The Seven Sacraments - a brief explainer
Sacrament = An outward sign, established by Christ to give grace - or - An outward sign of an inward reality.
The power is that the symbol has actual power it is not only a symbol.
Matter and Form – Each Sacrament has specific physical signs and words that make them valid.
Anointing = A ceremonial action used to show how something is holy (separate from the normal) Oil is used for this.
+++++++ KEY +++++++
*** These sacraments also produce a change in your character - an indelible mark on your soul
Bold - Sacrament of Initiation + Italics - Sacraments of Healing + Normal - Sacraments of service
The power is that the symbol has actual power it is not only a symbol.
Matter and Form – Each Sacrament has specific physical signs and words that make them valid.
Anointing = A ceremonial action used to show how something is holy (separate from the normal) Oil is used for this.
+++++++ KEY +++++++
*** These sacraments also produce a change in your character - an indelible mark on your soul
Bold - Sacrament of Initiation + Italics - Sacraments of Healing + Normal - Sacraments of service
*** Baptism
Signs: Water, oil, candle & white garment
Who performs the sacrament:
Priest, Bishop, Deacon
In Emergency anyone can
Who performs the sacrament:
Priest, Bishop, Deacon
In Emergency anyone can
Effects of Baptism
- We are granted justification/sanctifying grace
- When we're baptized, our original sin is forgiven and, in the case of adults, personal sins.
- We receive Faith, hope and charity as well as The gifts of the Holy Spirit
- We receive the sacramental grace - It offers the necessary help to live a Christian life.
- A sacramental character is imprinted in us - It is an indelible spiritual mark that is imprinted during Baptism.
- Compels us to live the mission of the Church by living our faith
*** Confirmation
Sign: Chrism Oil
Who performs the sacrament:
Bishop or priest
Who performs the sacrament:
Bishop or priest
Effects of Confirmation
- It brings us closer to God, our Father and It roots us more deeply as children of God, and unites us more firmly to Jesus Christ.
- We receive the Gifts of the Spirit Increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us: Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord
- These give us the strength we need to live the baptismal call to the mission of the Church
*** Eucharist
Effects of Eucharist
Sign: Water and Wine - Body and Blood
Who performs the sacrament:
Bishop or priest
Who performs the sacrament:
Bishop or priest
- We receive the Body and Blood of Jesus our Savior
- We are granted sanctifying grace
- It unites us with Christ. This is possible because we receives Christ himself, who is the author of grace.
- Our venial sins are forgiven - We are forgiven for venal sins, which strengthens our soul.
Reconciliation
Effects of Reconciliation
Sign: Laying on of hands and Words of absolution
Who performs the sacrament:
Bishop or priest
Who performs the sacrament:
Bishop or priest
- It reconciles us with God and the Church and we regain the grace we lost because of sin
- We receive the forgiveness or all our sins (mortal and venial).
- It reduces the purification of Purgatory
- It gives us peace and strength to avoid temptation and helps us flee from sin
Anointing of the Sick
Effects of Anointing of the Sick
Sign: Oil of the Infirmed
Who performs the sacrament:
Bishop or priest
Who performs the sacrament:
Bishop or priest
- Strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with serious illness or the frailty of old age.
- Unites us with the passion of Christ
- A preparation for the final journey - This last anointing fortifies the end of our earthly life and gives us food for the final journey – called viaticum
Holy Matrimony
Effects of Holy Matrimony
Sign: Vows and Rings
Who performs the sacrament:
The Couple being married confer the sacrament on each other
Who performs the sacrament:
The Couple being married confer the sacrament on each other
- We receive the Matrimonial Bond - this bond has been established by God himself in such a way that a marriage between two baptized persons can never be dissolved.
- The grace of the sacrament of Matrimony - This grace is intended to perfect the couple's love and to strengthen their indissoluble unity.
*** Holy Orders
Effects of Holy Orders
Sign: Chrism and Laying on of hands
Who performs the sacrament:
Bishop
Who performs the sacrament:
Bishop
- The Indelible Mark on your soul, Character
- Become a Bishop, Priest, or Deacon
- This Sacrament cannot be repeated or conferred temporarily.
- The Grace of the Holy Spirit - The grace of the Holy Spirit proper to this sacrament is configuration to Christ as Priest, Teacher, and Pastor, of whom the ordained is made a minister.