The Sacraments

Catholic Christians believe that God relates to us through a series of Sacraments. A Sacrament is literally a sign (again the word comes from the Latin) which, in the words of the Prayer Book Catechism is an outward physical sign of an inward spiritual grace. 

Because humans are physical beings, it is inevitable that we need help to encounter the spiritual nature of God. Part of this comes through reading the Bible. But that is also why the sacraments were given by God to the Church. Through physical signs, such as water in baptism, or bread and wine at the mass, a spiritual reality is made present. However,  that does not mean that when we celebrate the Sacraments we only imagine God, as we might do a loved one when we look at a photo of them. Nor does that imply that an event in the past is merely being commemorated. The Sacraments bring real spiritual presence of God among those who are present. This presence is, in fact, far more real than our own, because God himself is more real.

The Church has traditionally recognized seven Sacraments; there are two Greater Sacraments and five lesser Sacraments. The most important or Greater Sacraments are: Mass (Eucharist) and Baptism. These were considered necessary for salvation. The other five or Lesser Sacraments are: Confirmation, which is the laying on of hands by the bishop after a person has been baptized; Ordination of Bishops, Priests and Deacons; Marriage, the joining together in love of man and woman; Unction, the anointing of the sick with oil; and Confession of sins to a priest.

The Sacraments are important in our relationship with of God, since they are another way in which He communicates with us. Just as we eoncounter Him through the reading of the Bible, so too we continue to encounter the risen Jesus through the Sacraments. 

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The Seven Sacraments

Mass
Baptism
Confirmation
Ordination
Holy Matrimony
Unction
Confession

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