace, and courage, and are united to Christ's Passion.
Consecrated for Mission
Holy Orders and Matrimony are directed toward the salvation of others. They contribute to personal salvation through service to others.
Holy Orders
The sacrament by which bishops, priests, and deacons are ordained. They receive a sacred power to serve the faithful through teaching, divine worship, and pastoral governance.
Matrimony
A covenant by which a man and woman establish a lifelong partnership. The spouses become ministers of grace to each other and are called to be open to the gift of children.
Living the Sacramental Life
The Sacraments are not just rituals — they are encounters with Christ. Through them, we receive the grace we need for our journey toward eternal life.