But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
1 Corinthians 6:17
Sacraments are outward signs of a spiritual grace received from the Lord Jesus Christ. Through each shared sacrament, we are joined more divinely to the Lord, gaining a deeper understanding of his infinite love. The seven sacraments are divided into three groups as indicated below.
Through the sacraments of initiation, we are initiated into the church as children of God and children of one faith. These three sacraments include Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. These divine moments of initiation not only introduce a person to the Church but enable an understanding of the mission bestowed on him/her in carrying out the word of God.
The two sacraments of healing serve to bridge the gap created by sins. The first is the sacrament of Reconciliation, allowing for absolution of sin through contrition, confession and penance. Anointing of the Sick is the second sacrament of healing by which…”any member of the faithful who, having reached the use of reason, begins to be in danger by reason of illness or old age” (canon 1004; cf. CCC 1514).
Holy Orders and Matrimony are the last two sacraments and are considered the sacraments of service for the good of others. Through Holy Matrimony couples eternally promise love to each other with their family and God as witnesses. This covenant created is their vocation to serve the whole Church. Holy Orders is the second sacrament of service whereby certain children of God decide to share in the ordained ministry of the church. Since the church is called to act, this requires that ordained persons be appointed to ensure celebration of the sacraments for the Church. Through Holy Orders, the work of Christ is continued from the proclamation of the good news, consecration of communion, forgiveness of sins and thus the overall shepherding of order in the Church.