Our Sacramental Life

The Role of the Sacraments in the Evangelical Catholic Church

The Sacraments are so important because they make the power of the Paschal mystery of Jesus present to us for the sake of salvation. By these seven channels of grace, God makes us his adopted children and increases his life of grace within us.

The Seven Sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments 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.

THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS AND THEIR EFFECTS

1. BAPTISM

Baptism is the Sacrament by which we become Christians. It frees us from Original Sin, makes us children of God, temples of the Holy Spirit and members of the Church.

The liturgical celebration: The minister pours water over the head of the candidate saying, “I baptize you (name) in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

The effects: The forgiveness of sins, the new life of grace and membership in the Church.

2. EUCHARIST

The Eucharist is a sacrifice, a presence and a food. As a SACRIFICE it makes present Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary for our salvation. As a PRESENCE, it is Jesus Christ himself under the appearances of bread and wine. As a FOOD, it is the nourishment of our souls by which we share in God’s own life.

The liturgical celebration: The priest consecrates bread and wine saying, “This is my body which will be given up for you…; this is the cup of my blood…”

The effects: The Real Presence; Sacrifice of Calvary represented; spiritual food.

3. CONFIRMATION

Confirmation completes the Christian initiation begun in Baptism, making us spiritually adult by means of a permanent ‘seal’ upon our souls. In this Sacrament the Holy Spirit also gives us seven gifts that enable us to see and act well spiritually. These gifts empower us to publicly proclaim the Gospel and to defend the Faith against opposition.

The liturgical celebration: The minister anoints a person’s forehead with chrism saying, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

The effects: The sealing with the Holy Spirit for the mature Christian life.

4. RECONCILIATION

RECONCILIATION is the Sacrament by which we, repenting and confessing our sins, are absolved of sin through the ministry of a priest.

The liturgical celebration: The penitent confesses sins with sorrow and repentance. The priest gives absolution, “I absolve you from your sins…”

The effects: The forgiveness of sins and restoration of grace.

5. ANOINTING OF THE SICK

Anointing of the Sick is that Sacrament by which sick persons, through anointing with oil and the prayer of the priest, receive grace for the salvation of their souls and possible bodily healing.

The liturgical celebration: The priest anoints the sick person’s forehead and hands with oil, praying the prescribed words.

The effects: The forgiveness of sins, spiritual strength and healing.

6. HOLY ORDERS

Holy Orders are the Sacrament in which a baptized person receives the authority and ability to share in the particular mission that Christ entrusted to his apostles. There are three orders of this Sacrament: episcopate, presbyterate and diaconate.

The liturgical celebration: The bishop lays hands on the candidate’s head and prays the prayer of consecration.

The effects: The ordination of a minister to act in the person of Christ.

7. MARRIAGE

Marriage is that Sacrament by which baptized couples are bound together by vows to an exclusive lifelong commitment to one another. In this Sacrament God gives grace for the fulfillment of these vows

The liturgical celebration: The spouses express their consent to one another following the prescribed canonical form, usually before a priest.

The effects: The union of the spouses as Christ is united to the Church.

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If you have any questions, please contact us via info@evcathchurch.org

Thank You.

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