Sacraments

The Seven Catholic Sacraments 



The Latin word sacramentum means "a sign of the sacred." The seven sacraments are ceremonies that point to what is sacred, significant and important for Christians. They are special occasions for experiencing God's saving presence. That's what theologians mean when they say that sacraments are at the same time signs and instruments of God's grace.

If you learn more about the sacraments, you can celebrate them more fully. To learn more about the individual sacraments, please follow the links below. You'll find easy-to-understand articles and a good sample of common questions and answers.

In addition to these links, don't miss the special Sacraments issueof St. Anthony Messenger magazine. And scroll down for a video introduction to the Catholic Sacraments from our Catholic Update on Demand subscription service.

Baptism

 
 
 
 
 
 
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.
  
Eucharist
 
 
 
 
 
 
Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God. 
  
Reconciliation

 
 
 
 
 
 
The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness; as a result we are called to forgive others.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Confirmation is a Catholic Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation for Catholics. It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Marriage
 
 
 
 
 
 
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values.

Holy Orders
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness.

 
 Anointing of the Sick
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Catholic Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.
 

 

Lectors and Commentator

Lectors and Commentators

The Lectors and Commentators Ministry is for the lay faithful who are willing to grow spiritually and commit themselves to perform their duties and responsibilities specifically in the proclamation of the Word in liturgical celebrations. The Lectors and Commentators ensure that the Word of the Lord is accorded due meaning and significance for parishioners to lead a true Christian life.

 

A rewarding way to participate in our Sunday worship is to proclaim God’s Word as a lector.  If interested in this ministry, please call the Parish Office at 242-326-6004

For comments and suggestions: Sacred Heart Catholic Church Web Team
Updated: October 6, 2024

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