Sacraments
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What is a Sacrament?
A sacrament is an outward and visible sign (like bread, water, oil, fire) that points to something real beyond itself. Sacraments avail to all who receive them God's unmerited favor and help (grace).
The saving words and deeds of Jesus Christ are the foundation of what he would communicate in the Sacraments through the ministers of the Church. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the Church recognizes the existence of Seven Sacraments instituted by the Lord. These Sacraments are Baptism, the Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, and Holy Orders.
Jesus gave us the Sacraments to call us to worship God, to build up the Church, to deepen our faith, to show us how to pray, to connect us with the living Tradition of the Church, and to sanctify us.
– United States Catholic Catechism for Adults -
Sacramental Preparation ProcessSacramental preparation is best understood in a larger context than religious education alone. Participation in the Sacraments is, after all, participation in the ongoing sacramental life of the Church. We prepare young people not for once-in-a-lifetime sacramental moments, but for a lifetime of being open to the grace of God.
The Diocese of Worcester encourages parish sacramental programs to be family centered, age appropriate and freestanding from the formal grade 1-10 religious education program (when applicable). It is assumed that preparation for specific sacraments will happen in the context of a commitment to life long faith formation.
Each of our sacramental preparation programs is designed for the children, and families of the entire parish faith community. These programs are equally well suited for students who attend the parish Religious Education Program and Catholic Schools.