The Catholic Church has seven sacraments and these include baptism, confirmation, holy communion, confession, marriage, holy orders and anointing of the sick.

The Sacrament of Baptism

This is the first among the three parts of the sacrament of initiation. It is the entrance to the Catholic Church. It is usually done shortly after a child’s birth. Through the baptismal ceremony, the person is cleansed of the Original Sin. The person also receives grace and the life of God. It is the preparatory step to live a life of a Catholic that focuses on virtues such as faith, hope and charity.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

This is the second sacrament of initiation. In some Catholic Churches, the baptized is immediately confirmed. In other churches, confirmation is done in the person’s teenage years, a few years after the first communion. Through this sacrament, a person can live a life of a Christian proudly and without shame.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

The third and final in the sacrament of initiation is the Holy Communion. It is the only one of the three sacraments of initiation that can be received repeatedly. In this sacrament, a person receives the Body and Blood of Christ. It brings a person closer to God and helps him/her grow in grace.

The Sacrament of Penance

More commonly referred to as confession, the sacrament of penance is about absolution or forgiveness of sins. During confession, a person enumerates all the sins and offenses he/she have committed since the time of his/her last confession. The priest would then grant forgiveness to the penitent so he/she can receive reconciliation with God. This sacrament is also sometimes called the sacrament of reconciliation.

The Sacrament of Marriage

Marriage refers to the lifetime union between man and woman. It is a union between members of the opposite sexes. It is a lifetime union that can only end if one of the spouses dies. As long as the marriage exists, it makes any person not free to marry again. Its exclusivity is guaranteed in a contract. Incompatible with this sacrament are divorce, adultery, and marriage between same sexes.

The Sacrament of Holy Orders

This refers to the “continuation of Christ’s priesthood.” In this sacrament, a man is ordained for priesthood. This comes in three levels that include: episcopate, priesthood, and diaconate. The primary duties of priests are to sacrifice and pray for people.

The Sacrament of Anointing the Sick

This was traditionally called the Last Rites or the Extreme Unction. It refers to the prayer service done for the dying either for the remission of the sins or recovery of health. Like the confession and holy communion, this one can also be repeated as necessary.