“A sacrament is a visible sign of an invisible reality.”
-Mother Angelica
Baptism
“Baptism is the best gift we have received. Through it, we belong to God and we possess the joy of salvation.”
Pope Francis
“Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Baptism is the sacrament of new life in Christ, washing away original sin and marking us as children of God. Through the waters of baptism, we are united with Christ, welcomed into His Church, and called to live as His disciples.
Reconciliation
“The Lord never tires of forgiving. It is we who tire of asking for forgiveness.”
Pope Francis
Saint Padre Pio encourages us to regular confession more than twice a year. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is God’s gift of mercy, restoring our relationship with Him through the forgiveness of sins. In this sacred encounter, we confess our sins with a contrite heart, receive absolution through the priest, and are strengthened by God’s grace to walk in His love. A good Catholic examination of conscience can be great help in making a new start in the life of faith and making an act of contrition daily.
Confirmation
“Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “sacraments of Christian initiation,” whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace…”
(Catechism of the Catholic Church #1285)
For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation into the Catholic Church (together with Baptism and Holy Communion). This special anointing given by the bishop or priest has the effect of increasing, deepening, and strengthening the sanctifying grace of God given to us at our baptism; while baptism removes from our souls the stain of original sin, Confirmation pours into our souls the fullness of the power of the Holy Spirit – just like the Apostles received at Pentecost, we are sent forth as witnesses of Christ in the world.
