Sacraments

Introduction

The beauty of the liturgy is a sublime expression of God's glory and, in a certain sense, a glimpse of heaven on earth. The liturgy is a readiant expression of the Paschal Mystery, in which Christ draws us to himself and calls us to communion.
Holy Mother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be led to that full, conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy, and to which the Christian prople have a right and an obligation by reason of their baptism. (CCC, 1141)
The Church has singled out seven (7) important occasions to celebrate when God and his people interact in a special way through not only words but also symbolic action. The symbols, referred to often as “outward signs,” and their related actions help us to express those deep divine and human realities of life, love, death and joy in our life. These symbolic actions we know and celebrate publicly as: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist (the sacraments of initiation); Penance/Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick (the sacraments of healing); Marriage and Orders/Ordination (the sacraments of commitment).