The Sacraments
Sacraments of Initiation
Baptism
Baptism is when we become part of God’s family — the family of the Church — hence we are called the children of God.
It is defined by the Church as the door which gives access to the other sacraments (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213).
In Baptism we are washed free from original sin, the sin we are all born in to, and begin a new life in Christ.
Parents who present their child for Baptism are then entrusted to pass on the faith and at the appropriate time present them to receive the other two Sacraments of Initiation – Confirmation and Eucharist.
Confirmation
Confirmation is the sacrament by which a person renews and confirms the promises made, on their behalf by their parents and godparents, when they were presented for Baptism.
Through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit they receive the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit that they can draw strength from as they bear witness to Christ in their lives through word and deed.
Eucharist
In the Eucharist we offer bread and wine to God and it becomes, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the body and blood of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, which we then receive in Holy Communion.
This sacrament unites us with Jesus and with one another. The Eucharist is the high point of our Christian worship together. ‘It is the source and summit of all Christian life.’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1324)
Sacraments of Healing
Sacraments of Service
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament by which bishops, priests and deacons are ordained and receive the power and grace to act in the name of Christ.
Holy Orders is only received by those who have the vocation to priesthood, who in turn become the very men who can administer all of the sacraments.
Through their ordination they perform their sacred duties – preach the Gospel, celebrate divine worship, especially the Eucharist, and to act as a pastor to the faithful.
The Holy Order gives a special effusion of the Holy Spirit and has a special characteristic: he who receives this sacrament will be a priest forever, his soul permanently marked and called apart by God.