THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
The Catholic Church celebrates seven Sacraments, which were instituted by Christ during his earthly ministry and which continue to define the liturgical life of the Church today.
The Sacraments are defined as outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Christ to help individuals in their spiritual life and to grow in holiness. Sacraments are mysteries; they are signs of the sacred presence of our God in our midst today. They are more than mere signs, however, for the sacraments impart grace. The sacraments help to make people holy and build-up the body of Christ. They are a way to relate to God throughout life’s transitions and help us to give praise and worship to God. They help us nourish, strengthen, and express our faith. Through the sacraments, Jesus remains with His people, strengthening, healing, feeding, and forgiving them as they face life’s challenges.
Sacraments of Initiation
Baptism - the foundational first sacrament of initiation, washing away original sin and welcoming a person into the Catholic Church with an indelible mark.
Eucharist - a milestone in the Catholic Church where a child or adult receives the Eucharist - the body and blood of Jesus Christ - for the very first time.
Confirmation - seals and strengthens the baptismal grace, empowering individuals to actively witness and defend their faith.
Sacraments of Healing
Reconciliation - sacrament of healing where a person confesses their sins to a priest and receives God's forgiveness and absolution. It is meant to restore one's relationship with God and the Church.
Anointing of the Sick - sacrament administered by a priest to heal and comfort the seriously ill, injured, or elderly.
Sacraments of Vocation
Marriage - a lifelong, sacramental covenant between one man and one woman.
Holy Orders - hearing God’s call to ordained ministry and to be of service to the Catholic Church.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION IN THE
ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA
Those preparing for, and those celebrating, the sacraments in the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA are often far from home. Through the universal church, however, all are connected together in Christ Jesus, especially as we celebrate His powerful presence in the celebration of the Eucharist.
Sacramental preparation, validity and record keeping information can be found here:
Celebrating Sacraments in the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA
ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA JURISDICTION:
ARE YOU A SUBJECT OF THE AMS?
Established in 1985 by Pope St. John Paul II, the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA is unique among dioceses in the United States. Whereas in civilian dioceses, the Christian faithful are subject to their diocesan bishop because they live within the territory of the diocese, the faithful of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS) are subject to the Archbishop because of a quality or characteristic that is personal to the Christian faithful themselves. That quality is spelled out in the Archdiocese’s statutes, which have the approval of the Holy See.
Article XV of the statutes states:
The following faithful are members of the Military Ordinariate:
All the faithful who serve in the active-duty component of the military services of land, sea, air, or space; the faithful who serve in the Reserve component during the time that they render their service; or the faithful who are bound by the civil laws made for the same.
The faithful who serve on active duty in the Coast Guard.
The faithful who serve in the National Guard, Air National Guard, or Civil Air Patrol, while they are on active duty under a federal mandate.
The faithful who habitually undertake a ministry in the Military Ordinariate, according to its particular law.
The families of those listed in (1), (2), and (4), namely, the spouses, children, even those who, though independent, live in the same houses; also, relatives and domestics living as well in the same houses; likewise, the Catholic family of a non-Catholic service member under the same circumstances.
All the faithful, including members of institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, who attend official military, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine academies, or who live in military or Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals, or are engaged in the service of the same with residence there.
All the faithful who dwell on military installations or in homes reserved by the civil government for military personnel and their families. Included are any Catholics, regardless of military affiliation or lack thereof residing in these same places.
All the faithful who are employed overseas by the government of the United States, whether in a military-connected employment or otherwise; members engaged in diplomatic or similar missions in foreign countries; the members of the above-mentioned persons residing with them.
Because of his personal jurisdiction over these Christian faithful, the Archbishop for the Military Services can act in their regard and for their benefit wherever they are in the world. It should be noted, however, that the Archbishop’s jurisdiction is in addition to that of the civilian diocesan bishop, if the faithful live in a civilian diocese.
Those who do not reside on a military installation will submit a Delegation of Sacrament for any sacramental administrative packet.