The seven sacraments
The The institution of Catholic Christianity headed by the Pope. All of western Europe belonged to the Catholic Church until the Reformation, when Protestants broke away. teaches that there are seven Religious ceremonies or acts, such as baptism. or rites through which God can communicate his The gift of God's love and support regardless of whether or not a person has done God's will. to an individual. Catholic Christians believe that the sacraments are channels for God鈥檚 grace - every time they take part in a sacrament, they receive more grace.
- Rite of initiation involving immersion in, or sprinkling or pouring of water; a sacrament marking the start of Christian life. - For Catholics, baptism is normally performed when someone is an infant and involves the pouring of water on their forehead. It represents the moment someone enters the Church. Christians believe that baptism cleanses people from The tendency to sin in all human beings, believed to be inherited from Adam, 'the first man'. and welcomes a Christian into God鈥檚 family.
The central figure of Christian history and devotion. The second person of the Trinity. cousin For Christians, the person who came to prepare the way of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and who baptised him in the River Jordan. was the first Jew to use Rite of initiation involving immersion in, or sprinkling or pouring of water; a sacrament marking the start of Christian life. to symbolise the To pardon someone for something that they have done wrong. of sins. He baptised Jesus, and baptism remains important for Christians. This is because after his The Christian belief that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after the crucifixion. The rising from the dead of believers on the Last Day in a new, or risen, life., Jesus told his followers that they too should be baptised:
No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.
Following this instruction, baptism is practised by nearly all Christian denominations.
- A ceremony which sees a young person making a commitment to lead a Christian life. - This typically takes place in early teenage years, when a child starts to be seen as an adult member of the Church. This is because they are now considered old enough to renew and confirm for themselves vows that were made on their behalf when they were baptised. However, there is no set age for the confirmation rite, and people are often confirmed as adults. During the confirmation, the Anglican, Orthodox, or Catholic clergy ranking above a priest. They are usually in charge of a diocese. lays his hands on each candidate鈥檚 head as a sign that they are now full members of the Church. The bishop also puts Special oil used for anointing. on the forehead of each candidate in the shape of the cross. This is considered a sign of strength which reminds the candidate of their commitment to follow Christ.
- Marriage - When a couple marry they are joined together by the A promise to do something. they take. This union is represented through the exchange of the rings, which reminds the married couple of the endless commitment they have made.
- Ordination or holy orders - This refers to the moment someone becomes a Christian minister below the level of a priest, A member of the Christian clergy who has authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders. or a bishop. During ordination, a bishop lays his hand on the person who is being ordained and invokes the power of the Holy Spirit through prayer. There are several bishops involved in the ordination of a bishop, but just one in the ordination of a deacon or a priest.
- To rub water or oil on a person as a ceremony of blessing. Typically an honour reserved for royalty. of the sick - When someone is very ill, or dying they are blessed by a priest. They are anointed with blessed oil on the eyes, ears, nose, lips and hands. This process symbolises strengthening and forgiveness. The priest lays his hands on the person to signify that they are receiving God's strength.
- The A service celebrating the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, using elements of bread and wine. - This is the weekly service, where bread and wine are shared. Catholics believe in Catholic belief that the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ at Holy Communion.. This means they believe that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus, and so the provides a moment to experience the fullness of Jesus. Catholics often refer to the Eucharist as Mass.
- Reconciliation - This is also referred to as Voluntary act of punishment to show regret for a wrongdoing.. It is the sacrament of confessing sins to a priest.
The seven sacraments are seen as part of a Catholic鈥檚 personal spiritual journey. This idea is referred to in the The summary of teachings, beliefs and rules of the Roman Catholic Church.:
The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life: they give birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian鈥檚 life of faith.
Different Christian beliefs
In Groups of Christians, especially found in eastern Europe, who rejected the idea of the Bishop of Rome being the sole leader of the Christian Church., all seven sacraments are a vital part of being Christian. This is because they are all seen as contributing to the life journey of a Christian. The sacraments also create several opportunities to receive blessings from God.
Most Christians 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 (also known as Holy Communion). Protestant Christians believe that these are the only two sacraments that are authorised by God.