The Seven Sacraments
The sacraments are efficacious
signs of grace, instituted by Christ,
by which divine life is dispensed to
us.
Sacraments of Initiation
Sacrament
Essential Sacramental
Symbol
Minister
Baptism
Water poured over or
immersed in water while
saying, “I baptize you in
the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of
the Holy Spirit.”
Bishop,
priest,
deacon or
anyone in an
emergency
Confirmation
Laying on of hands and
Bishop or
anointing with chrism
designated
(sacred oil) while saying, priest
“Be sealed with the gift
of the Holy Spirit.”
No
Eucharist
Wheat bread and grape
wine and the words of
consecration
Yes
Priest
Repeated?
No
Sacraments of Healing
Sacrament
Essential Sacramental
Symbol
Minister
Repeated?
Penance and
Reconciliation
Laying on of hands and the
words of absolution
(forgiveness)
Priest
Yes
Anointing of the
Sick
Anointing with the oil of
the sick accompanied by
the liturgical prayer of the
priest
Priest
Yes
Sacraments of Vocation
Sacrament
Essential Sacramental
Symbol
Minister
Repeated?
Holy Orders
Laying on of hands and
the prayer of
consecration asking for
the gifts specific to that
order
Bishop
No
Matrimony
Exchange of marriage
vows
The
couple
being
married
No, unless
a spouse
dies
Sacraments of Initiation
Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist
are the foundation of Christian life;
every Catholic should receive all three.
They are all closely related. All three
connect us more closely with the parish
community. In all three we receive the
Holy Spirit and his gifts. But each has
its own special symbols and effects.
Baptism
Baptism’s
primary effect
is the
beginning of
our new life in
Christ
Confirmation
Confirmation’s
primary effect is
to strengthen us
to live more fully
Christ’s call to
serve.
Eucharist
The primary effect
of the Eucharist is
to nourish us to
live as Christ’s
disciples in our
journey through
this life.