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Sacraments

Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments, and the "door" which gives access to the other sacraments. Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification. Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist constitute the "sacraments of initiation" by which a believer who receives the remission of original and personal sin begins a new life in Christ and the Holy Spirit, and is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ. The rite of Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water, or pouring water on the head, while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Baptism

Confirmation is one of the ensemble of the Sacraments of Initiation into the Catholic Church, together with Baptism and Eucharist. Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism by a special outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which "seal" or "confirm" the baptized in union with Christ and equips them for active participation in the worship and Apostolic life of the Church.

Confirmation

It is one of the seven Sacraments of the Church; the Holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. The Sunday celebration of the Eucharist is at the heart of the Church's life. Therefore attendance at Sunday Mass is central to the Catholic life.

The Sacrament of the Eucharist

Penance is the liturgical celebration of God's forgiveness of the sins of the penitent, who is thus reconciled with God and with the Church. The acts of the penitent--contrition and confession of sins, and satisfaction or reparation-- together with the prayer of absolution by the priest, constitute the essential elements of the Sacrament of Penance.

Penance

The Anointing of the Sick is one of the seven sacraments. It is administered by a priest to a baptized person who begins to be in danger of death because of illness or old age. The Sacrament is administered through prayer and the anointing of the body with the oil of the sick. The first grace of this Sacrament is one of strengthening, peace, and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age. This grace is a gift of the Holy Spirit, who renews trust and faith in God and strengthens against the temptations of the evil one, the temptation to discouragement and anguish. This assistance from the Lord by the power of his Spirit is meant to lead the sick person to healing of the soul, but also of the body if such is God's will. Furthermore, if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. (Jas 5:15)

Anointing of the Sick