“The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us.” – Catechism of the Catholic Church Part 2, Section 1, Chapter 1, 1131
The Seven Sacraments are those which the Church has always practiced but which were clearly defined at the Council of Trent on March 3, 1547, in response to the opposition by Protestant reformers. The “reformers” redefined or put aside the practice of the particular sacraments which were instituted by Christ himself. These seven are: Baptism, Holy Communion (Eucharist), Confirmation, Penance (Confession), Holy Orders, Holy Matrimony and the Anointing of the Sick.
A sacrament is a sensible sign which confers grace. Grace is the gift of God’s Spirit freely given to a person whose soul is properly prepared and disposed to receive that grace.
Reception of the sacraments initiates the person into a sacramental life. This life is a life of grace which is centered in the Holy Eucharist, the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ Our Lord.
If you are Catholic and desire a better understanding of the sacraments, or if you are not Catholic and would like to better understand the Church’s teaching on the sacraments, please call the parish office and ask to speak with Fr. Ryan Healy (Pastor) or Phil Martin (Director of Religious Education).