Roman CatholicismThe 7 Sacraments

What is a Sacrament?A Sacrament is a physical sign of a spiritual realityThere are 7 sacramentsThe first 3 are known as the sacraments of initiationThey are baptism, confirmation, and eucharistThe final 4 sacraments are confession, anointing the sick, holy orders and matrimony

Why Baptism?Because Jesus did.

BaptismComes from the Greek word that means to plunge or to immerseThe symbolic plunging and rising up again from the water reminds us that a new Catholic enters into Christs death and then rises to a new life of graceIt is the sign of joining the Christian family (was formerly circumcision)Both for men and women and children

Symbols of BaptismWater water represents cleansingOil in ancient world, oil was used to anoint kings and queens to show they were set apartWhite garment Purity, means putting on Christ, similar to a brideCandle Christ is the light of the world and so we should be as well

ConfirmationHappened in the early Church and in ActsIs the completion of baptismYou are saying that this is your faith not just your parents if baptized as an infantTo be done when one has reached the age of discretion

Effects of ConfirmationThe full outpouring of the holy SpiritBinding us more closely to the Church and more firmly to ChristIncreasing the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us, especially his strength to spread the faith by word and deed

EucharistThe Eucharist is the celebration of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.In the Bible, it is called the Lord's Supper. Christians are invited to celebrate the Eucharist every week during Mass. Children usually make their First Holy Communion at the age of 7 or 8.This is a formal affair, and children completing their First Holy Communion wear formal attire.

EucharistTransubstantiation the transfer of the substance of bread and wine at Mass to the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.Cleanses from sin and gives spiritual energy and nourishment

Anointing of the SickSacrament offered to those who are suffering from serious illness, for the elderly, for those facing major surgery, and for the dying.Primarily lead by priests or bishops.They anoint the persons body and pray for them.

Sacrament of Confession or ReconciliationIt is a sacrament of healing through which Christ extends forgiveness to sinners, bringing about reconciliation with God and the Church.Given to priest in a confessional anonymously

Involves:Contrition feeling sorry for your sinsConfession admitting our faultsAbsolution the priest forgives us in the name of Christ JesusSatisfaction or penance, something to make repair for the harms our sins have caused

MatrimonyA sign of God calling a man and woman to holiness through ordinary married life.God is the source of marriage. Marriage is meant to be a covenant.The Church teaches that there are two primary purposes of marriage:Procreative be fruitful and multiplyUnitive become one body

Till Death Do Us PartThe Catholic Church does not permit the divorce of a valid marriageAnnulments can be given. An annulment is an official Church declaration that what appeared to be a Christian marriage never existed in the first place.

Holy OrdersAll of us are called to serve others as part of a common priesthood, but the Church also has those who minister to us:Deacons helpers to priestsPriests servants to Gods people, celebrate the EucharistBishops servants to Gods people and the priests in their areaReligious nuns and brothers servants to all of Gods people. Join orders and take 3 vows:Poverty, chastity, and obedience

Women & CelibacyWomenThe Catholic Church doesnt ordain women because Jesus didnt and because the priest is a representation of Christ who was male.Women can become nunsCelibacyCelibacy is the state of being unmarried that priests and other religious leaders choose in order to dedicate their lives totally to Jesus and Gods peopleIn the Latin rite of the Church priests cannot marryThis may change one day as it is only a doctrine of the church