The Sacraments

Christ instituted the sacraments of the new law. There are seven: Baptism, Confirmation (or Chrismation),
the Eucharist,  Penance (or Reconciliation), the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony.
The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life: they give birth and increase,
healing and mission to the Christian’s life of faith. There is thus
a certain resemblance between the stages
of natural life and the stages of the spiritual life. (
Catechism of the Catholic [CCC] #1210)

THE SACRAMENTS OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist

The Church refers to Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist as “Sacraments of Initiation,” as they “lay the foundations of every Christian life.” (CCC #1212)

A Note From Father Jim About the “Restored Order of the Sacraments of Initiation”

You might have heard of the “Restored Order of the Sacraments of Initiation” in the Catholic Church, in which the Sacraments of Initiation are received in the following order: (1) Baptism, (2) Confirmation, (3) Holy Communion. In our religious ed program, our primary focus will be to prepare parents of those children who are to receive Confirmation and First Holy Communion. Recalling the promises parents make at their child(ren)’s baptism, the parents are to be “the first and best teachers to (your) children in the ways of the Faith (Canon Law #793),” and your parish family at CTK is ready to assist you in that role.  We use the Family of Faith curriculum from Sophia Institute to inform and support parents as they pass along our Catholic Faith to their children.

NOTE: The move to restore the order of the Sacraments of Initiation in 2015 was required by the Archbishop of Denver. All parishes throughout the Archdiocese (the local church) undertook the same task. Confirmation and First Holy Communion are now received in third grade. In order to teach the children, we will prepare ourselves to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ through the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1285).

May the Lord bless you and your families as we walk together in the ways of Christ.

Rev. James R. Fox
Pastor

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE RESTORED ORDER OF THE SACRAMENTS…

We invite you to click the image on the right to view the “Saints Among Us” video from the Archdiocese of Denver, or contact the CTK Religious Education office at 303.674.5282.

THE SACRAMENTS OF HEALING: Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick

The two sacraments of healing in Catholic sacramental life are Reconciliation (or Penance) and Anointing of the Sick. Reconciliation allows for spiritual healing and absolution for people who have distanced themselves
from God through sin. Anointing of the Sick allows for both physical and spiritual healing. The goal of each sacramental rite is to bring God’s healing to the sick through Jesus the Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

THE SACRAMENTS AT THE SERVICE OF COMMUNION: Holy Orders, Matrimony

The Sacraments of Service are comprised of the sacraments of Holy Orders and Holy Matrimony. Both
are directed toward the salvation of others; if they contribute as well to personal salvation,
it is through service to others that they do so. They confer a particular mission in church and serve
to build up the People of God. (CCC #1534)