LectioSacra
← Faith & Morals

Septem Sacramenta

The Seven Sacraments

Sacraments are outward signs instituted by Christ to give grace. Each sacrament uses matter and form to confer the life of God on the soul. Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist are the sacraments of initiation; Penance and Anointing heal; Holy Orders and Matrimony are sacraments at the service of communion.

  1. 1

    Baptism

    Baptismus

    The gateway to the sacraments. By water and the Trinitarian formula, the soul is cleansed of original sin (and personal sin if any) and marked indelibly as Christ’s.

    Matter
    Water
    Effect
    Remission of all sin, rebirth as a child of God, incorporation into the Church
    Go therefore and make disciples… baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)
  2. 2

    Confirmation

    Confirmatio

    Completes baptismal grace. The bishop anoints with chrism, sealing the Christian for mature discipleship and bold proclamation of the faith.

    Matter
    Chrism (holy oil)
    Effect
    Strengthening by the Holy Spirit for witness and mission
    You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. (Acts 1:8)
  3. 3

    Eucharist

    Eucharistia

    The source and summit of Christian life. At Mass, bread and wine become the Lord Himself, offered in sacrifice and received in Holy Communion.

    Matter
    Bread and wine
    Effect
    Real presence of Christ, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, food for eternal life
    This is my body… This is my blood of the covenant. (Matthew 26:26–28)
  4. 4

    Penance

    Paenitentia

    Also called Reconciliation or Confession. The penitent confesses sins to a priest, receives absolution in Christ’s name, and performs a penance.

    Matter
    Contrition, confession, satisfaction
    Effect
    Forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism, reconciliation with God and the Church
    Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven. (John 20:22–23)
  5. 5

    Anointing of the Sick

    Unctio infirmorum

    For those seriously ill, elderly, or facing surgery. The priest anoints and prays; the sacrament unites suffering with Christ’s cross.

    Matter
    Oil of the sick
    Effect
    Strength, peace, and courage; forgiveness of sin if the sick person is unable to confess
    Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church… (James 5:14–15)
  6. 6

    Holy Orders

    Ordo

    Bishop, priest, or deacon receives a sacred character. Only a baptized man may be ordained to the priesthood in the Latin Church.

    Matter
    Imposition of hands
    Effect
    Configuration to Christ the Head; priestly power to celebrate Mass and absolve sins
    Do not neglect the gift you have… (1 Timothy 4:14)
  7. 7

    Matrimony

    Matrimonium

    A man and woman freely vow lifelong fidelity and openness to children. The couple ministers the sacrament to each other before the Church.

    Matter
    Mutual consent of the spouses
    Effect
    Indissoluble bond; grace to love as Christ loves the Church
    What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder. (Matthew 19:6)