A sacrament is a sacred and visible sign that is instituted by Jesus to give us grace (CCC1084). The liturgical life of the Catholic Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments. There are seven sacraments in the Church: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, and Holy Orders.
The purpose of the sacraments is to make people holy, to build up the body of Christ, and finally, to give worship to God; but being signs, they also have a teaching function. They not only presuppose faith, but by words and object, they also nourish, strengthen, and express it; that is why they are called "sacraments of faith." The sacraments impart grace, but, in addition, the very act of celebrating them disposes the faithful most effectively to receive this grace in a fruitful manner, to worship God rightly, and to practice charity.
Are you an adult who'd like to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Communion and Confirmation? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) provides an avenue for adults to enter into the Catholic faith community. Our program provides Catholic classes and formation from October through Easter, when those who are prepared fully enter into the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass. For more information, please reach out to us.