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Catholic SacramentsWhat Are the Sacraments and Why Are They Important?
Catholics believe that God can be encountered not only though the scriptures and through his creation, but also through certain ritual actions called sacraments.
The catechism of the Catholic Church defines sacrament as “an outward sign, instituted by Jesus Christ to give grace.” Christ gave his followers supernatural gifts which can be experienced both spiritually and physically. God Is Revealed through His CreationOne of the earliest heresies which the church had to confront was the idea that the material world was evil. Gnostics, Manicheans, and other religious sects adopted a heretical idea, that the material world was evil, from Greek philosophy. The Catholic Church, however, insists that since the material world came from God that His creation is far from evil; it can actually reveal His divine nature. The Psalms of the Bible express this truth: “The heavens are telling the glory of God and the firmament proclaims his handiwork” (Psalms 19:1). Encountering God through the SacramentsBecause people experience the world through the five senses, they need to see, hear, and touch the material world in order to experience the spiritual world. Each sacrament uses a physical sign, a ritual, in order to bestow a spiritual blessing. In this manner, the one receiving the sacrament can experience the spiritual gift through their physical senses. BaptismThe first sacrament that Christians receive is baptism; a welcoming into the family of Christ. This sacrament involves the pouring of water to symbolize both the washing away of sin and also the living water which Christ promises to deliver to those who follow him. ReconciliationThe sacrament of reconciliation is a sacrament of mercy. Catholics believe that sin wounds the soul the same way an infection wounds the body, and only God’s grace can heal a wounded soul. Those who receive this sacrament receive the gifts of forgiveness and divine inner peace. ConfirmationDuring confirmation, seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are given and received. These gifts are accompanied by fragrant chrism oil. The feel and the smell of the oil remind the newly confirmed that the Holy Spirit has conferred blessings and sacred gifts. EucharistChrist promised his followers that he would feed them here on earth and welcome them to a banquet in heaven. He fulfils his promise through the sacrament of Eucharist by offering His own body and blood to feed the faithful both physically and spiritually. Anointing of the SickThis sacrament of mercy and healing offers prayers for possible recovery, but its primary intention is to give spiritual strength and calm the soul of the one suffering from illness. MatrimonyBecause marriage is both a vocation (a calling from God) and a sacrament, special gifts and graces are given to the couple entering matrimony. Participants enter into the sacrament of matrimony with the intention that their union will be: permanent (until death), faithful (no adultery), and fruitful (open to the possibility of children). Holy OrdersThe sacrament of Holy Orders prepares priests to serve the spiritual needs of others and gives special blessings to support them in their demanding vocation. Only priests who have received the sacrament can change bread and wine into the body, blood and divinity of Jesus (a miracle called transubstantiation). Through the sacraments, the faithful can receive heavenly blessings and encounter Christ here in the material world.
The copyright of the article Catholic Sacraments in Catholic Practices is owned by Francine Morrissette. Permission to republish Catholic Sacraments in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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