We recognize that the Sacraments have a visible and invisible reality, a reality open to all the human senses but grasped in its God-given depths with the eyes of faith. When parents hug their children, for example, the visible reality we see is the hug. The invisible reality the hug conveys is love. We cannot “see” the love the hug expresses, though sometimes we can see its nurturing effect in the child.
The visible reality we see in the Sacraments is their outward expression, the form they take, and the way in which they are administered and received. The invisible reality we cannot “see” is God’s grace, his gracious initiative in redeeming us through the death and Resurrection of his Son. His initiative is called grace because it is the free and loving gift by which he offers people a share in his life, and shows us his favor and will for our salvation. Our response to the grace of God’s initiative is itself a grace or gift from God by which we can imitate Christ in our daily lives.
What is a Sacrament?
A sacrament is an outward sign of inward grace, instituted by Christ for our sanctification. It is not just a sign; it does not only signify Divine grace, but in virtue of its Divine institution, it creates that grace in the souls of people. It is, therefore, sacred and holy.
Why is it important for your faith and life?
As good food is important for a healthy body, the grace that God wants to bestow through the sacraments is good for the soul, the part of us that will live on forever. Participation in each of the Sacraments fills us with grace — the life of God within us.
Our Seven Sacraments
“The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life: they give birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian’s life of faith. There is thus a certain resemblance between the stages of natural life and the stages of the spiritual life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1210).
The saving words and deeds of Jesus Christ are the foundation of what he would communicate in the Sacraments through the ministers of the Church. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the Church recognizes the existence of Seven Sacraments instituted by the Lord. They are the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist), the Sacraments of Healing (Penance and the Anointing of the Sick), and the Sacraments at the Service of Communion (Marriage and Holy Orders). Through the Sacraments, God shares his holiness with us so that we, in turn, can make the world holier.
Sacraments of Initiation
Baptism
Confirmation
Holy Eucharist (Communion)
Sacraments of Healing
Reconciliation
Anointing of the Sick
Sacraments of Service
Matrimony (Marriage)
Holy Orders
More information from the United States Council of Catholic Bishops, www.usccb.org
Preparation
Preparation will need to be done for each of the Sacraments. Please contact the North ACC office at 320-352-2196 or South ACC office at 320-254-8218 for more information.