Catechism of the Catholic Church, by United States conference of Catholic Bishops. These are direct quotes from this book.

 

The seven sacraments are

Ø      Baptism

Ø      Confirmation

Ø      Holy Eucharist

Ø      Penance

Ø      Anointing of the Sick

Ø      Holy Orders

Ø      Matrimony

 

Baptism- PG 77: 252.

What names are given to the first sacrament of initiation?

 

This sacrament is primarily called baptism because of the central rite in which it is celebrated. To baptize means to “ immerse” in water. The one who is baptized is immersed into the death of Christ and rises with him as a “new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The sacrament is also called the bath of regeneration and renewal in the “Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5); and it is called “enlightenment” because the baptized becomes “ a son of light” (Ephesians 5:8).

 

Confirmation- PG 80: 265.

What place does confirmation have in the divine plan of salvation?

 

In the Old Testament the prophets announced that the Spirit of the Lord would rest on the awaited Messiah and on the entire messianic people. The whole life and mission of Jesus were carried out in total communion with the Holy Spirit. The apostles received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and proclaimed “ the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11). They gave the gift of the same Spirit to the newly baptized by the laying on of hands. Down through the centuries, the church has continued to live by the Spirit and to impart him to her children.

 

Holy Eucharist- PG 81: 271

What is the Eucharist?

 

The Eucharist is the very sacrifice of the body and Blood of the Lord Jesus, which he instituted to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he return in glory. Thus he entrusted to his church this memorial of his death and Resurrection. It is a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a paschal banquet, in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.

 

Penance and Reconciliation- PG 87: 297.

Why is there a sacrament of Reconciliation after Baptism?

 

Since the new life of grace received in Baptism does not abolish the weakness of human nature nor the inclination to sin (that is, concupiscence), Christ instituted this sacrament for the conversion of the baptized who have been separated from him by sin.

 

Anointing of the Sick- PG 90: 313.

How was sickness viewed in the Old Testament?

 

In the Old Testament sickness was experienced as a sign of weakness and at the same time perceived as mysteriously bound up with sin. The prophets intuited that sickness could also have a redemptive value for one’s own sins and those of others. Thus sickness was lived out in presence of God from whom people implored healing.

 

Holy Orders- PG 92: 322.

What is the sacrament of Holy Orders?

 

It is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time.

 

Matrimony- PG 95: 337.

What is the plan of God regarding man and woman?

 

God who is love and who created man and woman for love had called them to love. By creating man and woman he called them to an intimate communion of life and of love in marriage: “ So they are no longer two but one flesh” (Mathew 19:6). God said to them in blessing “Be faithful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28).