What are Sacraments?
Sacraments are gifts from God to help strengthen as we walk our journey of faith. They are visible signs that represent an encounter with Jesus that imparts grace into our lives. There are three important elements of a sacrament. First, a sacrament is a visible sign, which means that it is usually a ritual of the Church, which celebrates the encounter in our ordinary lives with the Divine. Secondly, sacraments are from God, they are gifts from Jesus which are entrusted to the Church to help us celebrate God’s love for us and the gift of grace in our lives. Lastly, sacraments impart grace into our lives. As we celebrate the sacraments, we receive the gift of grace in our lives, which helps us move closer to God and strengthens our faith. In the Old Roman Catholic Church, the sacraments are open to all of God’s children.
We have seven sacraments which can be divided into three categories, initiation, healing, and service. The sacraments of initiation include Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. The sacraments of healing include Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. Lastly, the sacraments of service include Marriage and Holy Orders.
Sacraments of Initiation
These sacraments form the foundation of our spiritual faith life. They mark our entry and growth into the Church and our relationship with Jesus. They are the path that leads to our salvation.
Baptism
Baptism is the first sacrament we receive as Christians. Baptism opens the door to our life with Christ. One must be baptized in order to receive the other sacraments. Baptism marks our new life in Christ Jesus. In our baptism, we are anointed Priest, Prophet, and King. It is here that we put on the new clothes of Christ and are sealed with the Holy Spirit. Baptism is usually conferred during childhood, but it is never too late to be baptized. Baptism is received only once. When you are baptized in the name of the Creator (Father), the Son, and the Holy Spirit, it is forever, and is not repeated.
Eucharist
Holy Eucharist is the sacrament in which we receive the Body and Blood of Jesus. We believe that ordinary bread and wine are transformed into the actual Body and Blood of Jesus when they are consecrated at Mass. While the elements continue to look like bread and wine, we believe that their substance is changed and they become the real presence of Christ. The Eucharist nourishes our soul and unites us with the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Confirmation
Before his death, Jesus promised that he would send the Holy Spirit to strengthen and comfort those who believe. Confirmation is the adult affirmation of the faith; it is our opportunity to claim the faith in a personal way and to be sealed with the Holy Spirit. Confirmation is usually conferred by the bishop, but, in the absence of a bishop, a priest may confirm individuals during a liturgy. Generally, people are confirmed after a period of preparation, during a special Mass or during the Easter Vigil.
Sacraments of Healing
The sacraments of healing remind us of the love Jesus has for us, and they provide comfort in our time of need. God has called each one of us by name and loves us as individuals. The sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick remind us of the healing power of Jesus in our lives. No matter where we find ourselves in life, Jesus is there with open arms ready to welcome us home.
Reconciliation
The sacrament of Reconciliation provides us the opportunity to seek pardon for the wrong we’ve done or the good we’ve failed to do. In the mercy of Christ, the Church gives us the ability to confess our sins and to receive absolution from a priest. Reconciliation can be done privately, where an individual confesses his or her sins to a priest or communally during a liturgy. The Church has given priests the ability to absolve sins and to help people reconcile their lives with God. Anything that is disclosed to a priest during the sacrament of Reconciliation is sealed and is not disclosed under any circumstance. The seal of confession is sacred and cannot be violated by the priest.
Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the sick provides comfort to those in a time of need. This sacrament can be received on multiple occasions, either on one’s death bed, before surgery, or during an illness. Generally, the priest or deacon will pray with the person to be anointed, with family or friends present or alone. The person is anointed with oil and receives a blessing. Anointing of the sick reminds of God’s mercy and love and provides us with comfort during an illness.
Sacraments of Service
The sacraments of service represent a vocation of Christian life. Whether one is married, single, or called to the ordained ministry or religious life, we are called to love one another and to care for each other. The Sacraments of Matrimony and Holy Orders are two ways in which people can be called to fulfill God’s command to love one another. However, some people may choose to remain single, and their call to fulfill God’s command to love one another is no less valid.
Matrimony
The sacrament of Matrimony is a lifelong commitment between two people who love one another, regardless of gender or gender identification, and the two individuals are united before God and the Church. All love comes from God and marriage is a way that two people can join together in God’s love to publicly live that love with faith and hope.
Holy Orders
The Church believes that all baptized Christians share in the Royal Priesthood of Christ and are called to serve one another with a loving and joyful heart. However, some are called to serve the Church in a unique way. The ordained ministry is reserved for those who receive advanced theological studies and who are called to serve the people of God in a public leadership role. Those who have received the sacrament of Holy Orders have the responsibility to minister to the faithful and help bring the healing and saving presence of Jesus into their lives. Ordination to the priesthood requires a master degree in Divinity (MDiv) or an equivalent degree. Ordination to the deaconate requires advanced theological training, but an MDiv is not required.