The Sacraments
"... the manifestation of the Father's tenderness and love towards each of us." Pope FrancisExperience God’s Saving Presence
“The Sacraments are so much more than a ceremony to prepare for; they are God’s way of reaching down to us and offering us a lifelong gift—a gift of grace that gives us a glimpse of heaven and a taste of eternity.”
(Elizabeth Kelly, Catholic author and speaker)
“The visible reality we see in the Sacraments is their outward expression, the form they take, and the way in which they are administered and received. The invisible reality we cannot ‘see’ is God’s grace, his gracious initiative in redeeming us through the death and Resurrection of his Son. His initiative is called grace because it is the free and loving gift by which he offers people a share in his life, and shows us his favor and will for our salvation. Our response to the grace of God’s initiative is itself a grace or gift from God by which we can imitate Christ in our daily lives.”
(United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
God lovingly touches all of the stages of life through the seven sacraments. Watch this video and hear Pope Francis talk about the sacraments and their meaning in our everyday lives as Christians.
The 7 Sacraments are not merely symbols of Christ, but they are encounters with Christ. Watch the Word on Fire video about the Sacraments.
The Catholic Church celebrates seven Sacraments, grouped into three categories.
- Click on the links below to learn more about receiving these Sacraments at St. Victoria Catholic Church.
Sacraments of Initiation
Baptism: becoming a Christian.
Confirmation: becoming more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit.
Eucharist: gathering to be fed by the Word and by the Body and Blood of Christ.
Sacraments of Healing
Reconciliation: becoming one with God and the community.
Anointing of the Sick: offering support and strength for those who are ill.
(Funerals: St. Victoria offers beautiful options for funeral services for your loved ones. Please visit our Funeral page for more information.)
Sacraments of Vocation
Marriage: celebrating the love between a man and a woman as a gift from God.
Holy Orders: hearing God’s call to ordained ministry and to be of service to the Catholic community.
What Does the Bible Say About the
7 Sacraments?
The seven Sacraments celebrated by Catholics all have their roots in scripture, although some are featured more prominently than others.