The 7 Sacraments are as follows:
Baptism
Confirmation (Chrismation)
Eucharist
Penance (Confession, Reconciliation)
Matrimony
Holy Orders
Extreme Unction (Anointing of the Sick)
A Sacrament is a sacred and visible expression of God’s grace at work in our lives. It is an outward, physical sign—such as water, bread, wine, or the laying on of hands—that represents and conveys a deeper, invisible spiritual reality: the grace of God. Sacraments were established by Christ Himself during His earthly ministry and draw their transformative power directly from God. Through the saving work of Christ, each Sacrament becomes a channel of divine grace, nourishing the soul and strengthening the faithful in their journey toward holiness.
Here’s a breakdown of each of the Sacraments
Sacrament | Matter | Form | Minister | Scriptural Basis | Effects | Frequency | Symbols |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Baptism | Water | “I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” | Priest (ordinarily); anyone in emergencies | Matthew 28:19 | Cleansing of original sin, incorporation into the Church, becoming a child of God | Once | Water, candle, white garment |
Confirmation | Chrism (olive oil and balsam) | Anointing with chrism and the imposition of hands | Bishop (ordinarily) or priest | Acts 8:14-17 | Strengthening of faith, sealing with the Holy Spirit, full initiation into the Church | Once | Oil, laying on of hands |
Eucharist | Wheat bread and grape wine | “This is My Body.” “This is the chalice of My Blood.” | Priest | Luke 22:19-20 | Nourishment of the soul, union with Christ, forgiveness of venial sins | Daily (recommended), at least yearly | Bread, wine, altar |
Penance | Contrition | “I absolve thee.” | Priest | John 20:22-23 | Forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God and the Church | As often as needed | Confessional, stole |
Matrimony | Vows | “I do” or “I will.” | The couple | Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:9 | Unity and indissolubility of marriage, grace to live out the married vocation | Once, unless annulled | Rings, unity candle |
Holy Orders | Imposition of hands | “Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty Father, to these Thy servants, the dignity of the Priesthood; renew the spirit of holiness within them, so that they may hold from Thee, O God, the office of the second rank in Thy service and by the example of their behavior afford a pattern of holy living.” | Bishop | Acts 6:5-6; 2 Timothy 1:6 | Indelible spiritual mark, grace to fulfill clerical duties | Once per degree (Deacon, Priest, Bishop) | Laying on of hands, vestments |
Unction | Oil of the sick | “Through this Holy Unction or oil, and through the great goodness of His mercy, may God pardon thee whatever sins thou hast committed by evil use of sight (sight, hearing, smell, taste and speech, touch, ability to walk).” | Priest | James 5:14-15 | Strengthening in illness, forgiveness of sins, preparation for eternal life | As needed in serious illness or near death | Oil of the sick |