We believe in the seven sacraments traditionally used in the church. We believe that two sacraments (Dominical Sacraments) only are necessary for salvation: Baptism and Holy Communion. These two sacraments are ordained by Jesus Christ for all Christians.
The other five sacraments (Ecclesiastical Sacraments) are of benefit to many Christians at particular times in their lives. These are Confirmation, Penance and Absolution, Holy Unction or Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Holy Matrimony.
The sacraments are an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace from God.
Dominical Sacraments
- Baptism: Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.
- Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper): The Holy Eucharist is commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection, until his coming again.
Ecclesiastical Sacraments
- Confirmation: Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.
- Reconciliation: Reconciliation of a Penitent, or Penance, is the rite in which those who repent of their sins may confess them to God in the presence of a priest, or bishop and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution. Have you ever wanted to know for sure that you were forgiven for a stupid or unkind thing that you’ve done, which still nags at your conscience? Have you ever wanted to discuss the recurring problems of the spiritual life with a priest? Have you ever wanted to have a companion or guide to help you deal with the ups and downs of being a Christian and battling against sin? The sacrament of Confession is given to us as a remedy for all these concerns. When we make a confession to a priest, we tell him the things we have done wrong. We are given advice and counsel, and the priest then pronounces absolution. Absolution is when a priest declares we are forgiven our sins in the name of Jesus himself. Absolution lets us know for sure that that those things on our conscience are put away forever, and that God forgives us. It is clear from the New Testament this practice took place in apostolic times, and many find it today a freeing gift and wonderful source of strength. The clergy at St. Francis is always available to hear confessions either before or after each celebration of the Mass. Please contact us if you would like to find another time more convenient or want to make an appointment for spiritual direction. The clergy are always happy to talk beforehand about how to make a good confession with anyone who has never used this sacrament before.
- Anointing of the Sick: Sometimes called "Unction of the Sick". Unction is the rite of anointing the sick with oil, or the laying on of hands, by which God’s grace is given for the healing of spirit, mind, and body.
- Holy Orders: Holy Orders is Ordination. Ordination is the rite in which God gives authority and the grace of the Holy Spirit to those being made bishops, priests, and deacons, through prayer and the laying on of hands by bishops in apostolic succession from Jesus Christ.
- Matrimony: Holy Matrimony is Christian marriage, in which those coming to the church to seek this sacrament enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows.
For more information on the sacraments, visit our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS page.