Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word .
This sacrament is called Baptism, after the central rite by which it is carried out: to baptize (Greek baptizein) means to “plunge” or “immerse”; the “plunge” into the water symoolizes the catechumen’s burial into Christ’s death, from which he rises up by resurrection with him, as “a new creature.
This sacrament is also called “the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit,” for it signifies and actually brings about the birth of water and the Spirit without which no one “can enter the kingdom of God.”7
This bath is called enlightenment, because those who receive this [catechetical] instruction are enlightened in their understanding . . . .”8 Having received in Baptism the Word, “the true light that enlightens every man,” the person baptised has been “enlightened,” he becomes a “son of light,” indeed, he becomes “light” himself:
Not only does the Sacrament of Penance free us from our sins but it also challenges us to have the same kind of compassion and forgiveness for those who sin against us. We are liberated to be forgivers. We obtain new insight into the words of the Prayer of St. Francis: “It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.”
Jesus entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to the Church. The Sacrament of Penance is God’s gift to us so that any sin committed after Baptism can be forgiven. In confession we have the opportunity to repent and recover the grace of friendship with God. It is a holy moment in which we place ourselves in his presence and honestly acknowledge our sins, especially mortal sins. With absolution, we are reconciled to God and the Church. The Sacrament helps us stay close to the truth that we cannot live without God. “In him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28)
At St. Charles, the sacrament is administered on Thursdays and Saturdays after the 7:00am Mass.
In the sacrament of Holy Communion, God makes use of physical elements (bread and wine) so that with prayer and faith they become a means of experiencing God’s grace in a special way. Along with the sacrament of baptism, Holy Communion is a gift of God made effectual by the preaching of the Word and the response of faith.
Some Christians call this sacrament the Holy Communion, stressing the union it brings us with God and with other Christians. Others call it the Lord’s Supper, recalling that meal at which Christ instituted the sacrament. Sill others name it the Eucharist, from a Greek word meaning thanksgiving, for in this sacrament we give thanks for all that God does for us in our Savior Jesus Christ. All these names rightly focus upon various aspects of this sacrament given us by Christ.
Just as Baptism gives new life, Eucharist nourishes life, and Reconciliation restores life when it is broken, Confirmation strengthens that life by the gifts of the Holy Spirit (cf. CCC 1285). It is about strengthening what God has given, and continues to give, to his sons and daughters (cf. CCC 1302-1303).
The Sacrament of Confirmation is not a rite of passage, nor a graduation from religion class, nor a ratification of a personal faith choice. Rather, it’s all about what God is doing for his beloved daughters and sons.
And what is God doing? Strengthening the divine life which he gave at Baptism, nourishing us in the Eucharist, and reconciling with us in Penance. Why? So that the individual can better defend and witness to the faith through the gifts and workings of the Holy Spirit. And there are—and will be—many situations where we are called upon to defend and witness to our faith. And we need all the help we can get!
Christ instituted the Sacrament of matrimony when he attended the wedding feast of Cana and through his preaching when he taught that the union of man and woman in marriage should be permanent until death