Sacraments
St. Augustine said that a sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible grace. God is mystery. Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the visible sign (sacrament) of God in our world. From the life and teaching of Jesus, the Church has defined seven sacraments that continue to make Christ really present in our community. There are three sacrament of initiation into the community of believers: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. There are two sacraments of healing: Reconciliation (Penance/Confession) and the Sacrament of the Sick. There are two sacraments of commitment: Matrimony and Ordination. Every sacrament uses universal signs and symbols to make real God's presence in our lives. In the sacraments, God lovingly touches all the stages of our lives. All are invited to know God in all the various ways God chooses to be present to us.
At St. Matthew's, the sacraments are outward celebrations in our faith journey, shared at various times with the church community. This brings the entire church community together to share and nurture our faith in the Gospel of Jesus with our sacramental candidates. This community commitment to share and support our candidates is the reason why the sacraments of initiation are celebrated during our regular weekend liturgies.
At St. Matthew's, the sacraments are outward celebrations in our faith journey, shared at various times with the church community. This brings the entire church community together to share and nurture our faith in the Gospel of Jesus with our sacramental candidates. This community commitment to share and support our candidates is the reason why the sacraments of initiation are celebrated during our regular weekend liturgies.
