Sacraments are means which God uses to show His grace and help us achieve salvation. The word sacrament means “a sign of the sacred,” which is fitting as they are all outwards signs from God to us. Sacraments are celebrations of a continued journey and relationship with God, teachings to help live out His word and ceremonies to show devotion to Him.
Where did the sacraments originate?
In the Bible, Christ gives his followers clear instructions on how to administer and receive each of the sacraments. This is seen through his work with the Apostles, healing the sick, parables, giving his body and blood to nourish our souls and forgiving sinners. The Church administers these holy sacraments as instructed, for all to worship God and receive His salvation.
The Sacraments of Initiation
The three sacraments of initiation are baptism, confirmation and Eucharist. Each is meant to strengthen your faith and forge a deeper relationship with God. Baptism frees you from original sin, confirmation strengthens your faith and Eucharist allows you to taste the body and blood of eternal life and be reminded of Christ’s love and sacrifice.
The Sacraments of Healing
The two sacraments of healing are penance and anointing the sick. Penance allows for spiritual healing and absolution for people who have distanced themselves from God through sin. Anointing the sick allows for both physical and spiritual healing. When one falls seriously ill, a minister anoints them and prays over them, calling on Christ to strengthen and heal.
The Sacraments of Service
Through marriage and the holy orders, couples and the clergy promise to serve and build up the church community.
Baptism is the beginning of our life of faith, the beginning of getting to know and understand what being loved by God means.
The Eucharist is the sacrament in which we receive the Body and Blood of Christ. It is the source and summit of Christian life.
Also known as Confession or Penance, this sacrament can set us free from our sins, and from the burden of guilt that comes along with our sins.
Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time is a very special moment in a child’s life. We have a special programme to help them.
Confirmation continues what began at our Baptism: developing awareness of the reality of faith and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process of initiation into the Catholic Community of Faith. This is for those seeking baptism in or full communion the Catholic Church.
For any couple marriage is a life-changing step. In this sacrament they are inviting God to break into their relationship as a helper and a guide.
The Sacrament of Holy Orders began with the Last Supper, when Christ Jesus commissioned his Apostles to continue the Eucharistic celebration.
The Sacrament of the Sick provides spiritual help and strength to those who are unwell and is often administered to the housebound.
Preparing the funeral service of someone who has died can be a difficult thing to face. We are here to help you every step of the way.