Sarah Mitchell
The seven sacraments of the Catholic Church are rites or rituals that are considered essential to the faith. The second sacrament of initiation is Confirmation, also known as Chrismation, which confirms a baptised person in their faith. The rite of confirmation can occur as early as age seven for children who were baptised as infants but is commonly received around age 13. During the confirmation ceremony, a Catholic may symbolically take the name of a saint as their patron.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of sacraments | 7 |
| First sacrament | Baptism |
| Second sacrament | Confirmation or Chrismation |
| Third sacrament | Eucharist or Holy Communion |
| Sacraments of initiation | Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist |
| Sacraments of healing | Penance, Anointing of the Sick |
| Sacraments of service | Holy Orders, Matrimony |
| Other names for Penance | Reconciliation, Confession |
| Other name for Matrimony | Marriage |
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What You'll Learn
The foundational sacrament of Christian initiation
The Catholic Church identifies seven sacraments, which are specific rites or rituals that are of particular importance to its members. According to Catholic theology, these sacraments were instituted by Jesus Christ and entrusted to the Church. They are seen as efficacious channels of the grace of God to all those who receive them with the proper disposition.
The first of these seven sacraments is Baptism, which is considered the foundational sacrament of Christian initiation. It is the sacrament of admission to the faith, bringing sanctifying grace to the person being baptized. In Catholicism, the baptism of infants is the most common form, but unbaptized children or adults who wish to join the faith must also receive this sacrament. The essential rite of baptism involves holy water being sprinkled or poured on the head of the person receiving the sacrament by a priest, who simultaneously invokes the Trinity with the words, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." The old self is said to die in the waters, and a new self emerges, mirroring the death and resurrection of Christ.
The second sacrament of Christian initiation is Confirmation or Chrismation. This sacrament serves to "'confirm' a baptised person in their faith." The rite of confirmation can occur as early as age seven for children who were baptised as infants but is commonly received around age thirteen. It is performed immediately after baptism for adult converts. A bishop or priest normally performs the rite, which includes the laying on of hands in prayer and blessing, and the anointing of the forehead with chrism (holy oil) with the words, "Be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit."
In the Latin Church, the order of these first two sacraments was historically reversed, with Confirmation or Chrismation being followed by Baptism. However, some dioceses of the Latin Church in the United States, and elsewhere, have returned to the original order of Baptism followed by Confirmation.
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The sacraments of healing
Starting with the Sacrament of Penance, also known as Reconciliation, this is a practice of confessing sins to a priest and receiving absolution. It is seen as a means of restoring one's relationship with God and the Church after committing a wrong. The penitent confesses their sins, expresses contrition and a desire to amend their ways, and then receives absolution from the priest, who may also offer advice or a penance to perform as part of the reconciliation process.
The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament that provides spiritual and physical comfort and strength to those facing serious illness or the frailty of old age. It is not just for those at the point of death, as it used to be in the past, but for anyone facing a serious health challenge. A priest will anoint the sick person with oil, usually on the forehead, and pray for healing and strength. This sacrament is seen as a source of comfort and peace, and it can be received multiple times if needed.
These sacraments are often viewed as a way to prepare for death, but they are also about healing and restoration. They provide an opportunity for Catholics to seek forgiveness, make peace with God and the community, and find comfort and strength during difficult times. Through these sacraments, Catholics believe they receive God's grace and are aided in their journey toward spiritual wholeness.
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The sacraments of service
The seven sacraments of the Catholic Church are specific rites or rituals that are considered to be of particular importance. They are often classified into three categories: the sacraments of initiation, the sacraments of healing, and the sacraments of service.
Matrimony, or marriage, is a lifelong union between a man and a woman for procreation and mutual support. It is a natural institution, but it is also considered a sacrament as it reflects the union of Jesus Christ and His Church. The Catholic Church teaches that marriage is one of the seven holy sacraments, seen as mystical channels of divine grace, instituted by Christ.
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The sacraments of the dead
The Catholic Church recognizes seven sacraments, which are visible rites seen as signs and channels of the grace of God. These sacraments are often classified into three categories: initiation, healing, and service.
Baptism and penance are considered the "sacraments of the dead", in the sense that they are believed to grant life to sinners regarded as dead before God. Baptism is seen as the foundational sacrament of Christian initiation, where original sin is cleansed and the individual is welcomed into the Church. The rite of baptism involves holy water being sprinkled or poured on the head of the person by a priest, who invokes the Trinity with the words, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
The other sacrament of the dead, penance, is also referred to as confession or reconciliation. In this sacrament, a Catholic confesses their sins to a priest, expressing true repentance, and receives forgiveness. The priest acts as a representative of Christ and forgives sins in His name.
It is important to note that the terms "sacraments of the living" and "sacraments of the dead" are figurative, as all sacraments can only be administered to living persons. The "sacraments of the dead" bring a soul to life or back to life after sin, while the "sacraments of the living" enhance the life of an already "alive" soul.
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The sacraments of the living
The seven sacraments of the Catholic Church are specific religious rites of particular importance, instituted by Jesus Christ and entrusted to the Church. They are often classified into three categories: the sacraments of initiation, the sacraments of healing, and the sacraments of service.
The sacraments of initiation are the first three sacraments and consist of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. Baptism is the foundational sacrament, marking admission to the faith and the removal of original sin. It is usually performed by a priest who pours water over the recipient's head while invoking the Trinity. Confirmation is the second sacrament of initiation, which "confirms" a baptised person in their faith. It involves the laying on of hands in prayer and anointing with holy oil. The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, completes Christian initiation, where Catholics receive the real Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ in the form of bread and wine.
The sacraments of healing consist of the Sacrament of Penance and the Anointing of the Sick. The Sacrament of Penance, also known as Confession or Reconciliation, is an opportunity for self-reflection and obtaining pardon from God for sins. During this sacrament, a priest acts as a representative of Christ and offers absolution. The Anointing of the Sick offers spiritual and sometimes physical healing to the ill, providing comfort and an opportunity to join in Christ's suffering.
The final two sacraments are the sacraments of service: Holy Orders and Matrimony. Holy Orders is the continuation of Christ's priesthood, with three levels of ordination: the episcopate, the priesthood, and the diaconate. Matrimony, or Marriage, is a lifelong union between a man and a woman, reflecting the union of Jesus Christ and the Church.
Baptism and Penance are sometimes referred to as the "sacraments of the dead", as they are believed to bring spiritual life to those considered dead before God. In contrast, the other five sacraments—Confirmation, the Eucharist, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony—are collectively known as the "sacraments of the living".
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Frequently asked questions
The second name of this sacrament is Confirmation.
The second name of this sacrament is Penance. It is also known as Confession or Reconciliation.
The second name of this sacrament is Matrimony.
The second name of this sacrament is the Anointing of the Sick.
