Sacraments
sacramentsReligious ceremonies or acts, such as baptism. are defined as outward signs of inward blessings. Sacraments can also be thought of as blessings that are received during an important ceremony, and they are sometimes referred to as 鈥榬ites of passage鈥. Catholic Christians acknowledge seven sacraments: baptismRite of initiation involving immersion in, or sprinkling or pouring of water; a sacrament marking the start of Christian life., reconciliation, the EucharistA service celebrating the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, using elements of bread and wine., confirmation, the anointTo rub water or oil on a person as a ceremony of blessing. Typically an honour reserved for royalty. of the sick, holy orders and marriage.
Different Christian views on the role of the sacraments
In the CatholicA group of Christians who accept the Pope in Rome as their leader. and Orthodox ChristiansGroups of Christians, especially found in eastern Europe, who rejected the idea of the Bishop of Rome being the sole leader of the Christian Church. Churches, all seven sacraments are vital parts of being Christian. Each sacrament is seen as contributing to the life journey of a Christian. The sacraments also create several opportunities to receive blessings from God.
Most ProtestantChristians who broke away from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation. They believe in the teachings of the Bible but reject the authority of the Pope. Christians have two sacraments. These are baptism and the Eucharist. This is because the 39 Articles state that baptism and the Eucharist are the only two sacraments authorised by God.
Baptism
Baptism is about the process of leaving behind sin and entering a new life. Many Christians (including Catholics) perform baptism on babies as a way of welcoming them into the faith and making sure they are beginning their life journey without sin. It is also a public sign that the child is a member of the Christian faith.
Baptists (a type of Protestant) do not baptise babies. This is because they believe people should be old enough to choose to be baptised and should be able to make the baptismal vows themselves. For Baptists, this sacrament involves standing in a pool half filled with water. This is a special moment for Baptists as it indicates they are about to start their new life as a member of the Church.
Eucharist
The first Eucharist was performed when Jesus shared bread and wine with his discipleA person who follows and learns from someone else. at the Last SupperThe meal that Jesus had with his disciples the night before he died where he gave them bread and wine to symbolise his body and blood..
The Eucharist is very special and significant for Catholics and is part of the service known as Mass (Christianity)A Roman Catholic service of worship that involves receiving Holy Communion.. During this service, Catholics confession A formal statement admitting that one is guilty of a crime. their sins and also listen to Bible readings and sermons. The Last Supper is then re-enacted, and Catholics believe that the bread and wine change into the body and blood of Christ in a process called transubstantationCatholic belief that the bread and wine is changed into Christ's body and blood at the Eucharist..
Protestants also believe that the Eucharist is a commemoration of the Last Supper. Some Protestants, such as Methodists, refer to the Eucharist as Holy CommunionCentral liturgical service observed by most Churches, recalling the last meal of Jesus. and believe it is a time of spiritual reflection and development. Protestants do not believe in transubstantiation. Instead, they see the bread and wine as symbols of Christ鈥檚 body and blood 鈥 they do not believe the bread and wine actually change.