The Latin word sacramentum means “a sign of the sacred.” A sacrament is “an outward sign, instituted by Christ to give grace.” We describe the Sacraments as “outward signs” because they are visible actions by which the grace of Christ is given to us.
The seven sacraments, Baptism, Penance (Reconciliation), Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion), Confirmation, Holy Matrimony, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick, are an important part of our every day lives as Catholics. They are special ceremonies that point to what is sacred and significant to us in our faith journey. It is in these special occasions that Jesus is present to us - a time to experience God’s saving grace – the moment at which God gives us His Holy Spirit. There should be nothing more important to us than our preparation for the sacraments.
“ . . . He breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” John 20:22