Seven Sacraments

Sacramental Preparation

A sacrament is an "efficacious sign of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us through the work of the Holy Spirit" (Catechism of the Catholic Church(CCC) 774, 1131).

"The seven sacraments touch all the stages 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" (CCC 1210).

According to the Second Vatican Council, "The purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify men, to build up the body of Christ, and finally, to give worship to God. Because they are signs they also instruct. They not only presuppose faith, but by words and objects they also nourish, strengthen, and express it; that is why they are called ‘sacraments of faith.' They do indeed impart grace, but, in addition, the very act of celebrating them disposes the faithful most effectively to receive this grace in a fruitful manner, to worship God duly, and to practice charity" (Sacred Constitution on the Liturgy, 59).

Catechesis is an education in the faith of children, young people, and adults which includes especially the teaching of Christian doctrine imparted, generally speaking, in an organic and systematic way, with a view to initiating the hearers into the fullness of Christian life.  (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 5)

There is an urgent need to make faith formation available at every stage of life and in ways that speak to the minds and hearts of all people today, young and old. “Faith Formation” means acquiring a thorough knowledge and ever-increasing depth of understanding of the riches of the faith, a deepening spirituality, and a living of the faith through our actions and our worship.  The vision of the faith formation ministry area is to engage with the community in lifelong faith formation that nurtures and deepens one's relationship with God. Its focus is to expand knowledge, change hearts, and transform daily lives. (Diocese of Camden Pastoral Priority)

Baptism

Solemn Eucharist

Confirmation

Reconciliation

Anointing of the Sick

Holy Matrimony

Holy Orders