Sacramental Moments

Baptism initiates a person into the life of Christ and the Church, forgiving original sin and all personal sins. According to the USCCB, "Baptism is the sacrament that initiates a person into the life of Christ and the Church" (USCCB, p. 161). This is supported by Romans 6:3-4, "Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life

The Eucharist is the sacrament in which Christ is truly present, nourishing our souls and drawing us into communion with God and with one another. The USCCB states, "The Eucharist is the sacrament in which Christ is truly present, body and blood, soul and divinity, under the appearances of bread and wine" (USCCB, p. 213). Jesus said, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world" (John 6:51).

Confirmation strengthens a baptized person with the gift of the Holy Spirit, empowering them for their mission to spread and defend the faith. According to the USCCB, "Confirmation is the sacrament in which a baptized person is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit" (USCCB, p. 183). The Acts of the Apostles recounts, "Then they laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit" (Acts 8:17).

Marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman, a lifelong partnership in which they give themselves to each other. The USCCB notes, "Marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman, a lifelong partnership in which they give themselves to each other" (USCCB, p. 405). Scripture says, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24).

Ordination consecrates a man to serve the Church as a bishop, priest, or deacon, giving him the power to act in the person of Christ. According to the USCCB, "Ordination is the sacrament in which a man is consecrated to serve the Church as a bishop, priest, or deacon" (USCCB, p. 343). Jesus told his apostles, "Do this in memory of me" (Luke 22:19).

The Anointing of the Sick strengthens the sick with oil, prayer, and peace. According to the USCCB, "The Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament in which the sick are anointed with oil, prayed over, and strengthened for healing, forgiveness, and peace" (USCCB, p. 327). James writes, "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord" (James 5:14).

Consecrated life is a special way of following Christ, marked by the profession of evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. The USCCB states, "Consecrated life is a special way of following Christ, marked by the profession of evangelical counsels" (USCCB, p. 381). Jesus said, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me" (Matthew 19:21).