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In the seven sacraments, we celebrate through ritual and symbol the Lord’s special presence in individual lives. The sacramental life of the Church is an integral part of our Catholic faith. The sacraments are moments of God touching our lives in a special way and opportunities for growth in our relationship with God. The sacraments of initiation -- baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist -- are moments of new beginnings, recommitment, and continued spiritual strength. Moments of healing are experienced in reconciliation, or the sacrament of penance, and anointing of the sick. Vocational commitments are sacramentally celebrated through matrimony and holy orders. The sacramental life calls us to continual conversion. We are always on the way toward greater union with God. Through the sacraments, we respond to the Lord’s desire to be with us always and especially at significant moments in our journey of faith. Sacraments are neither isolated actions nor magical moments. They are the continuing presence of Christ in the world. The more intense our sacramental life, the greater is our Christian witness. Liturgy and life are closely bonded. Over the years, the true nature of some of the sacraments became clouded by undue emphasis on supplementary rituals or unbalanced theology. The Second Vatican Council called for revision of the sacramental rites so their original purpose and essence would be more obvious.
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Handbook for Today’s Catholic |
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