Sacramental life
The sacraments
Seven visible signs given by Christ to his Church to make his grace present in the life of the faithful. Baptism opens the way, the Eucharist feeds the pilgrim, Anointing accompanies us in trial, Marriage seals the covenant.
Landmark
What is a sacrament?
A sacrament is neither a mere rite nor a pious custom. It is an act of Christ today, through the Church: water that baptises, bread that gives itself, a word that forgives, oil that raises up. In each one it is he who acts, made visible through humble means — simple matter, precise words, an ordained minister.
They are neither bought nor earned. They are received. Received in faith, they truly transform life: they conform us to Christ, they build the Church, they prepare us for the definitive encounter with God.
The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us.
Christian initiation
Becoming a disciple of Christ
Baptism, the Eucharist and Confirmation together form the sacraments of initiation. They plunge the faithful into new life and configure them to Christ.
- 01
Baptism
The first sacrament of Christian initiation: entry into the family of God's children.
- 02
Eucharist
The central sacrament of Christian life, at the heart of every Mass.
- 03
Confirmation
The sacrament of the Holy Spirit which confirms the baptised in their faith and sends them on mission.
Sacraments of healing
Mercy and consolation
Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick are the two sacraments through which God comes to heal what is wounded in us: sin, suffering, frailty.
- 04
Reconciliation
Also called confession or penance: the sacrament of God's forgiveness.
- 05
Anointing of the Sick
A sacrament of strength and consolation offered to the sick and the elderly.
At the service of communion
Sacraments for others
Marriage and Holy Orders turn those who receive them towards the salvation of others. They build up the people of God by making love and mission grow.
- 06
Holy Orders
The sacrament by which a man is ordained deacon, priest or bishop.
- 07
Marriage
A sacramental covenant between a man and a woman, for life.
The Church, in Christ, is in the nature of sacrament — a sign and instrument of communion with God and of unity among all people.
Prepare for a sacrament
Receiving a sacrament means first letting yourself be met
Baptism of a child or an adult, first communion, confirmation, marriage, a request for anointing for a loved one: the parish secretariat welcomes every request and puts you in touch with the pastoral team.
7 sacraments presented