The Sacraments of the Church

The sacraments are the Church’s central rites of worship, given by Christ to the Church. They are outward, visible signs through which God gives grace (his free gift of help and life) to us. The Church celebrates seven sacraments, which accompany the main stages and needs of Christian life.

The sacraments of Christian initiation are Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. Baptism is the beginning of Christian life and entry into the Church; Confirmation strengthens the baptised with the gift of the Holy Spirit; and the Eucharist is the sacrament in which the faithful receive Christ and are nourished for Christian life.

The sacraments of healing are Penance (Reconciliation) and the Anointing of the Sick. In Reconciliation, those who have sinned after Baptism receive God’s forgiveness and are restored to communion with the Church. The Anointing of the Sick brings spiritual strength and comfort to those who are seriously ill or in frailty, and unites them more closely to Christ’s suffering.

The sacraments at the service of communion and mission are Holy Orders and Matrimony. Holy Orders is the sacrament by which the Church’s ordained ministry is conferred. Matrimony is the sacrament in which a man and a woman establish a lifelong partnership ordered to the good of the spouses and the raising of children.

If you would like to enquire about preparation for any sacrament, please contact the parish.