Sacraments of Our Faith
What are the Sacraments?
The Sacraments 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.” The purpose of the Sacraments, wrote the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council, “is to sanctify human beings, to build up the Body of Christ, and, finally, to give worship to God. They not only presuppose faith, but by words and objects they also nourish, strengthen, and express it.” Sacraments are where Christ and His people are joined as one.
In the Catholic Church there are seven Sacraments
Baptism
Just as life begins with conception, spiritual life begins with the sacrament of Baptism. In Baptism, we each experience the “death” of original sin, along with corresponding “resurrection” to life with Christ. Click Baptism of Children to learn more.
Eucharist
The celebration of the Eucharist consecrates us to oneness with God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. A defining moment in the spiritual life of each Catholic is First Eucharist. First Eucharist is celebrated after completing the first and second year of preparation. First Eucharist is normally celebrated at the end of second grade, or upon entering the church through the RCIA process.
Reconciliation
Spiritual renewal through confession and sincere contrition is fundamental to Catholic life. First Reconciliation occurs during the second grade for children, or in conjunction with RCIA.
Confirmation
Confirmation, the sacrament of the Holy Spirit, is the defining point of spiritual maturity for Catholics. This special sacrament, sometimes conducted on a full diocesan basis, is celebrated during ninth grade or as part of the RCIA process.
Marriage
Marriage, of course, is not merely a human invention. As Catholics, we believe marriage is intended by God to be an intimate communion of life and love. Marriage represents to the community the unbreakable bond of love that exists between Christ and the Church. Because marriage is a sacrament in the Catholic Church, we have definite beliefs about marriage which differ from those in our popular society. As you begin your preparation it is important that you reflect on these beliefs as a couple and with the church community. Go to Weddings at CTK to learn more. To strengthen your marriage go to http://www.foryourmarriage.org/
Holy Orders
As couples become married to each other, so too, do priests become married to the Church through Holy Orders. Priests act in the person of Christ in the sacraments. Praying for vocations is a responsibility inherent to the Catholic experience and lifestyle. Those who feel drawn to serve God and the Church in this way may seek pastoral counseling for guidance.
Sacrament of the Sick
The healing Christ touches His people during serious sickness through the Anointing of the Sick. Through this sacrament, God helps his people to endure suffering during times of illness and provides for their reconciliation. Ministry to the sick involves visits to hospitals or homebound parishioners. Special ministers are also available to bring communion on a regular basis.