Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church
The sacraments are an essential part of Catholic practice. They are physical expressions of sacred experiences that serve as metaphorical doorways for those in the faith to enter and return to the church. The seven Catholic sacraments each mark important moments from birth through death, allowing parishioners to connect with the divine throughout their lives.
The Catholic sacraments are divided into three groups: Sacraments of Initiation, Sacraments of Healing, and Sacraments of Service. Each group addresses a unique spiritual need.
Click on the Sacrament highlighted / underlined in red for more information.
Sacraments of Initiation offer entry points into Catholic practice. Originally celebrated together, the three sacraments that make up this group are now performed at various life stages depending on individuals and their particular house of worship.
Baptism marks initiation into the Catholic church. During baptism, candidates are immersed in water or else water is poured on the head. They are then anointed with oil, and the invocation of the Holy Trinity is spoken. Baptisms are usually reserved for infants.
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The Eucharist serves as an act of spiritual thanks and is considered the most important sacrament of Catholic life. The ceremony consists of blessing and consuming bread and wine, which embody the blood and body of Christ. The Eucharist is also known as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Confirmation expresses growth and learning within the Catholic faith and signifies a “sealing” of an individual’s connection to the church. During confirmation, the candidate is once again anointed with oil, and liturgy is spoken.
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Reconciliation, also known as confession, is a Sacrament of Healing that provides individuals with an opportunity to confess their sins and receive forgiveness from God. During the rite, individuals confess their sins to a priest, who then offers acts of kindness or penance for them to perform so they may be forgiven. The priest then offers absolution. Parishioners may take part in this rite as often as they like.
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Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament that provides individuals with spiritual comfort and healing from God. The rite consists of anointing individuals with holy oil and offering prayers. Once reserved only for the dying, the sacrament of anointing the sick is now also given to the seriously ill, injured and the elderly
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Sacraments of Service provide a path for Catholics to serve others in their community.
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Holy Orders refers to leadership within the church. Those who perform this sacrament become deacons, priests and bishops, and they are responsible for preaching, counseling and otherwise spiritually guiding their communities. Although this sacrament is considered ongoing, a ceremony called the Rite of Ordination signifies its start and is marked by prayer, song and anointment.
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Marriage is a sacrament that celebrates the love and commitment between two individuals and provides them with an opportunity to serve others through their union. Elements such as their wedding rings and vows are exchanged as a sign of the sacrament. Once united, their home is deemed a domestic church.
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As rituals, the sacraments provide the opportunity to touch Catholicism in an increasingly meaningful fashion. In doing so, they help individuals of faith deepen their connection to both their own spirituality and the divine connection among all people.