Of the estimated 51 million Catholics in the United States, 2% converted to Catholocism from another religion or no religion.

Whether you’re new to the Catholic faith or wish to brush up on your understanding of Catholocism, learning the 7 sacraments is a good place to start.

If you grew up Catholic, you are probably familiar with the Eucharist and Confirmation. What about the other 5 sacraments?

Read on to find out what the 7 sacraments are and what they mean to Catholics.

1. Baptism

In the Catholic Church, infants are to be baptized in order to rid their souls of original sin. Baptism must be performed by a priest, who immerses the infant in cleansing water. This is an event that friends and family are invited to witness, and you can share this with them by sending out christening invitations.

In order to receive the rest of the 7 sacraments, baptism must be performed and while baptismal candidates are usually babies, it is never too late.

2. Reconciliation

Reconciliation is often referred to as confession in the Catholic Church. Confession allows Catholics to seek forgiveness for sins they have committed since their baptism. A priest acts as an agent of God and listens to your confession before guiding you through the necessary acts of penance.

3. Eucharist

The Holy Eucharist occurs during Mass when Jesus changes bread into His own body and wine into His own blood. We accept this offering of Himself by taking Communion. In order to receive Communion in the Catholic Church, members must first go through their First Holy Communion, which usually occurs around the age of seven or eight.

4. Confirmation

Confirmation is a continuation of the commitment to God made during Baptism. It is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit during which recipients become closer to God and more aligned with the Catholic Church. This usually occurs around the age of fourteen or fifteen.

5. Marriage

Marriage was once a civil contract between two people. Jesus made this contract an act of grace, giving married couples the right to use the procreative powers created and possessed by God.

6. Holy Orders

Hold Orders differ from the other 6 sacraments. Holy Orders are passed from God through a bishop of the church and onto a priest. This gives priests the rights and power to act as an agent of God and it is the only sacrament that is received over a long period of time.

7. Anointing of the Sick

The 7th sacrament, Anointing of the Sick, is often the last sacrament a person shall receive. When a person falls physically or spiritually ill, a priest will anoint and pray over them. This calls upon God to provide them with physical or spiritual healing and ensures that the soul is with God even in the last moments of life.

How to Receive the 7 Sacraments

If you wish to receive the 7 sacraments, the first step is to join a Catholic church and attend mass. Speak with a priest or other spiritual leader to learn more about the 7 sacraments and how they will affect your life.

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