The word sacrament comes from the Latin sacramentum meaning "a sign of the sacred." In the Catholic Church the seven sacraments are used to show things that are sacred and are special times for experiencing God's presence. Sacraments are signs and instruments of God's good grace.
In order to celebrate the sacraments more fully, take time to learn about them. In addition to the information here, take the time to visit our individual sacrament pages to learn how to receive the sacraments at Saint Vincent.
Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship and is the Church's way of celebrating and embracing the love of God.
The Eucharist, or Communion, is a sacrifice and a meal. As Catholics we believe in the real presence of Jesus as we receive his Body and Blood while at the same time our spirits are nourished as we become closer to God.
Reconciliation, also known as Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation, includes three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. Through the three steps we find God's unconditional forgiveness and as a result we find that we are called to forgive others.
Confirmation is a sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and is one of the three sacraments of iniciation.
Marriage or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives of oneself completely to another person. It is also viewed as a public statement about God as a loving union between husband and wife signifies God's values.
Holy Orders or Ordination involves the priest vowing to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments, proclaiming the Gospel and providing other means to holiness.
Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing and is not limited to physical but also extends mental and spiritual sickness as well.
