The Seven Sacraments were given to the Church by Jesus Christ to serve as liturgical signs.  They make His saving work present to us and they allow us to share in the life of God, the Holy Trinity.  The word liturgy means “work of the people”.  Each time we celebrate the sacraments we are doing what God has called us to do and we share in God’s life and love.  Our life with the Holy Trinity is strengthened and the sacraments put us in contact with the saving work of Jesus Christ.

Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation are called Sacraments of Christian Initiation.  In these sacraments, we become full members of the Church and we are joined to Christ.  We share in God’s life and receive strength to live as God’s followers.

Reconciliation, or Penance, and Anointing of the Sick are the Sacraments of Healing. When we receive these sacraments we celebrate and share in God’s healing love.

Matrimony (Marriage) and Holy Orders are the Sacraments of Service.  Through these sacraments, some members of the Church are consecrated or set aside to serve a holy purpose to serve the Church (Holy Orders) or to serve the Church through their love for each other (Matrimony).