Sacraments

There are seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church.   Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist are called the Sacraments of Christian Initiation.  They lay the foundation of every Christian life.  The Sacraments of Healing are Penance or (Reconciliation) and the Anointing of the Sick.  Holy Order is considered a Sacrament of Mission to the Faithful and Matrimony is the Sacrament at the Service of Communion(CCC1211).

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that “The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian Life:  they give birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian’s life of faith.  There is thus a certain resemblance between the stages of natural life and the stages of spiritual life.” (CCC 1210)

Some Catholics may remember the teaching contained at Question 136 of the Baltimore Catechism:  Question: What is a Sacrament?     Answer: A Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.