Why do we need the Sacraments?
The sacraments are sacred signs through which Christ gives his divine life to us. Through them we worship God, he shows his love to us, and his work of making us holy is carried out.
In baptism, through water and the baptismal words, Christ himself cleanses our sinfulness and makes us members of his body, the Church.
In confirmation, the bishop anoints us with holy oil, and Christ himself strengthens us and gives us the gifts of his Holy Spirit.
At confession, (the sacrament of penance, of reconciliation), through the words of absolution spoken by the priest, Christ himself forgives our sins.
In marriage, through their public promises of love, Christ binds together husband and wife in a lifelong union.
In the sacrament of orders, through the bishop, Christ ordains particular members of the Church to share in a special way (vocations) in his priesthood.
In the sacrament of the sick, through anointing with holy oil, Christ gives new strength and hope to the sick and dying.
In the greatest sacrament, the sacrament of the Eucharist, the Mass, Christ does not just give us his gifts, he gives us himself.
Our Lady of Peace 