The Sacraments are the visible signs of the invisible presence of God. They are sacred actions, instituted by Christ, through which Grace is channeled or communicated for inward sanctification of the soul. When the Sacraments are administered validly and the recipient is properly disposed, the Sacraments attain their ends infallibly, that is, grace is automatically communicated to the recipient. Thus, the Sacraments perpetuate Christ’s Redemptive Action, making it present and effective throughout the ages...

The Seven Sacraments were instituted by Christ—three of them (Baptism, Eucharist and Reconciliation) directly and the other four (Confirmation, Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick and Marriage), implicitly by the Church.

Sacraments of Initiation

Baptism is the birth in the life of Grace. It is the door of the Church as it enables us to worship God in spirit and in truth as members of His Mystical Body, the Church.

Confirmation gives us the power to become adults in the life of Grace. Through Confirmation we are sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables us to spread and defend the faith by word and deed as true witnesses of Christ.

The Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ as food and drink of our supernatural life. It is the source and summit of the whole Christian life. Taking part in the Eucharist, we offer the Divine Victim and ourselves along with Him. This Sacrament builds up the Mystical Body of Christ in unity.

Sacraments of Healing

Reconciliation is the medicine of the soul to heal sins. It grants pardon from the mercy of God for offenses committed against Him. At the same time, it reconciles sinners to the Church, which they have also wounded by their sins.

The Anointing of the Sick is the spiritual remedy for sickness. It provides the grace of the Holy Spirit by which the whole person is brought to health, trust in God is encouraged, and strength is given to resist the temptations of the Evil one, and anxiety about death.

Sacraments of Vocation

Holy Matrimony raises up new members for the Mystical Body by giving spouses a share in the unity and fruitful love of Christ and His Church. It enables the spouses to attain holiness in the married state and to become the Domestic Church. In it, parents should, by their word and example, be the first catechists and teachers and the Faith to their children.

Holy Orders provides new priests to teach, rule and sanctify the Mystical Body. In that way it insures that the Church will continue for all time. Deacons are also granted Holy Orders and are ordained clergy.