The Seven Sacraments

What is a sacrament?

A sacrament is a sacred ceremony that Catholics believe was given to the Church by Jesus himself. In each one, something you can see and touch, like water, bread, or oil, carries something you cannot see. Catholics call that invisible gift grace, which means God’s own life and help freely given to a person.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, the official summary of Catholic teaching, says that Christ instituted seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony (CCC 1210). Catholics believe these seven touch every stage of a human life, from birth to death, the way milestones do.

Here is each one in plain words.

Baptism

Baptism is the washing with water, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, that makes a person a Christian and a member of the Church. Catholics believe it forgives sin, makes the person a child of God, and leaves a permanent mark on the soul that can never be undone, which is why no one is ever baptised twice (CCC 1213).

Jesus told his followers, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19, World English Bible).

When it happens: most Catholics are baptised as babies, often within the first months of life. Adults who join the Church are usually baptised at the Easter Vigil, the night service before Easter Sunday.

Confirmation

Confirmation strengthens and completes what began at Baptism. The bishop, or a priest he delegates, lays a hand on the person and anoints their forehead with chrism, which is perfumed oil blessed for this purpose. Catholics believe the Holy Spirit is given in a fuller way, to make the person a more mature and courageous Christian (CCC 1285).

When it happens: in South Africa, usually in the teenage years after a period of classes called catechism. Adults who join the Church are normally confirmed at the same service as their Baptism.

The Eucharist

The Eucharist is the heart of Catholic worship. At Mass, which is the main Catholic church service, the priest takes bread and wine and repeats the words Jesus spoke at the Last Supper. Catholics believe the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Christ, not just a symbol, and receiving them is called Holy Communion. The Catechism calls the Eucharist the source and summit of the Christian life (CCC 1324).

When it happens: a child usually receives First Communion around the age of eight or nine, after preparation classes. From then on, Catholics receive the Eucharist at Mass throughout their lives, weekly for many, daily for some.

Penance

Penance, which most Catholics simply call confession, is the sacrament of forgiveness for sins committed after Baptism. The person tells their sins honestly to a priest, who Catholics believe acts in the person of Christ. The priest then says the prayer of absolution, which is the declaration that God has forgiven those sins (CCC 1422). Priests are bound by an absolute rule of secrecy about anything heard in confession.

When it happens: children usually make a first confession around the age of seven, before First Communion. After that it is available all through life, as often as a person wants it, and especially in the weeks before Easter.

The Anointing of the Sick

The Anointing of the Sick is for people who are seriously ill, facing major surgery, or weakened by old age. A priest anoints the person with blessed oil and prays for them. Catholics believe it brings spiritual strength, peace, courage, and sometimes physical healing, and it prepares a dying person to meet God (CCC 1499). It is not only for the moment of death, and a person can receive it more than once.

The Bible says, “Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14, World English Bible).

When it happens: whenever serious illness or frailty arrives, at home, in hospital, or at church.

Holy Orders

Holy Orders is the sacrament through which men are ordained, that is, set apart and empowered to serve the Church as deacons, priests or bishops. Catholics believe it passes on the ministry that Jesus entrusted to his apostles, so that the Church always has shepherds to teach, lead and celebrate the sacraments (CCC 1536).

When it happens: after years of formation, usually in a training community called a seminary. A man is ordained once for each order, and like Baptism, Catholics believe ordination leaves a permanent mark.

Matrimony

Matrimony is the sacrament of marriage. Catholics believe that when a baptised man and a baptised woman freely give themselves to each other for life, promising faithfulness and openness to children, their bond becomes a sacred sign of God’s own faithful love (CCC 1601). The couple themselves confer the sacrament on each other, and the priest or deacon stands as the Church’s witness.

When it happens: whenever two people are ready, after a period of marriage preparation with the parish, which is the local church community.

What about money?

People genuinely wonder about this, so here is the straight answer.

Sacraments are never sold. The Church has a name for trading in holy things, simony, and it forbids it outright (CCC 2121). No priest may charge a price for Baptism, absolution, Communion, or any other sacrament.

What you may see instead are offerings. When someone asks for a Mass to be celebrated for an intention, or books a wedding, it is customary to give a free will offering, sometimes called a stipend, which helps support the parish and its priests. Church law itself, canons 945 to 947 of the Code of Canon Law, regulates these offerings and insists that even the appearance of trafficking or trading must be completely excluded.

Inability to pay never blocks a sacrament. Canon law directs priests to celebrate Mass for the faithful, especially the needy, even when no offering is received. If money is tight, that is never a reason to stay away.

The practical advice is simple. Ask the parish office what is customary. They deal with this question every week, and they will tell you plainly.

Sources

Catechism of the Catholic Church, Part Two, Section Two, The Seven Sacraments of the Church Catechism of the Catholic Church, The First Commandment, on simony Code of Canon Law, canons 879 to 958, including Mass offerings in canons 945 to 947 World English Bible