Sacraments
Catholics celebrate seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation,
Eucharist, Holy Orders, Matrimony, Penance and Anointing of the
Sick. The sacraments are "a certain resemblance between the stages
of natural life and the stages of spiritual life" (Catechism of
the Catholic Church, 1210).
A sacrament is a sacred sign instituted by Christ to give grace
and share in God's own life.
"The sacraments of Christian initiation - Baptism, Confirmation,
and the Eucharist lay the foundations of every Christian life. The
grace of Christ in the sacraments bears a certain likeness to the
origin, development, and nourishment of natural life. The faithful
are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of
Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal
life. We receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine
life" (CCC, 1212).
The Sacraments of Healing are: Penance and Reconciliation and
Anointing of the Sick. These sacraments offer healing from physical
and spiritual illness and suffering.
The Sacraments of Holy Orders and Matrimony "are directed towards
the salvation of others. They serve to build up the People of God"
(CCC, 1534)