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The
Seven Catholic Sacraments
The Latin word sacramentum means "a sign of the sacred." The
seven sacraments are ceremonies that point to what is sacred, significant
and important for Christians. They are special occasions for experiencing
God's saving presence. That's what theologians mean when they say that
sacraments are at the same time signs and instruments of
God's grace.
If you learn more about the sacraments, you can celebrate them more fully.
To learn more about the individual sacraments, please follow the links
below. You'll find easy-to-understand articles and a good sample of common
questions and answers.
The pictures
below are the stained glass windows from our Chapel; they depict the seven
sacraments.
Baptism 
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong
journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as
infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting
the embrace of God.
What
happens when we are baptized?
Why
are babies baptized? Aren't they too young to accept Jesus?
Who
can be a godparent and what is expected of a godparent?
Does
Baptism last a lifetime?
Why
are there no Baptisms during Lent?
How
soon after birth should a baby be baptized?
Is
a saint's name required for Baptism?
For information about Baptism at St. Martin, click here.
Families must be registered with the parish.
Eucharist
Catholics
believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal.
We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As
we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually
and brought closer to God.
How
does the Eucharist help us become the Body of Christ?
Is
Jesus really present in the Eucharist?
May
I receive Communion during a service in a non-Catholic church?
May
Catholics give holy Communion to non-Catholics?
May
I take the host to the cup and dip?
How
many times may I receive holy Communion in one day?
How
should we prepare for Communion in the home?
Reconciliation
The
Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as the Sacrament of
Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation) has three elements: conversion,
confession and celebration. In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness,
and as a result we are called to forgive others.
What's
the difference between Confession and Reconciliation?
Why
do Catholics confess their sins to a priest?
Is
Confession based on the Bible?
Is
Confession by e-mail allowed?
I
don't feel comfortable going to Confession -- what should I do?
If
I have no mortal or venial sins to confess, should I still go?
Confession any time by appointment.
Confirmation
Confirmation
is a Catholic sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening
of baptismal gifts. Like Baptism and Eucharist, it is a Sacrament of
Initiation for Catholics and a Sacrament of faith in God's fidelity
to us.
What
are the gifts of the Holy Spirit received at Confirmation?
Who
can be a Confirmation sponsor and what is expected?
Why
don't we speak in tongues after being confirmed?
Marriage
For
Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public
sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also
a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife
speaks of family values and also God's values.
What
does the Sacrament of Marriage reveal to us about God?
How
do different religious backgrounds affect a marriage?
Can
a Catholic wedding ceremony be held outdoors?
For information about having your wedding at St. Martin, click here.
Families must be registered with the parish.
Holy Orders
/ Religious Life
In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the
priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the
sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and
by providing other means to holiness.
If
lay people are now called to minister, why do we need an ordained priesthood?
How
do I know if I have a vocation?
Anointing of
the Sick
The Catholic sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly
known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate
not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.
When
should someone receive the Anointing of the Sick?
Who
can receive and who can administer the Anointing of the Sick?
To receive the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick / Last Rites, please call the rectory at 334-4214.