Sacraments

What are the Sacraments?

A sacrament is a sign or symbol that communicates God's presence in a special way; it actually 'makes present' within us the reality of God's love which is signified. In the sacraments ordinary things are used to make us holy. For example, in the Sacrament of Baptism, it is water.

These ordinary things have special significance to us, and that's exactly why Jesus left them to us - because we are human, and signs help us understand God's love for us, and the change that happens in us when we receive the Sacrament.

We celebrate the Sacraments with special ceremonies. These ceremonies have developed over time in the Church. They are a way for us to become closer to God and Jesus, and closer together as the People of God.

There are seven Sacraments.

They are:

• Baptism
• Confirmation
• Eucharist
• Reconciliation (Penance)
• Sacrament of the Sick
• Holy Orders
• Marriage

Each sacrament gives us new life and grace (the mercy and freedom which is God's gift to us).

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

As Catholics, we take part in a special ceremony by which we can be renewed in our experience of being loved by God. It is an opportunity to start afresh, face the fact that we have sinned, lost sight of God's vision for us, and return to God's loving plan for our lives. It's called the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

When we sin, we affect not only ourselves, but also those around: society, Church community, our God and also us. Catholics believe that God never stops believing in us; never gives up on us.

What happens in the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

The priest, as the one who channels God's mercy towards the sinner, listens to the confession in the name of Jesus. He may ask some questions and give some advice because it is his task to decide whether the person is truthful, truly sorry, and has firmly decided not to repeat sin in the future.

The priest's judgment about these things is made out of mercy, not out of a wish to punish people. The sacrament is, in fact, a sacrament of mercy - its whole purpose is to link us once more with the life and love of God, which we have rejected as a result of our sin.

The theme of reconciliation can be seen throughout the Bible. Forgiving sins was one of Jesus' strongest messages.