This sacrament is called Baptism because of the central rite with which it is celebrated. To baptise means to “immerse” in water. The one who is baptised is immersed into the death of Christ and rises with him as a “new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This sacrament is also called the “bath of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5), and “enlightenment” because the baptised become “children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).

The sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession, Penance) is the means and the sign of Christ’s willingness to heal us. We need this healing when, through our own human weakness, we turn in on ourselves and away from him and our neighbour. This sacrament is the sign God has given us that through the words of his priest (“I absolve you from your sins”) whatever harm we have done to our relationship with our God is healed and we are restored to friendship with our heavenly Father.

The Eucharist is the very sacrifice of the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus which he instituted at the Last Supper:

While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” (Mark 14:22-24)

From the age of reason, about 7 years of age, baptised Catholics who have received suitable formation can receive Communion at Mass. This means consuming the Body of Christ (under the appearance of bread) and the Blood of Christ (under the appearance of wine). It is not uncommon for only the Body of Christ to be offered.

Confirmation confirms and strengthens baptismal grace. It is called Chrismation in the Eastern Churches because the essential rite of the sacrament is anointing with the holy oil of chrism.

The sacrament of Matrimony establishes an exclusive and lifelong bond between the spouses. God himself seals the consent of the spouses. So a marriage which is ratified and consummated between baptised persons can never be dissolved. This sacrament also gives the couple the grace necessary to grow in holiness in their married life and to accept responsibly the gift of children and provide for their education.

This is the sacrament in which a person is ordained a bishop, priest or deacon when the bishop imposes his hands on the head of the ordained and pronounces the solemn prayer of consecration. With this prayer he asks God for the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the person being ordained and for the gifts of the Spirit proper to that particular ministry.

This sacrament gives a special grace which unites the sick person more intimately to the passion of Christ for the person’s good and for the good of all the Church. It gives comfort, peace, courage, and the forgiveness of sins if the sick person is not able to make a confession. Sometimes, if it is God’s  will, this sacrament even brings about the restoration of physical health. In any case this anointing prepares the sick person for the journey to the Father’s house.