The seven sacraments are visible signs instituted by Christ that give grace. The Catechism teaches: “The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us” (CCC 1131).
Sacraments work ex opere operato—their efficacy does not depend on the minister’s holiness but on Christ acting through the Church.
The first and foundational sacrament. Through water and the Trinitarian formula, original sin is washed away, the person is reborn as a child of God, and incorporated into the Church. Necessary for salvation (John 3:5).
Completes the grace of Baptism. Through laying on of hands and anointing with Sacred Chrism, the confirmed receives the fullness of the Holy Spirit and is strengthened to witness to Christ.
The source and summit of the Christian life. Jesus Christ is truly present—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—under the appearances of bread and wine. It is the sacrifice of Christ, the memorial of His Passion, and the banquet of communion.
Through confession to a priest and absolution, sins after Baptism are forgiven. Jesus instituted this sacrament in John 20:23: “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them.”
Provides spiritual and physical healing to those seriously ill or aged. Through anointing with blessed oil and prayer, the sick person is strengthened and sins are forgiven.
Ordains men to serve as bishops, priests, or deacons. Confers authority to act in the person of Christ, especially in celebrating the Eucharist.
Establishes a lifelong covenant between a baptized man and woman, ordered to the good of the spouses and the procreation of children. It is indissoluble—a sign of Christ’s covenant with the Church.
The seven sacraments accompany the Christian from birth to death, each an encounter with the risen Christ. The faithful are encouraged to participate actively in the sacramental life.
Missing Mass without a serious reason is grave matter, so you should confess it before receiving Communion. If illness, caring for a child, or travel made it impossible, you committed no sin and may approach the altar freely. When unsure, speak quietly with a priest.
The Church entrusts unbaptized infants who die to God's mercy, and the Catechism expresses the hope that they share eternal life. We do not treat baptism as a limit on God's saving will. Take comfort, pray for your child, and speak with a priest about your grief.
You may confess to any Catholic priest with faculties to absolve. It is normal to feel embarrassed when a priest knows you, but he acts in Christ's person and is bound by the seal of confession. Many people find a priest at another parish helpful.
The Church teaches that at consecration the whole substance of bread and wine becomes the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ. Only the appearances remain. This change is called transubstantiation. So we adore him at Mass and receive him truly in Holy Communion.
A civil divorce alone does not separate you from the Church, and you may still receive Communion if you are in a state of grace. The difficulty arises only if you have entered a new union outside the Church. Speak with a priest or your diocesan tribunal about your situation.
Deepen your sacramental life by attending Daily Mass and regular Confession.
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