7 Catholic Sacraments

The seven sacraments are ceremonies that point to what is sacred, significant and important for Christians. They are special occasions for experiencing God's saving presence.

Baptism
Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship.

John 3:3,5

"Truly, truly, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."
Gal. 3:27

"whoever is baptized in Christ puts on Christ. Putting on Christ is not just symbolic. Christ actually dwells within our soul."

Eucharist / Communion
We celebrate the body (represented by bread / host) and blood (represented by wine) of Christ. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.

John 6:32-35

Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. ³³ For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

  “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”

 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

1 Corinthians 11:26

 For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.

Reconciliation / Penance
Conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness, and are called to forgive others.

Acts 8:22

Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.

Luke 6:37

Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven;

Confirmation
Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. (gifts of the Holy Spirit)

Revelation 9:4
They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.

John 6:27

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.

Marriage / Holy Matrimony
One gives oneself totally to this other person, in the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values.

Matthew 19:6

 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.

Mark 10:6-9

But at the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,  and the two will become one flesh.   So they are no longer two, but one flesh.  Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.

Holy Orders / Ordination
Ordained priest vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness.

 John 13:20
Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.

Acts 6:5-7
This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Anointing of the Sick / Last Rites / Extreme Unction
Healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.

James 5:14-15
Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.