The Sacraments

The Seven Sacraments of the Church

The Latin word sacramentum means "a sign of the sacred." The Catholic sacraments are ceremonies that point to what is sacred, significant and important for Christians. The liturgical life of the Church focuses around the sacraments and the Eucharistic Sacrifice.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church ties together the many meanings of sacraments saying, "The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions."  (CCC 1131)

All seven sacraments were established by Jesus Christ during His ministry and have been in use by the Church from its inception. The sacraments provide grace, from the sacrificial death of Christ on the Cross, to the faithful throughout their lives, from birth to death. Reception of the sacraments in accord with the teaching of the Church is the ordinary means of salvation for all the faithful.

The Seven Sacraments
Click on a sacrament to learn more and receive information on receiving the sacraments at Saint Alphonsus Liguori Parish.

     Baptism forgives all personal sin, infuses grace necessary for salvation.
     Penance (reconciliation) forgives sin committed after baptism.
     Eucharist received only by baptized Catholics in a state of grace.
     Confirmation profession of faith and receiving of gifts of the Holy Spirit.
     Marriage signifies the union of Christ and Church.
     Holy Orders  ordination to the diaconate, priesthood or episcopate.
     Anointing of the Sick forgiveness from sin, abundant grace and healing.