The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines the sacraments as “efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us.” (CCC #1131)
Through the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit, every sacrament brings with it a particular grace to assist us on our journey of Faith. “The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life: they give birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian’s life of Faith.” (CCC #1210) By understanding the role of each sacrament within our own lives, we obtain a better appreciation of how much God wishes to reveal Himself to us and share His love with us, no matter how young or how old we are.
The Sacraments of Christian Initiation
Baptism Confirmation Eucharist
These sacraments lay the foundation of every Christian life. Through Baptism, the faithful are born anew, through Confirmation, they are strengthened, and through the Eucharist, they receive the food of eternal life. (CCC #1212) A Catholic is not considered fully initiated in the Church until all three of these sacraments are received.
Reconciliation Anointing of the Sick
Through the sacraments of Christian initiation, we receive the new life of Christ within us. Despite this grace, however, we are still subject to suffering, illness and death. We can also weaken or lose this grace through sin. “The Lord Jesus Christ, physician of our souls and bodies…has willed that his Church continue, in the power of the Holy Spirit, his work of healing and salvation, even among her own members. This is the purpose of the two sacraments of healing: the sacrament of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. (CCC #1420-21)
All fully-initiated Catholics are called to a life of holiness, and to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the world. The sacraments of Holy Orders and Matrimony are particular callings (“vocations”) which are given to many Catholics to help build up the Church. They are “directed towards the salvation of others.” (CCC #1534)
The most wonderful thing about the gift of the sacraments is that they are available to us. God is always inviting us to receive his grace. Please browse our individual sacrament tabs to see what MMR can offer you.