The liturgical life of the Church is the Catholic Christian community’s way of celebrating what we believe. Through the signs of the sacraments and our participation in the liturgical celebrations, we renew our faith and gain an even greater share in the life of grace, God’s life in us. Through the sacraments, we are challenged to follow the way of Christ that leads to the realization of God’s kingdom.

Sacraments are divided into three groups: sacraments of initiation, sacraments of healing, and sacraments of commitment and service. The life of the Church revolves around the sacraments. In them we encounter the Lord Jesus and are enabled to live the life of faith more deeply.

The sacraments of initiation include Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Baptism is the basis for the whole of Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and first step to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed and reborn as children of God and are incorporated into the Church to share in her mission.

Confirmation gives us the Holy Spirit to root us more deeply in all that is divine and incorporate us more firmly into Christ. It strengthens our bond with the Church and her mission to bear witness to the Christian faith in words and deeds.

The Eucharist is the heart and culmination of the Church’s life. By his sacrifice, Christ pours out the graces of salvation on his Body, which is the Church, his sacrifice of praise to the Father. Receiving this sacrament strengthens our union with the Lord.

Find out more about the sacraments of initiation. Read pages 236-238 Parish Edition; pages 360-361, School Edition in your child’s book. See paragraphs 1213, 1223-1224, 1275-1285, 1286-1306, 1324, and 1419 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

As sacraments of healing, Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick recall the frailty of the human condition. The sacrament of Reconciliation provides us with an opportunity to acknowledge the reality of sin, to ask forgiveness, and to begin anew as disciples of Christ.

Anointing of the Sick is a source of strength and consolation for those who are ill and those who are caring for them. The experience of celebrating this sacrament in community offers a better appreciation of the social consequences of sin and the need for reconciliation as a whole people. Reconciliation makes visible the mercy of our loving God.

Find out more about the sacraments of healing. Read page 238, Parish Edition; page 362, School Edition in your child’s book. See paragraphs 1420-1426, 1440-1460, 1485-1497, 1499-1532 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Matrimony and Holy Orders celebrate the calling to family life and to ordained ministry in the Church. These vocations are sanctified in the sacramental rites in which we are called to build the Body of Christ through service.

Find out more about the sacraments of commitment and service. Read page 239, Parish Edition; page 363, School Edition in your child’s book. See paragraphs 1533-1666 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Our celebration of the Mass is the primary source of renewal of our life in Christ. In the Mass we are once again welcomed into the community of the faithful, called to communion with others and service to others, and nourished by the Bread of Life. We are sent forth to exemplify the good news of the Gospel in our everyday lives.

Find out more about the Mass. Read pages 240-243, Parish Edition; pages 364-365, School Edition in your child’s book. See paragraphs 1322-1405 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.