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The 7 Sacraments
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Sacramental Catechesis
United States Council of Catholic Bishops
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The sacraments are seven ways in which we celebrate the real presence of Christ in our lives. They are outward, perceptible signs through which we express inward, invisible mysteries. Revealed in various ways by Christ, they are held by the Church and constitute the divine life in us.
SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION
Baptism is the beginning of Christian life in the Church. Through the sign of water, people are plunged into the life of Christ, going down with him into death, and being raised up with him to a new life. People who are baptized are born again to eternal life, become members of Christ mystical body, and enjoy the forgiveness of sins.
USCCB video on Baptism
The Eucharist, an ancient word meaning "to give thanks", is the source and summit of Christian life. Under the sign of bread and wine, Christ is made really present in his Body and Blood and becomes food for eternal life. In this way, the sacrifice of Christ, his dying and rising, is made real in the Church and is shared with all the members. The Eucharist completes Christian initiation and sustains membership in the Church.
USCCB video on the Eucharist
The Holy Spirit, Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, is the giver of new life to the Christian. Through the sign of laying on of hands by the bishop and anointing with sacred chrism, the Church confirms and celebrates the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, courage, good counsel, piety, and the great wonder and awe that fills the believer.
USCCB video on Confirmation
SACRAMENTS OF HEALING
Through the sign of confession and absolution, the Church celebrates the forgiveness of sins obtained once for all by the sacrifice of Christ. Christ is made present in the encounter between the penitent and the confessor, and true forgiveness is realized. The spiritual and physical injury of sin is healed by the tender mercy and compassion of God.
USCCB video on Penance/Reconciliation
FAQs to help you feel more comfortable regarding Confession (light4you.info Diocese of Hartford)
Examination of Conscience and Guide to Confession (light4you.info Diocese of Hartford)
Teen Focused Examination of Conscience Guide (catholiceducation.org)The title "Christ" comes from the ancient Greek word "Christos" that means "anointed". Under the sign of oil placed on a sick person's head and hands, the person is recognized as the presence of Christ made real in suffering and death. To be joined with Christ in such a way is also to be joined with him in resurrection and glory, healing the person of the ultimate consequences of sin.
USCCB video on the Anointing of the Sick
SACRAMENTS OF SERVICE
Under the sign of the wedding vows, a man and a woman become one, making real the presence of Christ in his communion with the Church. As ministers of the sacrament, the husband and wife take their place in the community as living signs of Christ's presence, in their mutual self-giving, their ongoing forgiveness, their generation of new life, and their teaching role in the family.
USCCB video on Matrimony
Catholic Annulment Reform Coming December 8, 2015Through the laying on of hands and anointing with Chrism, Christian men become living signs of Christ's presence in the Church through their lives and ministry. Deacons, priests, and bishops preside at the sacred liturgy, proclaim the word, minister the sacraments, manage the resources of the Church, and provide assistance to the poor.
USCCB video on Holy Orders