Sacraments of Christ
The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions. (CCC, 1131)
Sacraments are "powers that comes forth" from the Body of Christ, which is ever-living and life-giving. They are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his Body, the Church. They are "the masterworks of God" in the new and everlasting covenant. (CCC, 1116)
The Seven Sacraments of the Church
Christ instituted the sacraments of the new law. There are seven: Baptism, Confirmation (or Chrismation), the Eucharist, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life: they give birth and increase healing and mission in a Christian's life of faith.
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Sacraments of Initiation:
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Baptism: This sacrament marks the entry into the Christian community, cleansing the individual from original sin.
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Confirmation: It strengthens the graces received at Baptism and deepens the individual's bond with the Church.
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Eucharist: Also known as Holy Communion, it commemorates the Last Supper and involves receiving the body and blood of Christ.
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Sacraments of Healing:
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Reconciliation (Confession or Penance): This sacrament offers forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism through confession and absolution by a priest.
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Anointing of the Sick: Provides grace, comfort, and healing to those who are seriously ill or near death.
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Sacraments of Service:
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Holy Orders: This sacrament ordains individuals to serve the Church as deacons, priests, or bishops.
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Matrimony (Marriage): It unites a man and a woman in a lifelong covenant, reflecting the bond between Christ and the Church.
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