God had a great plan for the world. He wanted us to be made clean from sin, and help us to enter heaven. Heaven is a wonderful place where God lives. There is only happiness in heaven. It would be difficult for us to live in God's all bright light of holiness if we are not holy ourselves. So God made a plan to help us to become holy. This plan includes the seven great sacraments - or helps. These are the sacraments of Baptism, Confession. Holy Communion, Confirmation, Sacrament of the Sick, Marriage and Holy Orders.
BAPTISM
The First Sacrament
In this sacrament God cleans away the damage original sin made in our souls. Baptism also wipes away all our sins until the time of baptism. God's Holy Spirit comes into our soul and we begin our life of special closeness with God, and as member of the world family of Christians. Jesus - Who has no sin because He is the Holy Son of God - was baptised by John in the River Jordan. He did this to show us that it is important we get baptised.
CONFESSION
Being sorry for our sins
Being sorry for our sins
God knew we would make mistakes. He understands this, because our souls were very hurt by our ancestors' original fall from grace. Our souls can't be healed unless God gives us special help. One of the seven ways God gives us help is through confession. In confession we tell God quietly in our hearts how very, very sorry we are for having done wrong things. We also promise to try to fix what happened after we did wrong, if this is at all possible. We promise to try never to make the same mistake of sin again. We can go to confession to a holy priest to help us come closer to God. Choose a true and holy priest who can really help.
Holy Communion
Receiving Jesus into our souls
At the Last Supper Jesus told the disciples to break bread and share wine while remembering Him. We still do this today. What happens while we are sharing the bread and wine is a miracle. When the priest who is leading the worship service or Mass says the words "This is My Body", and "This is My Blood", the bread and wine become Jesus. This is a mystery. When we receive Holy Communion we are excited because we receive Jesus Himself. He gives us strength and comfort to become holy and strong. We remember how much Jesus loved us, and how He gave His Life for us so we can go to Heaven. Thank you, Lord Jesus!
Confirmation
Gift of the Holy Spirit
Jesus sent the Holy Spirit of God upon Our Lady and the disciples in Jerusalem at Pentecost. It was very exciting! The Holy Spirit looked like a flame that didn't burn, and a rushing sound was heard. The gift of the Holy Spirit made the disciples strong in their faith. We, too, receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation. During confirmation nowadays the bishop blesses our foreheads with holy oil called chrism. Confirmation gives us courage and strength as Christians. This sacrament helps us to witness to Jesus in the world, and to help others with love and Christian care.
Sacrament of the Sick
Holy Anointing
Sometimes we can get very sick. Then we need comfort and strength from Jesus. There is a comforting sacrament called the sacrament of the sick. During Jesus' life, He used to heal the sick. In early times after Jesus' resurrection, the disciples visited the sick and anointed them with oil. During holy anointing, Jesus brings comfort to the ill. The sick person's spirit becomes strengthened by Jesus. Sometimes God may heal the illness. The sacrament of the sick is a great mystery. Let us be thankful that we have such a great God Who cares when we are not well. Thank You, God!
Sacrament of Marriage
Promise of a mom and dad
God had a plan for us all. He wanted us to be loved, protected, and not to feel lonely. So God made a plan for a family. He made a mommy and a daddy to love each other for ever. The mom and dad promise to love and care for each other. This promise is called marriage. In marriage God sometimes blesses mom and dad with little babies. The parents promise to take care of their children. It is good for moms and dads to choose a good person to marry. A good person loves God, loves the person they marry and behaves nicely.
Sacrament of Holy Orders
Priesthood
The sacrament of Holy Orders blesses Christians to be a priest in God's service forever. A priest serves all people who need help and comfort from God. The priest explains to people how to behave in good ways, to obey God's Ten Commandments, and to read the Bible. Priests give people the holy sacraments so that they can get to heaven safely. The priest celebrates Mass in which people can receive Jesus in communion. It is a holy blessing to be a priest. Thank You God for giving us priests! It is important for us to pray for priests every day.
