-
The Seven Sacraments – Divine Encounters with God
Our Catechism devotes an entire [and lengthy!] section to the Seven Sacraments that help us to grow in God’s grace.
What is a “sacrament”? A visible, of God grace… given to us by Jesus through the Church… allowing us to participate in God’s grace. We are called to properly be disposed (being open) to recieve a sacrament by desiring God’s help, love and to follow His will for us.
Baptism. Water washes away original sin and actual sin and brings about new life. We become member of God's Church and become His Children by receiving a mark that reamins forever.
Confirmation. The oil of Chrism seals and strengthens what was begun at baptism with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Holy Eucharist. Living a “supernatural” life would require “supernatural” food… Christ’s own Flesh and Blood, the fruit of His Sacrifice on the Cross, become a source of strength and unites us with one another in the life of His Church.
Confession: Also known as Penance and Reconciliation. Our participation in what is sinful disrupts the bond God made with us in baptism, and the ripple effect disrupts the communion of the life of the Church. The sacrament of Confession restores us to the life of grace.
Marriage. The union of man and woman symbolizes the love Christ has for His Bride, the Church. The life of the Holy Trinity is made visible: the Father loves the Son and gives all creation over to Him, the Son loves completely the Father and does His Will in all things, and the love between them is so real, it is a third Person in the Holy Spirit. A man and woman so totally in love for each other mirror this in their union with one another and in bringing children into the world.
Holy Orders. The sacrament by which men are set aside and “given orders” by Christ for the sanctification of the Christian people. Bishops, priests and deacons are “ordained” to teach the faith, sanctify the Christian people in the Liturgy and the sacraments, and shepherd the Church.
Anointing of the Sick. God provides for every moment of our sojourn through time… particularly the most important and trying ones… when we experience illness or danger of death. The prayer of the Church, pardon of sins, Oil to strengthen us, Holy Communion as food for the final stretch… the sacrament helps us transition from time to eternity.
Participating in The Seven Sacraments
The Jesus desired to be with us always (Matthew 28:20) It important to know we can’t “earn” God’s grace… but we can dispose ourselves to His grace principally by prayer and formation.
For more inforamation about preparation for the sacraments contact our Formation team