The Sacraments

What Are the Sacraments?

The Sacraments are:

Holy Baptism
The Holy Eucharist (Lord’s Supper / Holy Communion)
Confirmation
Reconciliation of Penitents (Confession)
Holy Matrimony
Holy Unction (Anointing of the Sick)
Holy Orders

Christ gave the Church authority to administer the means of grace (Jn 20:21-23) and instituted two chief Sacraments, Baptism and the Eucharist, as necessary for new life and union with Him. Through the same authority, the Church also preserves five other sacramental rites, Confirmation, Confession, Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders, which arise from apostolic practice [from the Apostles themselves] and continue to convey God’s grace. Together, these make up the seven Sacraments, all entrusted to the Church by Christ’s authority.

(Gen 2:18–24; Mt 19:4–6; Mt 28:19–20; Lk 22:14–20; Jn 6:52–58; Jn 20:21–23; 1 Cor 11:23–26; 2 Cor 1:21–22; 2 Tim 1:6–7; Heb 6:1–2; Jas 5:14; 1662 Catechism; To Be a Christian Q.123–124; Art. XXV)

Holy Baptism

Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which a person is united to Jesus Christ, receives the forgiveness of sins, and is incorporated into His Body, the Church. Through water and the Holy Spirit, God grants new birth and adopts us as His children. Baptism is the foundation of the Christian life and may be received by both adults and infants.

"And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" Acts 2:38

The Holy Eucharist
(Lord’s Supper / Holy Communion)

The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament in which Christ gives Himself to His people under the forms of bread and wine. Instituted by our Lord at the Last Supper, it is the continual remembrance of His saving sacrifice and a means by which we receive His Body and Blood by faith. Through Holy Communion, we are strengthened, forgiven, and united more deeply to Christ and His Church

"I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh" John 6:51

Confirmation

Confirmation is the laying on of hands by a bishop with prayer for the strengthening of the Holy Spirit. In Confirmation, baptized Christians publicly affirm the faith for themselves and are equipped for mature Christian discipleship, witness, and service in the Church.

"Then they [Peter & John] laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit." Acts 8:17

Holy Matrimony

Holy Matrimony is the lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, established by God for mutual love, faithfulness, the nurture of children, and the building up of Christian family life. Marriage reflects the sacred union between Christ and His Church and is a means through which God blesses and sanctifies husband and wife.

"'Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church." Ephesians 5:31-32

Holy Orders (Ordination)

Holy Orders is the sacrament by which men are ordained as bishops, priests, or deacons through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop. Through ordination, the Church recognizes God's call and equips clergy for ministry in Word, Sacrament, teaching, pastoral care, and service.

"While they [the Apostles] were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then, after fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them and sent them off." Acts 13:2-3

Reconciliation of a Penitent (Confession and Absolution)

In this sacrament, Christians confess their sins before God in the presence of a priest and receive the assurance of God's forgiveness through absolution. While all Christians may confess directly to God, private confession provides particular comfort, healing, and grace for those seeking reconciliation and spiritual counsel.

"Jesus breathed on the Apostles and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” John 20:22-23

Holy Unction (Anointing of the Sick)

Through prayer and the anointing of oil, the Church commends those who are suffering in body, mind, or spirit to God's care and mercy. This sacrament brings strength, comfort, peace, and, according to God's will, healing. It is especially appropriate during serious illness, before surgery, or near the end of life.

"Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." James 5:14