The seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church are vital components of our Faith. Sacraments are rites in which God is uniquely active. Augustine of Hippo defined a Christian Sacrament as “a visible sign of an invisible reality”. The seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church are instituted by Jesus Christ and can be directly linked to Sacred Scripture and developed over time into the form they take today through Sacred Tradition. The seven Sacraments include Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick.

There are three categories of Sacraments. The Sacraments of Initiation are Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist because they are Sacraments in which one is initiated as a Roman Catholic. The Sacraments of Healing are Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick because of the healing and redemption of one’s soul. The Sacraments of Service are Matrimony and Holy Orders because they illustrate and empower the recipients to serve the Church in various functions.

The pages to the left contain information, forms, and more regarding each of the Sacraments at St. Joseph Parish. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Church Office.