The Catholic Church has seven sacraments. These rites are “outward signs instituted by Christ to give grace.” Sacraments enrich our union with God and strengthen us to live our faith as committed disciples of Jesus Christ.
For more information about how to receive these sacraments at St. Mary Magdalene, please contact our parish office.
Baptism
Baptism marks an individual's initiation into the Christian faith. It signifies purification of the soul and entry into the community of believers. Catholics practice infant baptism, but a person can seek baptism at any age.
In Baptism, the Holy Spirit moves us to answer Christ's call to holiness. In Baptism, we are asked to walk by the light of Christ and to trust in his wisdom. We are invited to submit our hearts to Christ with ever deeper love. (USCCB)
Reconciliation
Reconciliation, also known as Confession, provides individuals with the opportunity to confess their sins to a priest, receive absolution, and experience reconciliation with God and the Church. It restores spiritual well-being and fosters a renewed relationship with God.
A child growing up Catholic typically has their First Reconciliation in 2nd grade.
Eucharist
The Eucharist involves partaking in consecrated bread and wine, which Catholics believe become the body and blood of Jesus Christ during the ceremony of the Mass. This sacred act symbolizes spiritual nourishment, unity with Christ, and communion with the Church.
In order to share in Catholic Communion, an individual has to be in a state of grace (i.e. have gone to Confession if they have committed a serious sin) and have received their First Communion. For a child growing up Catholic, this happens around the 2nd grade. Adults can prepare for the sacrament through the RCIA program.
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst." (John 6:35)
Confirmation
Confirmation involves individuals publicly affirming their commitment to the Christian faith. Through the laying on of hands and anointing with chrism oil, they receive the Holy Spirit's gifts, empowering them for their spiritual journey. Students going through the Faith Formation program at St. Mary Magdalene can expect to receive this sacrament at the end of their senior year of high school.
Confirmation deepens our baptismal life that calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighborhoods, society, and the world. (USCCB)
Anointing of the Sick
Jesus came to heal the whole person, body and soul. The Anointing of the Sick, a sacrament of healing, offers comfort and grace to the sick or dying through the anointing with oil. It provides spiritual strength and courage in times of illness or preparation for passage into eternal life.
Matrimony
Matrimony is a sacred covenant which unites a man and a woman in marriage before God and the Church. It signifies their commitment to love and support each other according to Christ's teachings, forming a domestic Church and nurturing family and community life.
Man and woman were created for each other. (USCCB)
Holy Orders
Holy Orders involves the ordination of men as bishops, priests, or deacons, equipping them with sacred responsibilities to serve the Church and its members. Through this sacrament, they fulfill their vocation to preach, teach, and administer the sacraments.
Ordination to the priesthood is always a call and a gift from God. (USCCB)
Sacraments are "powers that comes forth" from the Body of Christ, which is ever-living and life-giving. They are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his Body, the Church. They are "the masterworks of God" in the new and everlasting covenant. Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1116)