7 SACRAMENTS OF CHRISTIANITY

Baptism
Baptism is the gateway to Christian life, cleansing a person of original sin and incorporating them into the Body of Christ, the Church. Jesus commanded His disciples to “Go and baptize all nations” (Matthew 28:19), making this the foundational sacrament of salvation. The Catholic Church has safeguarded Baptism’s essential form (water and the Trinitarian formula) and ensured that it remains the universal way of becoming a Christian.

Eucharist (Holy Communion)
The Eucharist is the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, fulfilling Christ’s command at the Last Supper. It is the source and summit of Christian life, providing spiritual nourishment. The Catholic Church has protected this sacred mystery against heresies, reaffirming Transubstantiation (the real presence of Christ) throughout history. The Church also ensures that the Eucharist is celebrated daily worldwide, maintaining Christ’s presence among His people.

Confirmation
Confirmation strengthens the grace received at Baptism, sealing the faithful with the Holy Spirit just as the apostles received at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). The Catholic Church has preserved this sacrament as a continuation of the apostolic laying on of hands, ensuring that Bishops (or their delegates) administer it as a sign of Christian maturity and mission.

Reconciliation (Confession/Penance)
Jesus gave the apostles the authority to forgive sins (John 20:22-23), making Reconciliation a sacrament of God’s mercy and spiritual healing. The Church has upheld this practice for 2,000 years, ensuring that believers have access to absolution through a priest, maintaining its apostolic foundation.

Anointing of the Sick
Instituted by Christ and practiced by the early Church (James 5:14-15), this sacrament grants grace, strength, and sometimes physical healing to those suffering from illness or near death. The Catholic Church has safeguarded this practice, ensuring that priests administer this sacrament as a channel of God’s healing and preparation for eternal life.

Holy Matrimony (Marriage)
Marriage is a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman, reflecting Christ’s love for His Church (Ephesians 5:25-32). The Catholic Church has upheld the sanctity and indissolubility of marriage despite cultural shifts, defending it against attacks such as divorce, polygamy, and secular redefinitions. Through canon law and theological teaching, the Church ensures that marriage remains a sacramental union blessed by God.

Holy Orders
This sacrament ordains men into the diaconate, priesthood, or episcopacy, continuing the apostolic succession established by Christ (Luke 22:19-20, Acts 6:6). The Catholic Church has preserved Holy Orders by maintaining valid ordinations through unbroken apostolic succession, ensuring that bishops, priests, and deacons remain faithful stewards of Christ’s Church.