Sacraments
Sacraments are sacred signs, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, through which we receive God's grace. They are not merely rituals but powerful encounters with Christ himself. Vatican II emphasizes their role in nourishing faith and deepening our relationship with God. Canon Law highlights their importance in expressing and strengthening our faith, worshipping God, and sanctifying us. At Holy Cross Church, we celebrate the sacraments with reverence, recognizing their central role in our spiritual lives.
Baptism
Baptism, the first sacrament and gateway into the Christian life, is the cleansing from original sin and rebirth into a new life in Christ. Through water and the invocation of the Holy Trinity, one becomes a member of the Church, the Body of Christ.
For infants, Baptism requires the consent of parents or guardians who intend to raise the child in the Catholic faith. Adults seeking Baptism must express their desire, be instructed in the faith, and show a commitment to living a Christian life.
Baptism leaves an indelible spiritual mark on the soul and is celebrated with joy as the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith.
First Holy Communion
Holy Communion, also known as the Eucharist, is the central sacrament of the Catholic Church. According to Vatican Council II, it is the source and summit of Christian life, where Christ is truly present in the consecrated bread and wine. In Canon Law, it is described as the most August sacrament in which Christ is contained, offered, and received, nourishing the Church and bringing about the unity of the People of God. By partaking in Holy Communion, we unite ourselves with Christ and are strengthened in our faith journey.
Confession
The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, often called Confession, is a sacred encounter with God's mercy. Through confessing our sins to a priest, expressing true sorrow, and a firm purpose of amendment, we receive forgiveness and are reconciled with God and the Church. It is an ordinary way for Catholics to seek forgiveness for sins committed after Baptism. Confession allows us to experience the healing power of Christ's love and grace, renewing our relationship with Him and the community of faith.
Confirmation
Confirmation is a Sacrament of Christian Initiation, where we receive the Holy Spirit to strengthen our faith and deepen our bond with the Church. Vatican II highlights Confirmation as completing Baptismal grace, making us "true witnesses of Christ".
Canon Law describes Confirmation as conferring a character, enriching us with the Holy Spirit's gifts, and obliging us to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.
The Church affirms Confirmation as a pivotal moment in our spiritual journey, empowering us to live out our faith more fully and share it with the world.
Marriage
Marriage is a sacred covenant between a baptized man and woman. It's a partnership of the whole of life, ordered towards the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children. This covenant is not just a contract, but a sacrament, a visible sign of God's grace. It is a reflection of the love between Christ and His Church, and through this sacrament, couples receive the grace to love each other with the same sacrificial love. This love is faithful, exclusive, and lifelong, mirroring the unconditional love of God.
Priesthood
Holy Orders is a sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church. It consists of three degrees: bishops, priests, and deacons. The sacrament is conferred through the laying on of hands and a prayer of consecration, asking God to grant the ordinand the graces of the Holy Spirit for their ministry. The fullness of the sacrament is conferred by episcopal consecration, also known as the high priesthood. Through this sacrament, men are consecrated and deputed to serve the Church in teaching, sanctifying, and governing, thereby nourishing the People of God.
Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, as affirmed by the Vatican Council, is not solely for those at the point of death but for any faithful facing serious illness or old age. This sacrament, rooted in James 5:14-15, involves anointing the person with oil and prayers for healing and strength. Canon Law (Can. 998-1007) outlines who can receive and administer the sacrament, emphasizing its purpose in uniting the sick with Christ's suffering and offering spiritual and, if God wills, physical healing. It's a source of grace and comfort during times of sickness and vulnerability.
Funerals
A Catholic funeral is a liturgical celebration that honours the deceased and offers solace and hope to the living. It expresses the paschal character of Christian death, recognizing the deceased's passage into eternal life through Christ's resurrection. The Church earnestly recommends burial but permits cremation, unless chosen for reasons contrary to Christian doctrine. In the funeral rites, the Church prays for the deceased and offers comfort to the bereaved, emphasizing the hope of resurrection and eternal life.