SACRAMENTS

The Sacraments are Christ’s own saving actions made visible, “outward signs of inward grace,” (St. Augustine) instituted by Him and entrusted to the Church to give us a real share in His life. Through these seven gifts of Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance (Reconciliation), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony, God truly acts: they signify grace and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, they actually confer it. Rooted in Scripture and the life of the early Church, the sacraments heal, strengthen, and send us on mission. As Vatican II teaches, they build up the Body of Christ and sanctify the people of God
(Lumen Gentium 11). In receiving them with faith, we meet Jesus Himself and are drawn into the communion of the Church on our way to the Father.