Sacraments

"The Sacraments are the salvation of those who use them rightly, and the damnation of those who misuse them."

Saint Augustine

The Sacraments of Initiations

Baptism

Baptism is the first sacrament Catholics receive. At Baptism we are sealed as belonging to Christ. In the Sacrament of Baptism, we are welcomed into the Church and become children of God. During the Sacrament of Baptism, the immersion into water symbolizes that the person being baptized dies to sin and reses to new life in Christ, purified and sanctified. In Baptism, we are freed from original sins and our personal sins are forgiven.

Confirmation

In the Sacrament of Confirmation, we are sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation deepens the grace received at Baptism, and like Baptism we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation only once. Confirmation strengthens us to live as Christ’s followers. Through Confirmation, we become more Christ-like and are strengthened to be active witnesses of Jesus. Our relationship with the Church is strengthened as well; we are sent forth to live our faith in the world. Those who have prepared to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation, called candidates, are usually confirmed by a bishop during the celebration of the sacrament.

Eucharist

The Sacrament of the Eucharist is the only Sacrament of Initiation that Catholics celebrate again and again (after preparation for and first reception of the sacrament). The Eucharist is a memorial, a meal, and a sacrifice. Another name for the sacrament is the Mass. In the Sacrament of the Eucharist, we receive Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, in Holy Communion and are nourished by the Word of God. The grace first received at Baptism grows in those celebrating the sacrament and they are more closely joined to Christ and one another as the Body of Christ, the Church, and strengthened to serve God and care for the needs of others.

The Sacraments of Healings

Penance

n the Sacrament of Penance, members of the Church are reconciled with God and with the Church. In this sacrament, those who are truly sorry confess their sins and priests forgive the sins in the name of Christ and the Church through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation strengthens or renews grace. It strengthens Catholics to live by the commandments as disciples of Jesus. Those preparing to celebrate Eucharist for the first time must have prepared for and received the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation first. Catholics celebrate the Sacrament of Penance again and again.

Anointing the Sick

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is offered to those who are very sick or near death. Family, friends, and parish members gather to pray for God’s healing and mercy. The priest and those gathered pray that the sick person might be healed, and the priest anoints the sick person and prays of their health. Those who receive the sacrament are given the grace to respond to their illness with hope and strengthens their faith in a loving God. This sacrament may be celebrated during Mass or anywhere it is needed, including at the home or hospital of the sick person. Catholics can celebrate this sacrament more than once.

Anointing the Sick

At Our Lady of Lebanon Catholic Church, we offer the sacrament of Anointing the Sick to provide spiritual strength and healing to those facing illness or suffering. Through this sacrament, individuals find comfort and support in their time of need.