Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments and the beginning of our life in Christ. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God. We become members of the Body of Christ and are welcomed into the family of the Church.

The Catholic Church baptizes both children and adults. Parents who choose Baptism for their children make a promise to raise them in the Catholic faith and help them grow in their relationship with Christ. Baptism is not simply a tradition or a naming ceremony. It is a sacrament through which God gives us new life and welcomes us into His Church.

Holy Communion is the reception of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, the source and summit of our Christian life. At Mass, through the power of the Holy Spirit and the words of Christ, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. While the Eucharist continues to appear as bread and wine, Catholics believe that Jesus is truly and substantially present.

When we receive Holy Communion, we receive Christ himself. The Eucharist unites us more deeply with Jesus and with one another as members of his Body, the Church. It strengthens us to live as his disciples and to share his love with the world.

Catholics who are properly prepared and in a state of grace are invited to receive Holy Communion. Children typically receive their First Holy Communion after a period of preparation, usually in the second grade. Those who are not Catholic are welcome to join us in prayer and worship, but ordinarily do not receive Holy Communion.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also called Confession, is a beautiful gift of God’s mercy. Through this sacrament, we bring our sins before the Lord, receive his forgiveness and are reconciled with God and the Church.

Jesus entrusted the ministry of forgiveness to his apostles, giving the Church the authority to forgive sins in his name. When we confess our sins to a priest, we are not simply talking to another person. The priest acts in the person of Christ, and through the words of absolution, Christ forgives our sins.

Confession is more than simply saying we are sorry. It is an opportunity to turn away from sin, receive God’s mercy and begin again. No matter how long it has been since your last confession, you can always come home to the Lord.

First Reconciliation for Catholic children typically takes place in the second grade after a period of preparation. Catholics are encouraged to receive the sacrament regularly, especially when conscious of serious sin.

Confirmation strengthens and completes the grace we receive in Baptism. Through this sacrament, we receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, who strengthens us to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ and witnesses to the Gospel.

Through the anointing with sacred chrism and the laying on of hands, those being confirmed receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and are more closely united to Christ and his Church. Confirmation deepens our identity as children of God and strengthens us to boldly live and share our Catholic faith.

Confirmation is not simply a graduation from religious education or a rite of passage. It is a sacrament that equips us for a lifelong mission of faith. We are called to use the gifts we receive from the Holy Spirit to serve others, proclaim the Gospel and help build up the Church.

Confirmation for Catholic youth typically involves a two-year program, concluding in junior year of high school. 

Adults who are becoming Catholic also receive Confirmation as part of their initiation into the Church.

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick brings Christ’s healing, strength and peace to those who are seriously ill, facing a major surgery or weakened by old age. Through this sacrament, the Church entrusts those who are suffering to the Lord, asking him to strengthen and comfort them.

In the sacrament, a priest anoints the sick person with blessed oil and prays for God’s grace and healing. The sacrament can bring physical healing when it is God’s will, but it also offers spiritual healing, peace and courage in the midst of suffering.

Anointing of the Sick is not only for those who are near death. Catholics may receive the sacrament when they are seriously ill, when a serious illness returns or worsens, or before a major surgery. It may also be received by elderly people who have become notably weakened.

Holy Orders has three degrees: bishops, priests and deacons. Bishops receive the fullness of the sacrament and are entrusted with teaching, sanctifying and shepherding the people of God. Priests share in the bishop’s ministry and are ordained to proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments and serve God’s people. Deacons are ordained for service, assisting at the liturgy, proclaiming the Gospel and serving the Church and community.

The Sacrament of Matrimony unites a baptized man and woman in a lifelong covenant of love and faithful partnership. Through this sacrament, husband and wife give themselves to one another and receive the grace to grow together in holiness, love and service.

Catholic marriage is more than a wedding ceremony or a legal commitment. It is a sacrament in which Christ is present and strengthens the couple to live out their vocation together. Husband and wife are called to love one another faithfully and to be open to the gift of children, raising their family in the Catholic faith.