The Seven Sacraments

The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace,

instituted by Christ, by which divine life is dispensed to us.

Sacrament Essential Sacramental Symbol

Minister Repeated?

Baptism Water poured over or immersed in water while saying, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Bishop, priest, deacon or anyone in an emergency

No

Confirmation Laying on of hands and anointing with chrism (sacred oil) while saying, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Bishop or designated priest

No

Eucharist Wheat bread and grape wine and the words of consecration

Priest Yes

Sacraments of Initiation

Sacraments of Healing

Sacrament Essential Sacramental Symbol

Minister Repeated?

Penance and Reconciliation

Laying on of hands and the words of absolution (forgiveness)

Priest Yes

Anointing of the Sick

Anointing with the oil of the sick accompanied by the liturgical prayer of the priest

Priest Yes

Sacraments of Vocation

Sacrament Essential Sacramental Symbol

Minister Repeated?

Holy Orders Laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration asking for the gifts specific to that order

Bishop No

Matrimony Exchange of marriage vows

The couple being married

No, unless a spouse dies

Sacraments of Initiation

Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are the foundation of Christian life; every Catholic should receive all three.They are all closely related. All three connect us more closely with the parish community. In all three we receive the Holy Spirit and his gifts. But each has its own special symbols and effects.

Baptism

Baptism’s primary

effect is the beginning

of our new life in Christ

Confirmation

Confirmation’s primary effect

is to strengthen us to live more fully Christ’s call to serve.

Eucharist

The primary effect of the

Eucharist is to nourish us to

live as Christ’s disciples in our

journey through this

life.