What are the Sacraments of the Catholic Church?
There are seven Sacraments referred to in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Starting with Baptism, Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist (these are known as sacraments of Christian Initiation), while Penance and Anointing of the Sick are known as the healing sacraments. Finally, Holy Orders and Matrimony are the sacraments of communion and mission.
Baptism
The word baptism comes from Greek, which translates as immersion, or dipping in water. It is the first sacrament many of us will take. Typically, it is done on infants, where they are dipped in Holy Water three times, once for each member of the Holy Trinity. They will become part of the church after this.
If you are an adult entering the Catholic Church, this will be one of the first things you will have to do, followed by confirmation.
To see what we offer at St Luke’s for baptisms, head to our page – where you can find more information and contact us.
Confirmation
Confirmation is seen as the sealing of the covenant that was created in baptism. The typical age to do this is early teens or at the age of reason. However, if you are an adult entering the Catholic Church, then this is typically done immediately after baptism.
It is also associated with the laying on of hands.
Eucharist (Holy Communion)
A staple of the Mass, the Eucharist is the traditional name of the taking of the bread and wine, which become the body and blood of Christ.
It originates back to the Last Supper, the night before Jesus was crucified. He broke bread and shared it with his disciples before also passing a chalice with wine in it.
The bread represents the body of Christ, which was given up, while the wine became his blood – the blood of the eternal covenant, and poured out for the forgiveness of sins.
Penance & Reconciliation (Confession)
Penance is the traditional name for the sacrament of reconciliation (confession). It refers to a set of actions undertaken for the repentance of sins.
The priest who hears confessions is acting on behalf of God, allowing the confessor to get closer to God, vow to not to sin again and to examine their conscience.
Confessions can be found under Mass times.
Anointing of the Sick
This refers to both the physical health of a person, and the forgiveness of their sins. Only an ordained priest can administer this sacrament.
Should you need this sacrament for a loved one, then please do not hesitate to contact us. Whiston Hospital also have their own chaplaincy support team on hand, should you need assistance at the hospital.
Holy Orders
This sacrament involves the calling of those to ordained ministries. Whether that be as a priest, deacon, bishop, etc.
If you believe you have been called to follow this path, get in touch with Fr Ron Johnson, our Vocations Director in the Archdiocese of Liverpool.
Matrimony (Marriage)
The union between two people in the eyes of God. You will undertake vows both to yourselves and to God.
To get married in the Catholic Church, you both need to be baptised and confirmed in the Catholic Church. The priest will need proof of this before he agrees to the wedding.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and ask. We will guide you through the process.