Grouping the Sacraments
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Seven Sacraments (1210)
The seven sacraments instituted by Christ are Baptism, Confirmation (chrismation), Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. These seven touch all the important stages and important moments of life.
Three Groups (1211)
The Seven Sacraments are divided into three groupings:
- The sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist)
- The sacraments of healing (Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick)
- The sacraments serving the Church and the mission of the faithful (Holy Orders, Matrimony)
This order (not the only possible one) shows that the sacraments form an organic whole. Each sacrament has its vital place. All the sacraments are ordered to the Eucharist (the "Sacrament of sacraments")
Three Initiation Sacraments (1212)
Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist lay the foundations of the Christian life. Just as every natural life has an origin, development and nourishing, so the faithful are born anew (Baptism), are strengthened (Confirmation), and receive the food of eternal life (Eucharist).
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