Sacraments

The sacraments are chosen instruments of divine power.  The exact definition of a sacrament is that it is "an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace."  There are three distinct ideas contained in this short definition:

• Outward sign
• Instituted by Christ
• To give grace

The "outward signs" are God's way of treating us like the human beings we are. He conveys His unseen grace into our spiritual souls through material symbols which our physical bodies can perceive—things and words and gestures.  The outward signs of the sacraments have two parts: the "thing" itself which is used (water, oil, etc.), and the words or gestures which give significance to what is being done.

We know that no human power could attach an inward grace to an outward sign—not even the divinely guided but humanly applied power of the Church.  Only God can do that.  This highlights the second element in the definition of a sacrament: "instituted by Christ."   Between the time He began His public life and the time He ascended into heaven, Jesus fashioned the sacraments.

With respect to the third element in the definition of a sacrament, we have its essential purpose, "to give grace."   The sacraments give sanctifying grace, which is that marvelous supernatural life, that sharing-in-God's-own-life that is the result of God's Love, the Holy Spirit, indwelling in the soul. They deepen and intensify the spiritual life of sanctifying grace which already pulsates through the soul. As each additional sacrament is received (and repeated, when it can be) the level of spiritual vitality rises in the soul.  

The Parish and the Diocese have a range of programmes aimed at preparation for the Sacraments.