The Sacraments are often seen as, or known as, life events – the events that mark the important parts of our lives. However, the Sacraments are more than this, they are the important times when we receive Grace from God, when we receive the Holy Spirit, when we receive God’s healing.
The Seven Sacraments of the Church were instituted by Jesus Christ and are visible rites and signs of God’s Grace to all who receive them. These Seven Sacrament are often placed into three groups:
The Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
The Sacraments of Healing – Penance and the Anointing of the Sick.
The Sacraments of Service – Matrimony and Holy Orders.
Baptism / Christening
Baptism is often known as ‘Christening’ within the Church of England and is seen at the Sacrament of admission to the faith, when the baptised becomes a Christian. We are normally baptised as children, however it is never too late to be baptised: you can be baptised at any point in your life. During baptism the candidate is anointed with Holy Oil and Holy Water is sprinkled on their heads by the Priest, who invokes the Holy Trinity with the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”.
Matrimony / Weddings
A wedding is a time for celebration, as a man and woman are joined in Holy Matrimony. They commit themselves to each other before their families, friends and before God, asking God for His blessings.
Confirmation
In Confirmation we renew the promises made on our behalf during our baptism. It is an important stage on our Christian journeys as we confirm our commitment to God. During the confirmation service we are sealed with Holy Oil, receiving the Holy Spirit as the Bishop lays his hands our heads.
The Eucharist
The Eucharist is the Sacrament that was initiated by Jesus at the Last Supper – the meal he shared with his disciples. During the Eucharist the Priest recreates Jesus’ actions in blessing the bread and the wine, which becomes for us the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The Eucharist culminates in the sharing of Christ’s Body and Blood, uniting us as the Body of Christ.
Penance
Penance is making yourself right with God – the asking for the forgiveness of your sins. This is often referred to as the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This is a very private Sacrament, between Priest and Penitent. This Sacrament may not be easy, however receiving absolution from the Priest can make the Penitent feel renewed.
Holy Orders
Holy Orders are conferred on those called by God to be Deacon, Priest or Bishop, as handed down by the Apostles. As Christ came to serve, so those ordained are called to serve God’s people.
Anointing of the Sick
During his ministry Jesus brought healing to those who were sick. He instructed his disciples to do the same as he sent them out; these instructions have been passed on to us today. At anointing we pray with those who are sick, blessing them with Holy Oil making the sign of the cross on their foreheads and the palm of their hands.