Worship and liturgy focus on what the Church teaches about the seven sacraments. The Catholic approach to sacramental theology is unique among Christian churches, warranting a thorough review by all who study Catholic doctrine. The sacraments, the Liturgy of the Hours, and the liturgical cycle are the means by which Christ’s salvation becomes tangible for the Body of Christ in every age.

These sacraments are Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) brings the celebration of the sacraments of initiation into a single ritual event, making the unity that exists between them clear. The full significance of each sacrament is enhanced rather than lessened when all three sacraments are celebrated together during the Easter Vigil.

Find out more information about the sacraments of initiation. See teen’s book pages 233-234, Parish Edition; pages 367-368, School Edition. Read paragraphs 1212-1419 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

The proper age for receiving Confirmation and the proper order for receiving the sacraments of initiation are often debated. Currently, each bishop has the right to decide these issues for his own diocese, following guidelines determined by the Vatican. The way we catechize children or young people preparing for Confirmation is greatly affected by the bishop’s decision. The sacraments have the same effect, however, regardless of a recipient’s age or the sequence in which the sacraments were received.

Find out more information about the sacrament of Confirmation. See teen’s book page 234, Parish Edition; page 368, School Edition. Read paragraphs 1306-1314 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

In reflecting upon the Mass as the central celebration of the liturgy of the Church, we cannot help but be concerned about the fact that in many dioceses throughout the world, there is a shortage of priests. Because the Mass is essential to the life of the Church and requires the ministry of an ordained priest, it is critical to pray daily for vocations to the priesthood. We must actively encourage and support young men who may be considering the priesthood as a vocation.

Find out more information about the Mass. See teen’s book pages 235-236, Parish Edition; pages 369-370, School Edition. Read paragraphs 1136-1144, 1187-1193, 1348-1376, and 1382-1419 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

The early Church began reserving the Blessed Sacrament in order to bring it to the sick and dying. In the Middle Ages, however, the practice of reserving the consecrated bread began to be used for devotional purposes, including Benediction. Today, without discouraging the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the Church stresses that we honor Christ in the Blessed Sacrament most fully when we receive the Eucharist in the Mass.

Find out more information about Eucharistic Adoration. Read paragraphs 1377-1381 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Since the Second Vatican Council, (1962-1965), the Church has emphasized the positive, healing nature of the sacrament of Reconciliation. Though the sacrament includes expressions of sorrow, it is actually to be understood as a time of joy, an event of being welcomed "back home," akin to the celebration in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24).

Find out more information about the sacrament of Reconciliation. Read paragraphs 1485-1498 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

The practice of granting and seeking indulgences is not as popular as it was in the past because of misunderstandings that once existed regarding its proper use in the Church. However, properly understood, indulgences reflect the unity and concern that are hallmarks of the Christian community. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the prayers and good works of the Communion of Saints can help make amends for sin and reduce the amount of temporal punishment for those for whom such prayers or works are offered.

Find out more information about indulgences. See teen’s Grade Level 8 book page 238, Parish Edition; page 372, School Edition. Read paragraphs 1471-1479 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Marriage and Holy Orders are sacraments at the service of communion. They are public celebrations of the calling to family life and to the ordained ministry in the Church. Since the Second Vatican Council, the Church has put greater emphasis on the common priesthood that all the faithful received at Baptism. All the baptized, not only religious and clergy, are called upon to strive for holiness and to proclaim the good news. The laity are called to participate in the many ministries of the Church that do not require ordination.

Find out more information about the sacraments at the service of communion. See teen’s book pages 239-240, Parish Edition; pages 373-374, School Edition. Read paragraphs 1590-1600 and 1659-1666 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

An annulment of marriage states that the marriage never existed as a sacrament. It is obtained through a process of the Church. Annulments are somewhat easier to obtain today than they were prior to the Second Vatican Council. For the most part, local dioceses now evaluate requests for annulment; in the past, the evaluation process for annulment required the involvement of church officials beyond the local dioceses. The Church’s teaching about the permanence of marriage, however, has not changed.

For more information on the matrimonial covenant, read paragraphs 1625-1629 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.