Christian Sacraments

CHRISTIAN SACRAMENTS

Sacraments are religious milestones in a Christian’s life.

The Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church both have seven sacraments. Baptism, Confirmation, Communion, Confession

and Reconciliation, Ordination, Matrimony, and Annointing of the Sick

Most Protestant Churches acknowledge two sacraments: baptism and communion.

CATHOLIC SACRAMENTS

BAPTISM

Cleanses the soul/symbol of cleansing the soul

Initiation into the Church (often goes along with church membership

Many different ways depending on the denomination. Sprinkle Pour Immersion

BAPTISM Infant baptism

God cleanses of original sin Parents make the choice

for the baby

Adult baptism Adult chooses to be

baptized as a symbol of their own choice to

be a Christian

HOLY COMMUNION

A ritual meal of bread and wine remembering the Last Supper of Christ

ALSO CALLED HOLY COMMUNION, THE EUCHARIST, THE LORD’S SUPPER, THE LORD’S TABLE

Transubstantiation – the belief that the bread and wine undergo a change in substance, though not in physical appearance or chemical composition (Catholic). They actually become the body and blood of Christ.

Protestants believe the wine and bread is a symbol of Christ’s body and blood, a sacrifice for sins.

This is an act of “communion” with God and with other Christians.

MARRIAGE

Celebration of love, and fulfillment of Covenant with God (“Go forth and multiply”)

"'...So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.“ Matthew 19.6

Priest/pastor works on both religious and civil levels

FUNERALS 2 reasons: Guide the

deceased to heaven, and to console the friends and family

Different sects accept different ceremonies (burial, cremation, burial at sea). Cremation is accepted in Protestant churches and in Roman Catholicism (as of Vatican 2) but is still banned by Eastern Orthodox churches.

Rites can be performed in church, funeral chapel, or at grave.